Gold Investment CompaniesGold Investment Companies

0 Comment

With so many gold investment companies on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose.

We’ll look at how they compare when it comes to fees, process of buying and selling gold, customer service levels, security measures, and more. In this guide you will learn everything there is to know about selecting a quality gold investment company and making a successful return on your investments.

What Are Your Options

Gold investment companies provide access to bullion bars, coins, ETFs (exchange-traded funds), stocks and other investments related to the commodity. They may also be able to advise on which type of gold should best meet your needs based on factors such as risk tolerance or portfolio size.

Depending on the company and product chosen, investors might have the option for storage at home or in a safe deposit box provided by the company itself. Additionally, some firms offer contracts for difference (CFDs) that enable traders to speculate on price movements without actually owning any physical assets.

As with any financial decision, researching different gold investments is essential before making any commitment – especially when entrusting money with a third party firm. It’s important to remember that while many top gold investment companies in USA claim high returns, these are not guaranteed and may depend on market conditions outside of their control.

gold company building

What To Consider When Choosing A Gold Investment Company

When choosing a gold investment company, it’s important to keep several things in mind. You want to make sure the organization is reputable and trustworthy. You can do this by researching the company online, reading reviews from other customers, and asking around for advice from people who have used them before. Additionally, look into what fees they charge – different companies may charge different rates or fees for their services, so it pays to shop around and compare fees.

Another factor to consider is how much experience the company has when it comes to investing in gold. Look at how long they’ve been operating and whether they specialize in any particular type of gold investments. It’s also worth finding out about any additional services that are offered as part of their business model – such as portfolio management or asset protection plans. Finally, don’t forget to ask about customer service – if anything goes wrong with your investment, you’ll need someone available who can help resolve any issues quickly and efficiently.

By doing your research thoroughly beforehand and considering all these factors, you should be able to find an experienced gold investment company that meets both your needs and budget.

 Advantages and Benefits

These companies have the expertise and knowledge required to properly advise on the best investments for your needs. They can help you understand the risks associated with different types of investments, as well as guide you towards making sound decisions about which options are right for you.

Investors benefit from access to quality customer service and support. These companies offer both online and telephone-based assistance, meaning they’re always available should any questions or issues arise during the course of an investor’s portfolio management process. This level of personal attention is invaluable in helping ensure that all aspects of an investor’s portfolio are managed effectively and efficiently.

The combination of expert advice and superior customer service makes working with a gold investment company a great option for those looking to diversify their portfolios by adding exposure to precious metals such as gold. Having professional guidance while navigating this market can be extremely beneficial.

gold bars

Types of Products Offered

Gold coins and bars are among the most popular investments for those looking to buy physical gold. They come in different sizes, from 1-ounce coins all the way up to 400-ounce bars.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are another option – these funds track the price of gold without actually owning or storing any physical metal. Futures contracts allow you to purchase an agreed upon amount of gold for delivery on a specific date down the line. You can also invest in pooled accounts which allow multiple investors to combine their money into one account that is managed by experts who handle all aspects of buying, selling, storage and insurance requirements associated with investing in gold.…

Gold vs Silver – Which Precious Metal IRA Companies Offer Both?Gold vs Silver – Which Precious Metal IRA Companies Offer Both?

0 Comment

Gold and silver are two precious metals that have a long history of acting as a store of value. They are both a great choice for investors looking to diversify their investment portfolios and to protect against economic downturns or other volatile events.

However, there are some key differences between these two precious metals that you should be aware of before making a decision. These differences can supercharge or deflate your portfolio.

Reliability

The gold or silver IRA companies you choose are a big part of your investment experience. It’s essential to find one that has a long-standing reputation and solid customer support.

A good place to start is with company reviews from Google and the Better Business Bureau. These are two of the most reputable sources for business organization ratings, and they’re available to investors from all over the country.

Augusta Precious Metals has been around for over 11 years and is a highly respected precious metal IRA provider. Their lifetime customer support, competitive pricing, and a variety of precious metal options make them an ideal choice for anyone looking to diversify their retirement portfolio with the safety and stability of gold or silver.

It is also important to choose a reputable custodian that has a proven track record of storing your precious metals safely. This can be done by selecting a firm that provides you with storage locations in several domestic and international locations.

Integrity

The most important feature to consider when choosing a gold IRA company is their integrity. A company with a good reputation will have a high rating from authority bureaus such as the BBB, Business Consumer Alliance (BCA), and Trustlink.

