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Tips To Avoid Falling For Scams When Buying Gold

Although sales over the Internet have increased in recent years, this has also meant an increase in online scams and deception. Gold has not been able to escape this situation since the high demand for this precious metal has also caused an increase in the number of websites that offer gold; however, some of these websites are dedicated to selling fake gold.

Gold IRA scams cover the online field and are present in the physical or face-to-face market since the sale of fake gold can take various forms. An example was in 2012 when it was possible to discover a fraud with gold bars, which were false 10-ounce bars at a lower price than the market. These fake bars came to deceive (at the time) several experts. The ingot inside had tungsten, a metal with weight and density similar to gold.

Currently, some institutions are dedicated to monitoring people and organizations that carry out scams in the sale of fake gold. At the same time, they are warning investors and buyers of possible fraud in commercializing physical gold.

Ask For The Opinion Of An Expert.

Although the authenticity of gold can be verified through quality seals and tests, when you are going to buy gold in large quantities, it is best to seek the opinion of an expert before carrying out the operation; usually, scammers tend to evade the questions from the expert or put up obstacles to carry out face-to-face reviews.

Use As Reference Companies Registered In The LBMA.

The gold seller, whether it is a person, company, or company, must market gold pieces that are accredited by the LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) since, in this way, it is guaranteed that the gold comes from legal activities and that it has been extracted from the responsible way. This entity is very relevant, especially in companies carrying metal castings. If the pieces of gold sold are not accredited, it could be a company that does not sell gold of good quality or dubious origin.

Be certified as Good Delivery.

This certificate means that the piece of gold complies with a set of rules issued by the LBMA, which describe the physical characteristics of the gold bars used in the wholesale market, and the specific characteristics of gold quality, in addition to guaranteeing that the gold has been obtained sustainably and responsibly.

Always Work With A Recognized Company.

It is advisable to buy gold from a store or company with some recognition and a good reputation in the gold trade. Generally, official stores comply with a series of regulations and permits, in addition to delivering invoices or proof of payment, which benefits the buyer in various aspects such as: demonstrating ownership of the gold piece, tax declaration, making trips with gold, guarantee against any eventuality or problem, etc. A point in favor is that the company has a physical establishment where the client can verify the product he will buy.

Avoid Pyramid Schemes

Many scammers tend to use gold to promote different pyramid schemes; in this case, the best way to spot a (gold-related) pyramid scheme is to see if the “opportunity” meets some of these criteria:

  • Emphasis is placed on the commissions or income generated by inviting other people.
  • No physical gold is traded (certificates, ETFs, or stocks are used)
  • In the case of using physical gold, it is sold at overvalued prices.
  • Emphasis is placed on “training” or “educational systems” on investing in gold rather than trading physical gold.

Beware Of Special Offers.

Suppose the client sees a price below the market (for example, a special offer). In that case, they should be very careful and suspicious since it is unlikely that a “serious” gold seller or dealer will make offers or special prices since, generally, Gold has internationally established prices. In this case, the only pieces of gold outside this parameter are antiques and collectibles since other factors besides the value of gold determine their value.

Check The Prices In The Market.

Before buying gold, comparing prices to determine how much a gram of gold trades is important. For this, it is important to consult trusted websites to obtain updated information on the price of gold.

Silver and gold are the most recognized and used precious metals in the world of jewelry. They are marketed in all forms and used to make, produce or embellish an infinite number of elements. They are also used for endless things: from investments to creating electronic elements.

One of the main uses for these elements is the creation of all kinds of jewelry. And, as good jewelers, we are sure that the most interesting thing is the differences between the two materials in the jewelry field.

For this reason, you have likely wondered at some point what the real difference between gold and silver is. Both elements have a variety of very similar characteristics, so it is normal for these types of doubts to arise. As jewelry supply experts, we will talk about the main characteristics and differences between these two precious metals in today’s article.

Many differences exist between these two precious materials. However, below, we mention some of the most differentiating characteristics between these two elements.

Purity

One of the main aspects that differentiate one from the other is its degree of purity and how it is measured. For example, surely you know that, in gold material, purity is measured by an international standard.

In this standard, the scale goes from 12 to 24 and is measured in carats, leaving the scale as follows:

  • 12K, which represents a purity of 50%.
  • 14K, with a purity of 58.5%.
  • 18K equals a purity of 75%.
  • 21K, 91.6%.
  • 24K, the highest degree of purity, 100%.

On the other hand, in silver material, two denominations are used to measure its purity. These two ways of defining purity are:

  • 925 or Sterling Silver, which equates to 92.5% purity.
  • And 958, or Britannia Silver, refers to a purity of 95.8%.

As we can see, this is a differentiating degree of both elements. However, it is not the only difference. There are exclusive tools to work with each variant of these materials, as with 14K gold wire.

