Hedge fund boss loses legal fight over 2364 silver bars found in WWII shipwreck
An undersea exploration company backed by a top hedge fund boss in the United Kingdom lost a major legal fight over the salvage of $40 million worth of silver bars from the wreck of a ship lost to a Japanese submarine in World War II. Bloomberg reported that the UK’s Supreme Court ruled that the South African government could declare state immunity in a suit by hedge fund chief Paul Marshall’s Argentum Exploration Ltd. Argentum Exploration argued in court that it was owed a ‘substantial salvage fee’ and wanted a court to ‘fix an award.’ However, the judges were informed that the two sides had agreed to a settlement. Here’s more from Bloomberg: The South African government had argued that it not only still owns the silver, but insisted that it shouldn’t have to submit to the lawsuit at all. The Supreme Court judges agreed, saying that the silver was a non-commercial cargo and the government was entitled to immunity. The ruling overturned two prior court decisions, with a judge previously saying that the government had probably “forgotten” about the bullion. UK Companies House filings record that Marshall controls Argentum. In 1942, the SS Tilawa was sailing from Mumbai on its way to Durban, South Africa, when two torpedoes from an Imperial Japanese Navy submarine sank the passenger-cargo ship. On board were 2,364 bars of silver destined for the South African Mint. For seven decades, the ship resided more than two and a half kilometers below the surface of the Indian Ocean until Marshall’s exploration company discovered it. Article courtesy of Tyler Durden, ZeroHedge
Unlock how to invest in silver in 2024: a beginner’s guide for powerful investing
In this article, we’ll talk about how you can invest in silver in 2024. From understanding basics to investing in silver to advance strategies, we’ll cover everything an investor must know before investing. In 2024, it continues to attract interest from investors assessing its potential. What is silver? Silver, a precious metal, symbolised by Ag and atomic number 47, has many practical uses. Its high thermal and electrical conductivity make it essential in industries like electronics and photography. It also has antibacterial qualities, useful in medical devices and wound dressings. In addition to its practical uses, silver is popular for its aesthetic appeal in jewellery and decorative items. Its naturally shiny appearance and versatile colour complement gemstones and can be combined with different metals for beautiful designs. and for more information about silver you can check out my old article on silver. Link for that article “What is silver? and its 100 pronunciations of silver in different languages and its Unbelievable properties.“ Why invest in Silver? In a dynamic global financial market, investors seek ways to protect their wealth and broaden their investment portfolios. Investing in silver has many advantages. Some are, Ways to Invest in Silver 1. Physical Silver: Investing in silver in the physical form is best done through fine silver bars, coins, or rounds. Popular options include American Silver Eagles, Canadian Maple Leaf, and silver bars in different sizes. 2. Silver Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): Silver ETFs like SLV and SIVR allow investors to invest in the price of silver without holding physical metal. 3. Silver Futures and Options: Experienced investors can trade silver futures on exchanges like the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), New York Stock Exchange or use options contracts to speculate on silver prices. 4. Silver Mining Stocks: Investing in silver mining companies offers a way to benefit from silver price movement. Some world’s top silver mining companies are First Majestic Silver, Pan American Silver, Rio Tinto, and more. Factors to Consider When Investing in Silver Risks of Investing in Silver Conclusion Silver investors should stay informed about market conditions, supply and demand dynamics, and risks like price volatility and counterparty risks. Keeping track of regulations and taxation policies is crucial as they can impact investment profitability. By closely monitoring these factors, investors can make well-informed decisions to maximise returns. Understanding economic indicators, geopolitical events, and market trends is essential for effective silver investing. Silver can provide diversification, inflation protection, and exposure to industrial demand, making it a potentially profitable addition to your portfolio. Knowing the investment options, factors affecting silver prices, and associated risks will help you make informed decisions to optimise returns. FAQ’s Q. Is silver a good investment?A. Silver is a good investment because of its history as a hedge against inflation and its many industrial uses, but investors should be cautious of its price fluctuations and risks. Q. Are silver stocks a good investment?A. Investing in silver stocks can provide exposure to the silver market with the potential for high returns, but it also comes with market volatility and risks related to the mining industry. Q. Should a person invest in silver?A. Deciding to invest in silver relies on personal financial goals, risk tolerance, and portfolio diversification. Silver can provide inflation protection and exposure to industrial demand. Investors should weigh market conditions, risks, and investment objectives thoroughly before investing. Article courtesy of Magstorz
A powerful asset for the future
