Gold, the quintessential precious metal, has fascinated and attracted people for millennia. Whether you are a jewelry designer seeking the ideal raw material for your creations, a jewelry craftsman, or even an individual wishing to diversify your assets, the question arises: Where and how to buy gold safely and in an informed manner?
This article is your complete guide to navigating the world of buying gold, with particular attention to the specific needs of jewelry designers.
Why Buy Gold?
Before delving into the "where" and the "how," let's briefly recall the motivations:
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For jewelry making: This is the heart of your business (and ours!). Gold offers unparalleled malleability, durability, and brilliance for unique and precious pieces. Here, we will be discussing gold in the form of gold thread , of gold plates , of gold granules or even gold findings .
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As a safe haven asset: In times of economic uncertainty, gold is often seen as a stable investment.
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For portfolio diversification: Adding physical gold to an investment portfolio.
Where to Buy Gold? The Different Options
The choice of where to buy will depend greatly on the form of gold you are looking for (jewelry, ingots, coins, or crafting supplies).
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Specialized Suppliers for Jewelry and Fine Jewelry (Like Us!)
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For whom? Ideal for artisans, jewelry designers, and jewelry schools.
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What ? You will find gold there in forms suitable for creative purposes: gold thread of different diameters, gold plates of varying thicknesses, gold granules for the cast iron , chains by the meter , and gold findings (clasps, rings, earring studs, etc.).
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Benefits : Technical expertise, knowledge of alloys (18-karat, 14-karat, and 9-karat gold), metal traceability, and personalized advice for your design projects. Quality and purity are guaranteed and comply with jewelry standards.
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Keywords : Gold jewelry supplies, buy gold wire, gold jewelry plating, gold granules, solid gold findings.
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Banks and Financial Institutions
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For whom? Primarily for investors.
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What ? Certified gold bars and ingots (often by the LBMA), sometimes investment gold coins.
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Benefits : Secure transaction, guaranteed authenticity.
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Disadvantages: Premiums often higher, less suitable for purchasing small quantities or specific shapes for jewelry.
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Gold Buying and Selling Counters / Numismatists
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For whom? Investors, coin collectors, and sometimes those looking to resell old jewelry.
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What ? Gold bars, gold coins (Napoleons, Louis d'or, Krugerrands, etc.), second-hand jewelry.
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Benefits : Possibility to see and touch the product, direct advice.
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Disadvantages: Carefully check the counter's reputation. Prices can vary considerably. Less suitable for specific craft supplies.
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Reputable Online Platforms
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For whom? For everyone, provided they are vigilant.
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What ? Wide range, from ingots to coins, and sometimes specialist jewelry suppliers have their e-commerce there (like ours!).
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Benefits : Easy price comparison, accessibility.
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Disadvantages: The risk of scams is higher if you don't choose reputable and secure websites. Shipping and insurance costs should also be considered.
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Keywords : Buy gold online, best gold buying site.
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How to Buy Gold: Key Steps and Precautions
Buying gold, especially for the first time, requires method and caution.
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Define Your Needs and Your Budget
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What form of gold? (Wire, plate, granules for creation / ingot, coin for investment)
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What purity? (24-carat gold for investment, 18K, 14K, 9K gold for jewelry due to its better mechanical resistance)
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How much?
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Understanding Gold Purity: Carats and Thousandths
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24 carat gold (24K) or 999/1000th gold: This is pure gold, more malleable, often used for investment ingots.
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18 carat gold (18K) or 750/1000 gold: 75% pure gold alloyed with other metals (copper, silver) to give it color and durability. Standard of fine jewelry in France.
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14 carat gold (14K) or 585/1000 gold: 58.5% pure gold. Popular in some countries.
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9 carat gold (9K) or 375/1000th gold: 37.5% pure gold. More affordable, but less valuable.
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Keywords : purity gold, carat gold, 18 carat gold, 750 gold.
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Check the hallmarks
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In France, gold items must include a hallmark (eagle's head for 18K, scallop shell for 14K, clover for 9K above a certain weight) and a maker's mark (or liability) identifying the manufacturer or importer.
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For supplies intended for professionals, the metal is often delivered with a certificate of purity or an invoice detailing its purity. The hallmark will be applied to the finished piece of jewelry by the maker (if registered) or by an assay office.
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Keywords : gold hallmark, gold guarantee, maker's mark.
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Follow the Gold Price
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The price of gold fluctuates daily. Consult reference websites to find the "spot price".
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Please note that the final purchase price will always include a "premium" (seller's margin, manufacturing costs, certification, etc.). For jewelry supplies, this premium covers the transformation of raw metal into wire, sheet, etc.
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Keywords : gold price, gold price per gram.
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Choose a Trusted Seller
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Search for customer reviews.
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Check the company's age and reputation.
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Ensure transparency regarding prices and terms of sale.
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For online purchases, favour secure sites (HTTPS).
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Pay attention to the legislation and taxation.
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In France, the purchase of investment gold (bullion, legal tender coins) is exempt from VAT. "Industrial" gold (such as supplies for jewelers) is subject to VAT.
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Keep all your invoices, they are essential for resale and traceability.
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Consider Delivery and Storage
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For online purchases, opt for secure and discreet delivery.
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For storage, a home safe or a bank safe are options depending on the quantities.
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Gold for Jewelry Making: Our Expert Advice - The Girl from the South
At the house of At La Fille Du Sud , we understand the specific challenges faced by jewelry designers. Here's why our clients trust us with their gold purchases :
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Consistent quality: We supply certified and verified gold, guaranteeing the advertised purity (primarily 750/1000 gold - 18 carats yellow, pink, or palladium grey/white).
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Suitable forms: Whether you need round gold wire , half-round, square , of gold plates to cut out your shapes, gold granules for your own castings, or gold findings For professional quality, we have what you need.
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Flexibility: We offer quantities tailored to all needs, from small workshops to larger production runs.
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Advice and support: Our team is here to guide you in choosing the metal best suited to your technique and creations.
Conclusion: Buying Gold, an Informed Decision
Buying gold, whether for the passion of jewelry making or for investment purposes, is not something to be done on a whim. By learning about the different types of gold, sales channels, purity guarantees (such as hallmarks), and by choosing reputable sellers, you maximize your chances of a successful purchase.
For jewelry designers, sourcing from a specialist supplier like La Fille Du Sud is the assurance of obtaining a quality metal, shaped to meet your technical and aesthetic requirements.
Ready to bring your golden creations to life?
Explore our catalog of 18-karat gold supplies Or contact our experts to discuss your specific needs. We are passionate about precious metals and dedicated to the success of your projects!
- "Discover our Gold Supplies" - https://www.lafilledusud.com/
- "Contact us for personalized advice" - https://www.lafilledusud.com/pages/contact