Malleability

A very important characteristic for jewelers is how malleable the material they are working with is. In this, they also differ; the chemical element Ag is much more malleable than gold. In this way, it is not surprising that it is often preferred to work with silver material instead of gold, to carry out some complex designs.

As a counterpart, and due to its hardness, gold tends to maintain its finish much longer, offering the possibility of incorporating a greater number of details and definitions in the final piece.

This is precisely why so many gold jewels are usually created since the final result can be much sharper and clearer for the client, thus providing a plus of beauty.

The Price

We must discuss the differences between precious metals by discussing the price. There is little to highlight at this point; all jewelers, and the general public, are aware of the difference in price between one precious metal and another.

However, while silver metal is lower in cost, its price is much more volatile. This is mainly because it has infinite applications in the industrial sector.

On the contrary, gold usually offers less volatility because it is used worldwide to strengthen economies, make investments and evaluate the purchasing power of a nation.

Brightness Intensity

Jewelry in silver tends to lose its shine over time, so it loses some of its appeals if it is not constantly maintained.

But the same is not the case with gold. This material maintains its brightness intensity much longer, being able to last up to several years without the need for maintenance.

Durability

Another differentiating aspect of both precious materials is that gold is much more durable. In addition, it is a compound that is extremely resistant to bumps, scratches, and scratches.

As if this were not enough, gold has a privileged composition that allows it to resist chemical alteration, whether produced by a heat source, humidity, or any other corrosive agent, such as oxide.

On the other hand, silver has inferior durability. Although it should be noted that its durability increases significantly if it is mixed with other metals, such as nickel or copper.

Conclusion

As we have analyzed throughout this article, there are many differences between the two materials. However, silver and gold are excellent precious metals to use as raw materials when making all kinds of jewelry.…

Types Of Gold In Jewelry: How To Differentiate Them

Gold is one of the most extravagant precious metals of all that we can find in nature: it is accessible but scarce, and it is this detail that has led it to be coveted by humanity. However, due to the need and tastes of each client, it is currently possible to differentiate different types of gold. Do you know how this noble metal can be classified?

Types Of Gold According To Color

Gold is a brilliant and captivating natural metal in a deep yellow color. However, in jewelry, it is possible to find different types of gold for rings and other pieces that favor a wide range when choosing the jewel that most identifies you.

Yellow gold

Yellow gold is usually found in pieces made of pure gold, whose material is not mixed with other metals. Its high quality and color not only increase the category of the piece but also favor greater durability over time.

White gold

Very common in wedding rings, white gold results from combining pure gold and other metals such as palladium, silver, and nickel. You can see a fabulous example with our 18k white gold and diamond wedding band.

Green gold

Greenish-yellow gold is the product of mixing silver and yellow gold, to which cadmium or copper is also added. The result will be a deeper or lighter green color depending on the number of metals used in this combination.

It is not usually used nowadays since cadmium can cause allergies.

Rose gold and red

Although showy, the less frequent types of gold in jewelry are red and pink gold, which are obtained according to the amount of copper used in the mixture. The pieces made with these types of gold are usually combined with white or yellow gold, giving rise to two-tone jewels.

Gold bath

The jewels made with this material have an electrolytic bath of gold or rhodium. It adds a lot of shine to the pieces but could be of better quality since that bath is lost over time. They are not considered gold jewelry and are framed in costume jewelry.

Also, if at any time you have wondered why one gold is more yellow than another, this is precisely due to the amount of gold with which the piece is made.

Types Of Gold According To Carats

On the other hand, gold can be classified according to its purity, in which case we refer to the carats. The greater the number of carats, the greater their quality and value.

24-carat gold

Among the most valuable types of gold, we find 24-karat gold, which boasts 99.9% purity. Gold bars are the perfect example.

However, “pure” gold is very soft and is not suitable for making jewelry; for this, it is mixed with other metals that give it properties that make it malleable and resistant.

18 karat gold

This class comprises 18 parts of gold to 6 parts of other metals, often silver and copper. In this way, 75% purity is achieved, becoming one of the most used types of gold in jewelry.

14 karat gold

It receives the name “low gold” and is characterized by a purity of 60% since it has 14 parts of pure gold and ten parts of other metals.

It is a type of gold widely used for jewelry in countries such as the United States; however, it must be taken into account that the amount of gold it contains is very low compared to the “gold of law”; therefore, its value is lower.

12 karat gold

12k gold comprises 12 parts of gold to 12 other metals, reducing its purity to 50%.

10 karat gold

It receives its name due to its composition —10 parts of gold and 12 parts of other metals. It is only 40% pure gold, so it is considered low-quality gold.

What is the difference between 24k, 18k, and 9k gold?

To answer this question, we have to talk about the purity of gold, its composition, and it is an expression in carats “k.”

Pure gold = 24k = 1000 thousandths = 100% Gold

Pure gold cannot be used in jewelry because it has no suitable consistency. 24k gold is too soft; they would break easily. Jewelers work with an alloy in which we mix pure gold with other metals.