Thanks to its growing demand as an industrial metal, silver’s future looks shiny. All the reasons to invest in gold also apply to silver, and often silver’s value is magnified compared to gold. The difference between silver and other precious metals is its growing demand as an industrial metal. Each year, more and more uses are discovered for silver’s unique chemical properties, ranging from biotech to electronics, and there is growing concern that in less than 15 years, there will be no silver left. There’s simply not enough silver to meet this growing demand, which makes physical silver an attractive investment. Growing demand as an industrial metal After silver is used within industries, like medicine or photography, it becomes useless. Where small quantities of silver remain present in discarded electronic items, it is difficult (and prohibitively costly) to extract. Consequentially, the market is starting to realise that if silver supply falls to zero, this metal will become the most precious of them all. Affordable and undervalued investment For many centuries from Roman times, the ratio of gold to silver was historically around 12/1, meaning 12 ounces of silver would buy 1 ounce of gold. But this ratio began to fluctuate in the 1900s. Over the last 100 years, the ratio has been lower than 20 and higher than 100, shifting up and down on the back of rises and falls in the price of both commodities. When the gold/silver ratio is high it is often taken as a good time to buy silver, indicating that the silver metal is undervalued in relation to its pricier relative. The ratio in January 2024 was 87:1 implying that the silver price is massively undervalued. Many analysts and experts believe that silver should be trading at five times the amount it’s trading at the moment. Demand is underpinned by industrial uses, investment buying, jewellery, tableware and photography. While the muted economic growth expected in 2024 may not propel industrial demand, silver’s value as a store of wealth, bolstered by its use in many and varied applications, provides long-term investment assurance. The benefits of silver Article courtesy of The Pure Gold company
Golden Milestones: A Journey Through History
Gold’s journey has hit a new milestone, soaring to an all-time high of $2,195 this month. Gold Reached Record Highs AgainOn 8 March, gold made history again when it jumped up as high as $2,195/oz. Analysts are scrambling to update their forecasts, signaling a bullish outlook for 2024. Billionaires Mark Zuckerburg and Sam Altman Allegedly Buy GoldJonathan Rose, CEO of Genesis Gold Group, notes a trend: he says the wealthy, including Mark Zuckerberg and Sam Altman, are increasingly investing in gold for emergency preparedness. Situated in Beverly Hills, Rose says tech moguls to pro athletes are purchasing gold to secure their future. The Big Number: $3.3 TrillionThat big number is the amount of gold held by investors, according to strategist Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou from JP Morgan. While that number may sound impressive, it only represents about 1.4% of the value of all global investments. Bitcoin Hits Record Above $73,500Bitcoin hit a record high on 13 March above $73,500. According to LSEG data, flows of capital into the 10 largest U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds slowed to a two-week low in the week ending March 8, but still reached almost $2 billion. Article courtesy of Gold and Silver
Important Update: All High-Value dealers responsible for important FICA Compliance update
Dear Valued Clients, We trust this newsletter finds you well We are writing to bring your attention to a significant development that affects all high-value dealers within our sector. Recent changes in legislation have officially designated the precious metal investments industry as an accountable institution under the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA). This move aims to enhance transparency and combat financial crimes related to high-value goods. On 19 December 2022, a new category was added to the list of accountable institutions in Schedule 1 of the FICA, 2001, as one of the steps to address gaps in South Africa’s anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism policies. This law may apply to your business. A high-value goods dealer (HVGD) – Item 20 of Schedule 1 to FICA Item 20 in Schedule 1 to FICA provides as follows: A HVGD includes “a person who carries on the business of dealing in high-value goods in respect of any transaction where such a business receives payment in any form to the value of R100 000,00 or more, whether the payment is made in a single operation or in more than one operation that appears to be linked, where ‘high-value goods’ means any item that is valued in that business at R100 000,00 or more.” This definition is intended to cover a wide range of trading activity. Based on preliminary guidance from the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), this category of accountable institutions includes, among others, dealers in precious metals, precious stones and diamonds. A HVGD also includes dealers in antiques, collectibles, fine art, boats, aircraft and luxury motor vehicles where the value is equal to or more than R100 000. The following obligations are imposed on accountable institutions in terms of FICA. An accountable institution must: To register, click here : https://goweb.fic.gov.za/goAMLWeb_PRD/WebRegistration/NewEntityCR Directive 7 of 2023: Submission of a risk and compliance return to the FIC by specified accountable institutions Directive 7 was issued by the FIC on 31 March 2023 and applies to all accountable institutions listed in inter alia item 20 (this applies to high-value