Another factor to look for is pricing. Companies that have a scaled fee model may be more expensive than those that charge flat fees.

Regardless, this does not mean that you should go with the lowest price, but rather that you should choose a company that offers fair prices for the products and services they offer. This is something that Augusta Precious Metals does well.

They have a very transparent pricing scheme that makes it easy for their customers to understand and navigate the process. This has helped them earn a reputation for being one of the best gold IRA companies.

Security

Gold and silver IRAs are a great way to diversify your retirement portfolio. They offer a number of benefits, including insurance against destabilized markets and a purchasing power hedge for inflation.

However, investing in precious metals can be risky – they are not paper assets and tend to be volatile compared with stocks or bonds. This is why it is important to choose a reliable company to handle your precious metal investments.

Augusta Precious Metals is a California-based firm that offers 1-on-1 lessons to educate and support clients throughout the precious metals investment process. This company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and thousands of 5-Star reviews on various consumer review websites.

They provide lifetime support for clients and work with trustworthy custodian companies like Equity Trust, Gold Star Trust Company, and Kingdom Trust to administer your precious metal IRA. They also serve as liaisons between you and your custodian, so they can answer your questions at any time.

Costs

Gold IRAs and silver IRAs are both great investment options for investors who want to diversify their portfolios. However, they also come with different costs and fees than other types of retirement accounts.

Unlike paper assets, such as stocks and bonds, precious metals hold value for years, even if the market goes down for long periods of time. Moreover, they protect against inflation by keeping purchasing power intact.

But before deciding which of the best precious metal IRA companies to use, it is important to compare all costs and fees associated with investing in gold or silver. Then, you can decide whether this investment is a good fit for your retirement portfolio.

Costs to consider include transaction and storage fees, liability insurance, wiring fees, and more. These fees can vary by company and may be charged as a flat rate or as a percentage of the purchase price of your gold.…

Lesa Knows Best: Tips For Cleaning Your JewelryLesa Knows Best: Tips For Cleaning Your Jewelry

0 Comment

Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and MORE! We love receiving and gifting these small, sparkly treasures but how many of us think twice about cleaning them?

Jewelry cleaning is essential to keeping that engagement and/or wedding ring looking brand new. Don’t forget about those anniversary earrings or the heirloom pearls your grandmother gave you on your birthday. Over your lifetime, you will probably find yourself with a collection of jewelry that will remind you of some of the happiest moments of your life. Now, in order to keep those memories sparkly we need to learn how to take care of them. Here are my top three tips on keeping your jewelry looking great.

Tip #1: Soak
Enhance your gold, diamond and silver pieces by soaking them in ½ a cup of an antibacterial/degreaser solution such as Summer Citrus or Mr. Clean. and 1 cup of warm water for 10 minutes. Then scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush, targeting the smaller, hard to reach areas. Rinse with warm water, and lay on a tissue to dry.

NOTE: Another cleaning alternative is club soda. Place diamonds, rubies and sapphires in a cup of it overnight to regain their original shine.

Tip #2: Rub
For pearl jewelry rub each one individually with a soft, clean cotton cloth dampened with a solution of two cups warm water and a few drops of a mild dishwashing liquid, like Joy or Woolite (DO NOT SOAK). Let air-dry overnight.
Tip #3: Pour
Get rid of silver tarnish by lining a tray (ex. glass casserole dish) with a piece of aluminum foil and place your jewelry on the foil. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the jewelry, then pour boiling water over it. After ten minutes remove the jewelry and rinse with water.

Throughout the year we often have jewelry cleaning and repair services on sale (if you’d rather leave jewelry cleaning to the experts).

Which Came First: The Engagement Ring Or The Wedding Ring?Which Came First: The Engagement Ring Or The Wedding Ring?

0 Comment

If you guessed the wedding ring, you were correct! The tradition of the ring to symbolize a special bond between two people has dated back since the Egyptian times, 4800 years ago. Back then, the rings were braided and formed with reeds. These rings would not last long and were eventually replaced with strands of leather, bone or ivory. Through the years, the circular shape has maintained its same meaning since. It is a sign of the never-ending love and commitment between two individuals.

Later on, the Romans added a new material to the mix when they decided to make their rings out of iron and engrave them. The origin of the engagement ring came to be in the Third century in the shape of a key made out of brass, bronze or iron. The idea of the key ring was to unlock a new life for the woman. Some of the rings indeed opened up jewelry boxes with beautiful treasures inside.

