The hair triggers are set. And this time, I’m not talking about guns. I’m talking about the gold hoarders. As a gold refiner, it is my privilege to talk to gold businesses every day. I’ve found that all over the country, people holding precious metals are waiting for “X” price before they sell. Lately, X… Read More »
Category: Gold Education
How Long Will Gold Stay Above $1600 per Ounce?: A Gold Refiner’s Perspective
Gold Refiners Can Understand the Market but Not Predict It The price of gold just hit a seven-year high, and businesses that buy or use gold have a vested interest in knowing where this trend is heading next. No gold refiner — or anyone else — can predict the precise movements of any commodity market.… Read More »
Buying Trends for Gold & Guns
Our friends in the pawn industry know firsthand that consumer buying trends are notoriously hard to predict. Today’s Wall Street Journal has a story about one of those times when consumer behavior has seemed downright counter-intuitive. Whatever side of the political aisle you happen to be on, you probably expect that the election of Republicans… Read More »
Why True Fire Assay Remains the Most Accurate Form of Gold Refining
When it comes to gold assay, there is no question that true fire assay is the most effective and accurate method. What is the history of true fire assay, and what makes it so accurate? Gold Fire Assay History Gold fire assaying, or cupellation, is a method of determining the purity of a piece of… Read More »
Don’t Fall for the Refiner’s Shell Game – The Percentage Game.
Whenever I meet a new prospect, the first question I’m always asked is “What percentage do you pay?” The refining industry has focused everyone’s attention on what percentage you’re getting paid. While that is an important question, it’s flawed.
Mining your iPhone
Sometimes we come across the craziest videos about mining and precious metals.
Five Interesting Things I Learned at the International Precious Metals Conference Last Week
Last week I attended a conference in Orlando for the International Precious Metals Institute. I must admit, Orlando in June was daunting but upon arrival my opinion quickly changed. This industry is truly incredible. I learned about Precious metals investments, futures, forwards, and mining specifics. Since I am certainly not proficient enough to share that type… Read More »
Mining Shares Fall Under Racially Charged Ownership Rules
Lots going on right now in the world of mining- Fed meeting, GST, and a change in the ownership rules. Although we are not involved in mining, this indirectly affects all of us in precious metals business. While there is merit to both sides of the argument, it is certainly not helping the gold price right now.… Read More »
5 Ways to Tell if your precious metals refiner is just a Middleman
If you are getting paid on scrap or reclaimed jewelry materials you know how important it is to get paid on the true value of your metals. If you are paying a middleman, that is one more person getting between you and your money. Here are 5 ways to show you are NOT dealing with… Read More »
A Jeweler’s Story. Why it pays to plan ahead.
We recently had a conversation with a jewelry store owner who has 5 locations and spends his time traveling between the stores. Each store has a manage r and the manager’s main concern is selling wedding rings, gemstones and custom jewelry. One of the stores has a resident goldsmith. All of the stone sizing, removal,… Read More »