goods dealers). It instructs accountable institutions to submit information on their understanding of money laundering and related financial crimes, together with their assessment of compliance with obligations in terms of FICA, in a risk and compliance return. The submission date of the ‘risk and compliance return questionnaire’ is 31 July 2023 (reporting will be from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023). Here’s a link to the online portal: RISK COMPLIANCE RETURN QUESTIONNAIRE (office.com) Side note: This return is to see what your understanding is in terms of FICA and what processes and policies you have in place. If you have no / little understanding of FICA or processes in place, just be honest. Even if you answer no to everything. This is how FIC will be able to assess where more training, education and assistance are needed. They have given a lot of leeway for submission as the deadline has long passed. But if you submit your return now, the chances of being penalised are greatly diminished. As the precious metal investments industry embraces this new era of accountability, we encourage you to view FICA compliance not only as a regulatory obligation but also as an opportunity to strengthen your business practices and contribute to the integrity of our industry. Yours sincerely,CPM Compliance Team
Six Key Factors Influencing Precious Metal Prices: Current Trends and Future Outlook
The global market for precious metals, encompassing gold, silver, platinum and others, is a complex and dynamic arena influenced by a variety of factors. These metals hold significant value in various sectors, ranging from jewellery and industry to finance, often acting as a barometer for economic health as well as investor and collector sentiment. To be a successful investor, it is crucial to understand the factors that affect the prices of these metals and the broader market activity. This article explores the key elements that are currently shaping the precious metals market, providing important insights into what the future may hold. Factor 1: Economic Indicators Global Economic Health The price of precious metals is closely tied to the health of the global economy. This is because, in times of economic growth, people tend to invest more in stocks, shares and other assets which some may class as riskier, which can result in a decrease in precious metal investments. However, during economic downturns, precious metals are often seen as a safe-haven asset and their demand increases as a result. To predict the future trajectory of precious metal prices, it is helpful to monitor global economic indicators such as GDP growth rates and employment figures, as well as other measures such as consumer spending patterns. Interest Rates and Monetary Policies Central banks play a crucial role in shaping the prices of precious metals through their monetary policies and interest rate decisions. As a result, many investors closely monitor these policies as a benchmark for wider market activity. Low interest rates generally make bonds and savings accounts less attractive, which leads investors to turn to metals like gold and silver. Conversely, when interest rates rise, investors tend to move away from precious metals. Therefore, keeping track of the policies of major central banks, such as the Federal Reserve, the Bank of England and the European Central Bank is essential for predicting market movements in precious metals. Industry reports and publications from organisations like the World Gold Council often provide in-depth analysis of the purchasing and selling activities of central banks, which can be a useful resource for those interested in exploring this area further. Inflation Trends Precious metals are often seen as hedges against inflation because when fiat currencies lose value due to rising inflation, precious metals typically hold their value or even appreciate. Tracking inflation trends across major economies can be a strong indicator of where precious metal prices are headed in the months ahead. Factor 2: Political and Geopolitical Factors Political Stability The stability of major political powers, governments and regions around the world can have a significant impact on the prices of precious metals. Political uncertainties or upheavals in countries with significant influence on the global economy can lead to increased investment in precious metals as a safe-haven asset. Market analysts closely watch elections, policy shifts, and regulatory changes in these countries for their potential impact on the precious metal market. Geopolitical Tensions Geopolitical tensions, especially involving countries that are major players in the precious metal market, can also cause significant fluctuations in prices impacting supply, demand and price as a result. International conflicts, trade disputes, sanctions, or military conflicts can disrupt supply chains or create uncertainty, driving investors towards the perceived safety of precious metals as a result. Trade Policies and Sanctions Trade policies, including tariffs, trade agreements, and sanctions, can directly or indirectly impact the precious metal market, causing uncertainty or disruption to the wider market. Sanctions on a major producer or exporter of these metals can constrict supply, leading to price increases. Similarly, trade agreements that ease the movement of these commodities can lead to price adjustments based on altered supply dynamics. Factor 3: Supply and Demand Dynamics Mining and Production Rates The availability and pricing of precious metals are influenced by various factors such as mining and production