A more traditional engagement ring style (more similar to rings you see today) made its way to the stage in the 15th century and was first worn by royal families. Brides in the upper class were given engagement rings with hidden messages. For example, a ring with a diamond and a ruby displayed would stand for commitment and passion.

Fast-forward to the Eighteenth century and you will spot the beginning of the Diamond Age. As diamonds in Brazil became more accessible for the upper classes, so did their popularity. It also was at this time that a second ring (aka a wedding band) was united with the engagement ring at the time of the ceremony. One of the lead trendsetters, Queen Charlotte, wife of George III of England, opted to nestle a diamond band with her engagement ring.

Fun Facts:

  • The earliest and smallest engagement ring was given to Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. She was two years old at the time.
  • The first recorded account of a diamond engagement ring was in 1477 when King Maximilian I of Germany (1459-1519) proposed to Mary of Burgundy (1457-1482) and offered her a diamond to seal his vow. (So guys, you now know who to blame!)
  • The most popular month for engagement? December.
  • In 1886, the Tiffany setting took the engagement ring by storm. The design’s creator, Charles Lewis Tiffany, knew the importance of a diamond engagement ring and wished for a stage to display its prominence and symbolism of love.
  • Today, in Norway, Russia, Greece, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Poland, Austria, Germany, Portugal and Spain, the wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the right hand and not the left. In Jewish tradition, the groom places the ring on the bride’s index finger, and not the “ring” finger at all.
Related Articles:

Natural vs Freshwater Pearls: What’s the Difference?Natural vs Freshwater Pearls: What’s the Difference?

0 Comment

You may have seen advertisements or displays of “cultured freshwater pearls” and noticed two things: the appearance of the freshwater pearls was drastically different than that of traditional, white “natural” pearls. The other noticeable difference is typically the price. Freshwater pearls are generally far less expensive than natural pearls.

Aside from their drastic difference in appearance and cost, there are some other major differences between freshwater and cultured pearls. For example, natural pearls occur randomly and spontaneously in the wild—which makes them very rare.

Freshwater pearls, on the other hand, are farmed from freshwater mussels, allowing them to be produced and harvested on a much wider scale—hence the lower price.

Both freshwater and natural pearls come from a living organism, which makes them somewhat fragile. However, freshwater pearls, because of their appearance and lower cost, are often worn on a more casual basis. Natural pearls, with their elegant and timeless style, are usually saved for special occasions.

Natural pearls are often passed down from generation to generation, making them extremely delicate as they are handled and worn throughout the years. In order to keep pearls safe from damage there are some precautions you can take:

  • Restring your pearls every 3 years or so—depending on the level of wear—to avoid a potential break.
  • Avoid wearing makeup, perfumes, or other chemicals when wearing pearls—these can damage the surface of your pearls.
  • When storing your pearls, make sure they are free of contaminates and avoid hanging them for long periods of time—this will stretch and eventually break the silk string holding them together.

Hopefully these tips will help keep your pearls looking beautiful for many years to come. Feel free to stop by the store and we’d be happy to answer any questions you have about your prized jewelry.

Here at Gold Definitions, we believe jewelry is meant to be worn. So don’t be afraid to show off those pearly whites—jewelry, that is!

Related Articles:

Why Should I Restring My Pearls?Why Should I Restring My Pearls?

0 Comment

Do you have a pearl necklace or bracelet? If so, did you know that your pearls can and should be regularly restrung to protect their beauty and quality?

Stringing pearls is a process by which pearls are carefully threaded onto a silk strand and knotted between each pearl. These knots provide two functions. The first function is practical, in that they keep the pearls from rolling everywhere in the event that the strand breaks. The second function is aesthetic, in that they provide a refined and elegant look by maintaining an appropriate and equal amount of spacing between the pearls.

Over time, however, the silk strand slowly begins to weaken, stretch out, and may even begin to appear dull or dingy from regular wear. These effects not only take away from the beauty of your pearl necklace or bracelet, but they also increase the likelihood of the strand fraying or breaking.

Most experts recommend restringing your pearls every three years or so, depending on their age and their amount of usage. To ensure the longevity of your pearl necklace or bracelet, consider bringing them to an expert and spending a relatively small—yet worthwhile—amount to have them restrung.