And what is the color of gold due to?

This is where the other variable we discussed at the beginning, the Gold Alloy, comes into play.

Pure or 24k gold is always yellow. But you already know that for the gold that we work in jewelry, we need to mix it with other metals. It is in this “magic alchemy” that the secret of its color lies.

Why mix gold in alloys? There are several reasons to do so:

  • Achieve greater metal hardness
  • Get a wide range of colors
  • Reduce cost per gram

The metals that can be used to mix with gold are very varied, each with different properties.

How often will we have to roll the jewel?

Well, it will depend on your use, your PH, and the type of jewel. For example, earrings with little friction with the skin will take years before you need to rhodium them. However, some white gold wedding bands will have much more frequent maintenance if you want to keep them as bright as the first day.

How can we know if a jewel is a gold?

Those of us who are dedicated to the world of jewelry care for our customers; are aware of their trust in us. You will have no doubts if you buy a new piece in a trustworthy jewelry store. They will inform you of all the details you need to know.

If you buy online, ensure it is a reputable company with a track record, not a newcomer. Nobody offers “duros a peseta” and even less in a sector where the markets control the price of raw materials.

When in doubt about the authenticity of a jewel, it is best to go to a gemologist.

So that you understand the importance of dealing with a specialist, this is what we do when you bring a jewel:

  • In visual analysis: we see the piece’s color and weigh it by hand. Gold is heavier than silver, and an expert jeweler can only give you information by holding the piece.
  • Search for official brands: what is called the contrast of the piece. The stamp marks whether the jewel is 750mm gold or 925mm silver. It is usually hidden and requires a 10x magnifying glass. If the jewel is from before the 1950s, likely, it is not minted, but that does not mean that it is not made of gold.
  • The next step is to rub the jewel with a touchstone. It is made of a porous material to which small particles of the piece remain attached. Once the sample is obtained, the jeweler adds a few drops of a chemical solution (nitric acid) that breaks down all the materials but leaves the gold intact.

How to know the purity of the gold in a jewel?

The touchstone and the acids will allow us to analyze the purity of the gold used in the jewel.

We take the jewel and scratch with it on the touchstone. We always try to do it in the least visible area to avoid damaging the jewel. We will see that a greyish stripe remains on the stone. We start with the acid for 18k gold. We pour a drop on the mark made on the touchstone. If the mark is gone, the jewel was not 18k gold.

To find out if it is from another alloy, we will repeat the process and use another acid to check if it is 14k. And so until we know the metal used in the jewel.

It is a process that takes a few minutes, and acids must be handled very carefully since they are toxic.

We have explained the process that is usually done in a jewelry store.

Today some machines measure fluorescence with X-rays to quickly verify the authenticity of jewelry and analyze the composition of gold and precious metals. Companies in charge of melting and refining metals use these devices.

In conclusion, although each of the types of gold has its particularities, the truth is that the quality of the piece will be determined by the combination of the purity of the gold —that is, the carats and the metals, and the color.

Five Myths Related To Buying Gold Anonymously

Some people want to buy gold anonymously. However, a series of myths can confuse people, making them make bad decisions when buying gold in this way. Below we will share some myths related to buying gold anonymously:

Some personal data must be provided

Purchasing gold anonymously means you are not required to provide personal or private information during the purchase process. Therefore, if you have to provide any personal information (an email, telephone, address, etc.) during the purchase process, we cannot consider the said purchase as if it were anonymous. That said, the purchase is no longer considered anonymous. Remember that anonymous purchases have no “intermediate points” since it is enough to provide a single personal data.

You can buy physical and paper gold

Many people believe that physical and paper gold can be purchased anonymously. However, anonymous purchases are generally related to the physical or face-to-face format since, in the case of buying paper or certified gold; this generates a record that can be traceable.

There is no limit

Some people think that you can buy gold anonymously in an unlimited way. However, each country has different purchase limits under this modality. For example, the limit to buy gold anonymously is 999 euros (from that amount, you must identify yourself); in the case of Argentina, it is allowed to buy gold anonymously up to 10,000 Argentine pesos, while in the case of Uruguay, anonymous purchases are only allowed up to $10,000.

It is risky

Some people think that buying gold anonymously is risky; however, if we buy gold from an official store or a reputable place (and do the corresponding authenticity tests ), we don’t have to worry. One of the main advantages of buying gold anonymously (regarding security) is that no one will know about the said operation, which is very useful for our security since this allows us to store the gold safely at home.

You cannot invest in bullion

Due to the limitations of each country, many investors believe that you cannot buy gold bars anonymously. Although we will not be able to acquire the standard format of a 400-ounce (12.4 kg) “Good Delivery” ingot due to its high value, the truth is that we can resort to other cheaper formats such as the “ten tola” ingot of 3.75 ounces or the 6 ounce “five tael biscuit” bar, both of which have lower prices and in some cases (depending on market value) will be below the allowable limit in some countries.