Of all the things you could invest your money in, gold is one of the safest bets. Even with minor fluctuations, gold really tends to hold its value over the years. Learn more about gold and what your options are with it, with the tips and tricks in the following article.

Bullion bars are an excellent gold investment. Their weights can vary. They start at a mere half-ounce, but also rise as high as four-hundred ounces. A heavier bar may be more difficult to find, however.

Make sure the dealer you are considering is licensed. Make sure, too, that the dealer is active in reputable organizations within the industry. This is a business with a lot of sharks in it, so the more things that prove the legitimacy of the operation, the better it is for you.

Know youre going to have to show your ID when you sell gold. By law, people are required to present their identification when they sell gold. That is done in order to deter thieves and other criminals. Therefore, dont be embarrassed if they ask for your ID, and even snap a photograph of you.

Do not allow the high price of gold to deter you from buying quality products. You will not benefit from buying jewelry that is plated or filled with gold. It is very possible to buy real gold without spending a lot of money at a jewelry store. You can get gold jewelry cheaper online or in pawn shops.

If youre interested in buying gold from a dealer, make sure he is reputable. Avoid doing business with anyone who doesnt have at least 10 years of experience in the business, because thats one of the most important prerequisites to have. Someone who has been around for a decade is likely to be trustworthy and knowledgeable enough to make you money.

Make sure that you get your gold valued by a selection of different precious metal dealers before you agree to trade in your gold for cash. The price per gram of gold offered by different precious metal dealers can vary greatly, so it pays to get prices from many different dealers before agreeing on a deal.

Protect yourself from dishonest people who are trying to steal your identity. One way to ensure that you are protected is to purchase gold locally from a reputable dealer. Never give your personal information out over the phone, including your Social Security number and credit card information, unless you are certain that it is a reputable company.

If you decide to invest in gold, you need to consider it a long-term investment. The price of gold fluctuates constantly but over the long term, prices increase. Even if you plan to make a large investment in gold, buy gold bars or coins separately over a short period of time.

Educating yourself about gold is the first and most important step to entering into this lucrative market. Make sure you have a good understanding of what is involved with your purchase, sale or collectibles before spending any money. Once you really know what youre doing, it should be a lot of fun and very worth your while.