Pearls—like diamond rings or other pieces of valuable jewelry—are an investment and should receive proper care. In many cases, pearl necklaces or bracelets are passed down from one generation to the next as symbolic and meaningful family heirlooms. Regardless of whether you received your pearls from your mother or grandmother, or whether your spouse purchased them for you a few years ago, be sure to preserve the beauty and quality of this valuable piece of jewelry through regular restringing.

Related Articles

The Origin of Wheat Carving and EngravingThe Origin of Wheat Carving and Engraving

0 Comment

Ring designs are often deeply symbolic, conveying profound significance with small, but important colors, styles, and more. For example, wheat carving and engraving on rings is often represented with a series of detailed hash marks across the width of the ring. Behind such designs as wheat carving and engraving are often rich stories of how humans have interpreted those designs for centuries.

What does such a style symbolize? And how did this style emerge?

Wheat carving and engraving on rings is typically understood to symbolize a bountiful harvest. In the 19th century, farmers’ wives wore rings with this design as a way to signify a successful or productive harvest that year. As one can imagine, doing this was a display of pride and gratitude for the wife and her family. Some have also speculated that wheat carving and engraving on rings emerged during the Renaissance, symbolizing fertility.

Today, this design—found predominately on vintage rings—might be interpreted along these historical lines. However, it might also be understood to symbolize a connection to the natural world. Or, perhaps it could be seen as a tribute to the agricultural background of one’s family.

Whatever ring design you choose, you should know that every design comes full of symbolic significance—whether that be a historically inherited significance or a personal significance you choose to give.

Related Articles:

Why Solder Your Wedding Rings?Why Solder Your Wedding Rings?

0 Comment

So, you just got married and now you have two rings—an engagement ring and a wedding band—on the fourth finger of your left hand. While some wives choose to keep these rings separate, doing so can lead to both rings becoming damaged. Due to the friction caused by the two rings rubbing and scraping against each other over time, the intricate details of each ring can easily wear out, gradually transforming a clean and beautiful design into a marred and lackluster one.

The best and most common way to protect these two important investments is to solder them together. Generally speaking, soldering is the process by which two metal items become joined together through melting down and adding a filler metal—or solder—into the joint between the two. The filler metal has a lower melting point than the two metal items being joined, so the structure of these two items remains unchanged. This is what separates soldering from welding, a process by which two metal items are joined by being melted together. Believe us, you don’t want to weld your engagement ring to your wedding band!

By soldering your two rings into one with a delicate, yet solid bond, you are choosing to preserve their beauty and quality for years to come. (In addition to preserving these things, it’s simply easier and more functional to wear one “ring” as opposed to two.) When joining your two rings together, be sure that the soldering process meets the following important criteria:

  1. Proper fit: both rings having equal inside diameters
  2. Proper alignment: both rings maintain their individual artistic quality
  3. Proper amount: the rings are bonded together at two points
  4. Proper spacing: the bond should give the appearance of two separate rings
  5. Proper quality: joining the rings with a lasting, professional-level bond

Soldering your engagement ring and your wedding band together is a wise choice. Doing so will enable you and your spouse—as well as future generations—to enjoy your rings as they currently are. Just as you would choose to work hard to preserve your marriage, so, too, you should choose to work hard to preserve the rings symbolizing that marriage.…

What is a Gemologist?What is a Gemologist?

0 Comment

You’ve probably heard the word “gemologist.” Yet, what, exactly, is a gemologist and what do gemologists do? Simply put, a gemologist is someone who assesses and appraises gem stones. That sounds easy enough, right? Not quite.

According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, gemologists “analyze, describe, and certify the quality and characteristics of gem stones. After using microscopes, computerized tools, and other grading instruments to examine gem stones or finished pieces of jewelry, they write reports certifying that the items are of a particular quality.”

In order to perform these detailed and technical tasks, many gemologists are trained through programs such as the Graduate Gemologist program at the Gemological Institute of America. Various local trade schools also offer training programs for gemologists. Through these programs, gemologists learn, among other things, to evaluate gem stones by the “4 C’s”: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.

Our very own Lesa Catt, Owner of Gold Definitions, is a highly trained and skilled gemologist. Spending the majority of her time at a workbench with a magnifying glass, she uses different tools to carefully and patiently examine and evaluate gem stones. She uses various tools such as gauges, scales, tweezers, cleaners, testers, and lamps to aid in her work of assessing and appraising gem stones. Lesa, like many gemologists, also works hard to stay informed on industry trends, paying attention to the different factors that influence gem stone pricing in a given year.