rates, technological advancements in the industry, accessibility of resources, mining technologies and geopolitical stability in producing regions. These factors play a crucial role in determining the supply of these metals. Production rates can fluctuate due to operational challenges or geopolitical tensions in mining regions. This can lead to varying supply levels, where a decrease in production can cause shortages and price hikes, while an increase can lead to oversupply, potentially causing price drops. More recently, advancements in mining and metal refining technologies are changing the supply landscape of precious metals and innovations that enhance mining efficiency or facilitate the extraction of metals from previously nonviable sources can significantly boost supply. Keeping a close eye on the latest developments in mining technology is vital for understanding and predicting future supply trends. Market Demand Trends The demand for precious metals is influenced by various sectors, such as jewellery, industrial applications and investment. Changes in any of these sectors can affect the prices. For instance, an increase in demand for electronics, which often use silver and gold, can lead to a rise in prices. Similarly, shifts in fashion trends or economic conditions that impact the jewellery market can also influence the demand and prices. As mentioned earlier, The World Gold Council produces a ‘Gold Demand Trends’ report regularly, which outlines the key areas of supply, demand, and trends in the precious metals market. Factor 4: Investment Market Trends Investor Behaviour Investor sentiment and behaviour, such as market volatility, global economic outlook and currency strength can influence investors’ preference for precious metals and play a critical role in precious metal prices as a result. A trend towards risk aversion typically sees an increase in precious metal investments, while confidence in the economy might see a shift towards other asset classes. Role of ETFs and Other Investment Vehicles Investors who want to invest in precious metals have various options available to them. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other investment vehicles that focus on precious metals offer an accessible way for investors to gain exposure to these commodities. These funds hold a certain amount of metal whose fluctuations can impact market supply and demand
Golden Rules for Investors: What to Know Before Buying Physical Precious Metals
It’s a fantasy that may resonate with people of a certain era: swimming in a vault piled nearly to the ceiling with glittering gold bullion. This was a regular pastime of the cartoon character Scrooge McDuck in the late 1980s animated classic “Duck Tales.” It’s a scene that has led some to consider Scrooge McDuck one of the richest fictional characters. Of course, for most real investors, amassing and storing swimming pool-size portions of gold is impossible. There are a lot of ways to gain exposure to metals such as silver, gold, palladium and platinum. There are commodities futures, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). But investing in the physical metal can carry a lot of allure for some investors looking to diversify their investment portfolios. Investing in gold and other precious metals, and particularly in physical precious metals, comes with risk, however, including the risk of loss. While gold is often considered a “safe haven” investment, gold and other metals are not impervious to price declines. Know the risks associated with trading of this type of product. These “golden rules” can help you avoid problems when it comes to investing in physical precious metals: 1. Say “no” to pushy salespeople. Investing in physical precious metals comes with the risk of encountering high-pressure sales tactics and even fraud. Remember: No reputable investment professional should push you into making an immediate investment decision or tell you to “act now.” Even if no fraud is taking place, this type of pressuring is inappropriate. Be particularly wary of unsolicited telephone calls. Persuasion tactics—such as dangling the prospect of large profits (the “phantom riches” tactic) or implying that there are limited quantities of an investment available (playing the “scarcity” card)—are often used. 2. Be on high alert when you hear “low risk.” Don’t fall for a pitch that investments in physical metals are “safe” or not risky. Storage charges, price fluctuations and the use of investor loans to finance the purchase of metal bars, bullion or coins are just a few of the risks associated with an investment in physical precious metals. Ask for a risk disclosure statement from the salesperson before you send any money and request the salesperson’s name, address and telephone number, as well as that of the firm. If the salesperson says no, end the conversation and find another seller. 3. Look out for leverage risk. Precious metals investments often involve the risky and expensive use of leverage, which is borrowed money. You may pay a portion of the cost to invest in the precious metal in cash but then pay for the rest of the investment “on margin.” In some cases, this margined portion may be up to 80 percent of the metal’s purchase price. This is a loan that carries interest and is subject to the risk of a margin call if the value of the investment declines. In the event of a margin call, you may be required to invest additional money to prevent your investment from being liquidated without your consent or prior notice. 4. Get a full accounting of fees. Between account opening fees, commissions that can reach 15 percent or more of your investment (including any leveraged portion, storage fees, management fees and ongoing interest on the loan for the leveraged portion of the precious metals purchase, it can be challenging to make money on investments in physical precious metals. Before you invest, make sure you understand all the costs and what level of return you’d need to earn to break even. Article courtesy of Finra
