How to buy gold in UK for investment

With economic uncertainty and low interest rates prevailing, it's not an easy time for anyone looking to make an investment. Yet, with gold continuing to hold its value even during volatile times, it's no wonder that more people are choosing to put their money into this precious metal.

If you want to buy gold for investment, there are various options to choose from, so you'll need to decide which type suits you most. For instance, you could invest in gold bars, coins, gold shares or accounts, unit trusts or exchange-traded funds. Additionally, you also have the option to buy gold jewellery as an investment, which is a popular choice.

When deciding how to buy gold in UK and which options to choose, as with any investment, it's vital that you do your homework and research the many options and what you can expect to get for your money.

For instance, if you want to invest in gold jewellery, you'll need to research the different retailers available where you can make your purchase, and what sort of items you should be looking for.

Nobody wants to make a dud investment and get ripped off, so a trusted and respectable source of supplier is essential when you buy gold for investment purposes. Look for a retailer that comes highly recommended and gets great reviews, but also check out their industry credentials and accreditations. Knowledge is everything when you decide to buy gold in UK, so look for a retailer who knows their stuff. A gold seller that has years of experience in their trade is a good start, for example.

Before parting with any cash, you'll also want to ensure that the gold you're buying is the real deal, so you can assess and track its investment potential further down the line. Make sure the retailer is able to supply original documentation that reveals the authenticity of the gold you're planning to buy.

If you decide that the gold you have bought isn't right for your investment requirements, you should also have the option to return it and get your money back, so choose a retailer that offers a money-back guarantee. You'll need to scrutinise the retailer's terms and conditions to find out what their policies are, but always enquire if in doubt.

Increasingly, more people are buying gold online for investment purposes, and again, using a supplier you trust 100% is especially important, as you won't have the option to view the item with your naked eye when making a purchase.

If you decide to buy and invest in gold jewellery, with so many different styles and options available, it could prove a minefield knowing which ones are the best to buy in terms of gaining value. Research the different trends so see which styles are currently doing well, and will continue to do so. For instance, vintage gold jewellery has been doing especially well in recent years, where its value has soared by around 80% in the last decade alone. Art deco and retro gold jewellery from the 1930s to the 1950s is also highly sought-after by investors, so makes a worthy purchase. In fact, any jewellery items that boast an intriguing history can make a good investment.

Look for gold jewellery items that are made by top designers, where their name may be inscribed on the piece, often with a discreet motif or a mark, as these often make great investment items.

When you buy gold for investment purposes, it's also a good idea to think about where you're going to keep it after your purchase. It will need to be kept somewhere safe, either at home or in an external storage facility, where it will be free from moisture or any other contaminants that may undermine its appearance.

It goes without saying that you should also make certain that your gold investment is fully insured. In some cases, it might be covered by your existing home insurance policy, but if the individual item is worth more than around £1,000 (check your individual policy for the exact amount) you will need to list it separately. Find out how much the gold is worth, and remember to revalue it over time in case you need to make any amendments to your insurance policy.

If you're looking to buy gold in UK from a reputable supplier with ample experience and knowledge, Albone Jewellers is a good place to start. You can find a wide variety of options on the website and on eBay, or you can visit the store in person if you want to chat with staff for expert advice and guidance. With affordable finance options also available, you can even make a gold investment if you're on a limited budget.