Because of their training and skills, gemologists are extremely valuable to have as one’s personal jeweler. For example, let’s say that you inherit a gem stone from a loved one. While you might know what kind of gem stone it is, you likely won’t have any clue as to its condition or value. That’s where a gemologist comes in. After taking your gem stone to be assessed and appraised by a gemologist, you’ll know much more about all of its important characteristics. When it comes to gem stones, turning to the expert opinion of a gemologist is a wise choice.

Choosing Between Different Types of GoldChoosing Between Different Types of Gold

0 Comment

Basically there are three main types of gold that you should know about. These are White gold, Rose gold and Yellow gold. Each one of these is different in its own way and each can be used in a variety of ways.

Yellow gold

Historically, yellow gold has been the most popular color for jewelry. It was a symbol of wealth. The gold jewellery was often adorned with brightly colored stones. It was also a symbol of royalty. The earliest examples of this type of jewelry are found in ancient Egypt.

Traditionally, yellow gold is more substantial and durable than white gold. It is also hypoallergenic. In addition, it is more resistant to scratches. It is especially recommended for people with sensitive skin.

Unlike white gold, yellow gold has a much softer, more reddish hue. It is less dense and durable than platinum. It also contains a small amount of silver.

The colour of yellow gold alloys is more muted, but it is still a great option for sentimental jewelry. It will not scratch as easily as white gold.

White gold

Unlike yellow gold, white gold has a slightly off-white shade that gives it a vintage look. It is commonly coated with rhodium, which gives it a silvery sheen. It’s also more durable than yellow gold and can be re-plated to extend its life.

White gold is alloyed with metals such as palladium and nickel. This combination of elements makes white gold a stronger metal than pure gold. The alloy also gives white gold its light gray color. It is generally used for jewelry.

White gold is usually plated with rhodium, a reflective metal that adds luster and durability to the jewelry. The coating wears away over time, but re-plating is often done free by most jewelers.

The purity of the white gold depends on the amount of alloy added. A white gold alloy containing 14 parts of gold, nine parts of nickel, and one part of zinc is considered 10 karat. An 18 karat piece contains the same percentage of gold, but the same amount of nickel and zinc.

Rose gold

Unlike white gold and yellow gold, rose gold has a soft pinkish hue. It’s a popular metal for jewelry because of its durability and a romantic look. It’s also a good choice for those with olive skin tones.

Rose gold is an alloy of gold and copper. It’s a good combination because it’s durable and doesn’t tarnish. However, the color can change after a few years.

There are four karats in rose gold: 10K, 14K, 18K and 22K. The higher the karat, the more pure gold it contains. The difference in karats affects the color, durability, expense and composition of the gold.

The most common metal used in rose gold is copper. This is the most durable metal, but it does not make the gold hypoallergenic. This is because the nickel in the metal causes an allergic reaction in one out of eight people.

Gold-filled

Compared to gold plated jewelry, gold filled jewellery lasts longer and is more durable. It is also more affordable. It is made by bonding real gold to a base metal, which is usually brass. It is bonded to the surface of the brass with heat and pressure.

It can last for years, provided that it is properly cared for. When storing it, it should be put in a dry and airtight plastic bag. It should not be exposed to chemicals, chlorine, or hot tubs. It should be stored separately from other jewellery.

To clean gold filled jewelry, you should gently wash it with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush. You can also use a cloth dipped in a warm soapy solution for a few minutes. Then, wipe it with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any soap residue.

Gold-plated

Choosing between different types of gold-plated jewelry depends on the type of material that is used as a base. Generally, the base metal is copper or brass. The thickness of the plating is also important. Thin gold plated jewelry will tarnish more quickly than thicker gold plated jewelry. Usually, the thickness of the gold-plated jewelry is between 0.17 and 2.5 microns.

The thickness of the gold-plated jewelry also determines its price. A higher karat weight of gold can cost more. It is recommended to buy jewelry with a nickel-free base. It is also advisable to keep the jewelry in an airtight container to prevent it from getting damaged.

Aside from the thickness, gold-plated jewelry is also affected by chemicals. Chlorine, body oils, soaps and detergents can damage the gold plating. It is important to clean the jewelry frequently to avoid these effects.…