3 Big reasons to invest in 1-gram gold bars right now
When it comes to gold investing, there is no shortage of reasons to consider buying in. Not only has gold been a sought-after investment asset for hundreds of years, but it comes with unique benefits for those who add it to their portfolios. For example, adding gold to your investment mix can help to reduce the risk from other assets, like stocks, and in many cases, having access to a tangible asset only adds to the allure. But like the many benefits offered by this gold metal, there are also numerous gold investment options to choose from — like gold bars and coins, gold stocks, gold IRAs and even fractional gold bullion. One of the more popular options for gold investing, though, is gold bars. And while 1-ounce gold bars are some of the more common bars available today, there are also smaller investment options to consider, like 1-gram gold bars. The main difference between 1-gram and 1-ounce gold bars is the size — with 1-gram gold bars being much smaller than their counterparts. These smaller gold bars are gaining popularity among investors, and the decision to invest in these smaller gold bar denominations comes with its own set of advantages. Below, we’ll discuss a few good reasons why now might be the perfect time to add these tiny treasures to your investment portfolio. If you’re wondering whether 1-gram gold bars are a smart investment today, here are a few reasons why you may want to buy in: 1-gram gold bars are accessible and affordable Traditionally, investing in gold was reserved for serious investors or those with large amounts of capital due to the high costs associated with buying larger gold bars. However, with the introduction of 1-gram gold bars, gold ownership has become more accessible to a wider range of investors. One of the primary benefits of opting for these smaller gold bar denominations is the affordability factor. While purchasing a full ounce of gold might be financially out of reach for many, 1-gram gold bars offer an entry point that is significantly more manageable. This affordability makes gold accessible to beginner investors, allowing them to dip their toes into precious metal investments without breaking the bank. Moreover, the smaller denominations provide investors with the flexibility to gradually accumulate gold over time. This approach enables them to take advantage of market fluctuations, buying when prices are favorable, mitigating the impact of short-term volatility on their overall investment. 1-gram gold bars are portable and liquid The convenience of 1-gram gold bars extends beyond their affordability. For example, the portable nature of these bars makes them an attractive investment option. Unlike larger gold bars or coins, which can be cumbersome and impractical for everyday transactions, 1-gram bars are small and lightweight. This portability not only allows for easy gold storage but also opens up possibilities for liquidity in various situations. In times of economic uncertainty or emergency, the ability to convert a small amount of gold into cash quickly can be a valuable asset. The liquidity of 1-gram gold bars ensures that investors have a readily accessible store of value that can be easily converted into fiat currency when needed. This flexibility can be particularly advantageous for those who value having a tangible and reliable asset in their financial arsenal. 1-gram bars help with diversification and inflation hedging Diversification is a fundamental principle in investment strategy, and gold has long been considered a reliable diversification tool. Adding 1-gram gold bars to your investment portfolio can provide a level of security and balance, especially during times of economic uncertainty, much like what we’ve been experiencing over the last couple of years. Gold prices have also historically shown a negative correlation with traditional financial assets like stocks and bonds. This means that when the value of other investments is under pressure, gold often exhibits a counter-cyclical behavior, potentially helping to mitigate losses in a diversified portfolio. And, gold has proven to be an effective hedge against inflation. As the value of traditional currencies erodes over time due to inflationary pressures, gold tends to retain its purchasing power. By holding 1-gram gold bars, investors can safeguard their wealth against the erosive effects of inflation, ensuring that their financial assets maintain their real value over the long term. Ultimately, investors have a wide range of gold investing options to choose from but for certain types of investors, 1-gram gold bars could be a good option to weigh. But the decision to invest in 1-gram gold bars is not just about the allure of precious metal ownership; it’s a strategic move rooted in accessibility, portability and diversification. With these smaller denominations, investors can navigate the dynamic landscape of gold investing with confidence, knowing they have a tangible and valuable asset at their disposal. And, as economic landscapes continue to evolve, these small golden treasures could play a significant role in securing and enhancing your financial well-being. Article courtesy of Angelica Leicht, CBS News
The Bitcoin is ‘as-good-as-gold’ myth is over
When you invest in gold or buy silver coins you are choosing to invest in an asset that has no counterparty risk. Sadly, those who have been holding their bitcoin on the crypto exchange FTX, have not experienced the same level of reassurance and service from the exchange’s management. This event is all part of a much wider lesson about which assets really are safe havens. Also, how to reduce the level of counterparty risk your investment portfolio is exposed to. This time last year, cryptocurrency enthusiasts were still touting “Crypto as the new gold”– crypto touted as having the same ‘safe’ attributes as gold. The main attribute is that it is a currency that government doesn’t control. Also, it is without counterparty risk. The latest debacle has once more proved this is not always the case for cryptocurrencies. The news that the crypto exchange FTX was filing for bankruptcy on November 5 sent Bitcoin plunging down a further 25%. This is on top of the more than 60% Bitcoin has already declined since its November 2021 peak. This brings the total decline to more than 75%. The extent of the collapse and its fallout is still unfolding as more details are uncovered. The main risk goes back to one we have discussed many times before counterparty risk. What Happens to your Bitcoin as FTX Collapses The FTX collapse has brought to light that the CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried, had authorized billions of dollars’ worth of customer assets to be lent to its affiliated trading firm Alameda Research to fund risky bets. According to news reports Alameda Research owes FTX upwards of US$10 billion. This is more than half of its US$16 billion in customer assets! The bankruptcy case is likely to take years to unravel. There could be more than one million creditors, and more than 100 other related corporate entities involved. Everyone who thought they owned Bitcoin held by FTX became an unsecured bankruptcy creditor. These are the ones who must now rely upon some Court to confirm just how much, or any Bitcoin they will receive. FTX is not the first crypto exchange to collapse – Mt. Gox, which accounted for over 75% of all Bitcoin transactions until it filed for bankruptcy in 2014 after being hacked. Hundreds of thousands of bitcoins were lost (removed from the network). Some of these coins later recovered but withdrawals from the exchange were already stopped. It wasn’t until seven and a half years later, in November 2021, creditors and the court reached an agreement. The FTX web of deceit and ‘poor judgment’ in Mr. Bankman-Fried’s words, goes much deeper and is far more convoluted than the Mt. Gox bankruptcy. Article courtesy from GoldCore
The Oldest Form of Money – Do You Own It?
Centuries before the first gold coins were struck…There was another form of money: pure gold jewellery. Gold jewellery was used as savings, currency, and even as a form of barter. In fact, the tradition is so tied to our idea of money that modern currencies like the Thai Baht are named for the jewellery that preceded it. In that case, one could even break off detachable gold links to pay for goods and services. Even today, in India, jewellery is the primary form of gold within the country. They buy pure gold necklaces and bracelets instead of coins and bars. For every ounce of gold in coin or bar form bought in India, roughly another three ounces are bought in jewellery form – it’s their preferred form of investment gold. Throughout much of history, individual wealth has been denominated in jewellery form. Because in the past, you couldn’t leave your wealth in your home – even if you had a coin or bar — it just wasn’t safe. People lived very close together, in community homes, huts, etc. Storing gold at home wasn’t as secure as it is today. As a result, most people wore their wealth for security reasons. Thus, gold jewellery quickly evolved into one’s “wallet.” People wore jewellery as a way of carrying their wealth. They kept their money draped around their neck or wrist, which amounted to a form of portable wealth. Wearable Wealth: Jewellery with as Much Pure Gold Content as American Eagle Coins This brings us to today… Most jewellery sold in stores doesn’t contain that much actual gold. The jewellery you find in malls, and even high-end places like Cartier or Tiffany’s is typically 14-karat gold or less. That means, almost 50% of the metal composition consists of alloys including brass and steel. But mall jewellery still costs a pretty penny — typically selling for 3x to 4x the amount that its gold content would warrant. Why the huge markup? People are buying the brand as a fashion statement. When it comes to gold, we believe only pure gold is gold. And when you buy it, you should pay reasonable premiums now and then be able to recoup its market value later. That’s why all our real gold jewellery has the same purity as sovereign coins — 22 karat (91.6%), the same as an American Eagle or Krugerrand. Of course, there’s no substitute for owning gold bullion coins and bars. But for those seeking diversification, pure gold jewellery offers portability and discretion, all in wearable form so that you can enjoy it. Most ordinary people have no idea how much gold is in a single piece or what it’s really worth. And while an individual piece’s intrinsic value may be nearly impossible to guess at a glance, there’s no denying the beauty of real gold. Each piece is designed to be worn daily, with many timeless styles to choose from. This makes it easy to give the gift of gold to loved ones this holiday season. Article courtesy of Jeff Clark from GoldSilver
