Economy | elmundo.es

It has always been known that investing in gold is a safe value, especially in times of crisis. However, the fact of getting rid of valuable jewelry or gadgets has become for many an obligation to make ends meet or face some debt incurred in good times.

The situation has been very well used by the gold and silver trading establishments that have proliferated so much in the last five years, especially in the big cities. But beware, all that glitters is not gold. Searching on different internet pages we find that the average price of the king of metals is around 25 euros per gram in 18-carat pieces. However, at ELMUNDO.es we have verified that between one store and another there can be a difference of up to 36 euros for two rings, nine grams in total with the same kilage.

This week the Civil Guard has made public the result of an investigation that began on May 1. After analyzing 72% of establishments in Galicia, it has been found that 86% of these stores incur in various irregularities, and that more than half do not measure with correct instruments. 57% of these premises did not use metering systems suitable for commercial transactions.

Details that customers ignore for obvious reasons, such as the fact that the utensils for appraising the pieces are not visible, or that the scale does not have the corresponding markings, should generate distrust in the customer. How to ensure that one does not give a pig for a hare? Here are some recommendations:

Ring the bell before entering

When going to the place where valuable items are pledged, it is normal that discretion and security reign, but it is not what is always found. Open doors in premises of all kinds, yes, yellow wallpaper from top to bottom, is what is found in most cases. These are the stores that are best known thanks to the 'advertisement men', who distribute advertising throughout the day on the busiest streets.

In other franchises, it is the 'ring the bell' sign that greets those who come to sell their jewelry. Whether for their own safety or that of others, these companies are more hermetic and are usually occupied by just one dependent. Personalized treatment always grants greater seriousness, so it is preferable to avoid places with doors wide open or with more than two shopkeepers watching what you do.

This aspect that seems like common sense should remind us of jewelers, in which any security is not enough. Keep in mind that you go to a place where you are going to sell, or not, pieces of a highly valued value, so security is very important.

know the object well

No matter how trustworthy the establishment you go to may seem, it is essential to know the pieces well before selling them. Most gold jewelry purchased in jewelry stores is 18 karat (that is, 75% pure gold), but other items can be lower karat.

When making a first appraisal, most buyers do not value the amount of pure gold that the element contains, but the weight. It may happen that they offer a high price thinking that it is an 18-carat piece and, when selling it, the buyer tries to pretend that it is of a lower value and, therefore, pay less.

Weigh the piece before selling

In addition to the price that is offered, the big difference between sales establishments lies in the scales with which the items are weighed. It is best to first know the weight of the jewel for several reasons: first, to get an idea of ​​what you could receive, and second, to check that the store is not committing fraud of this type.

The discovery of the meritorious in Galicia is nothing but a warning to pay close attention to the scale used by the gold merchant, since the same 9-gram rings in total weighed 9.2 grams in one and 8.7 grams in another, which made the price vary considerably.

It is essential to check that the device is marked by the 'CE', which means that it has been approved by the European Union, and by a similar sticker, but in green and with an 'M' that shows that the scale is not rigged.

Another 'trick' of the merchant is not to show the result of the scale or the calculator. Protected behind glass, the clerks type on the devices without giving explanations of any kind to the customer, who watches waiting for a good offer. Do not trust what they say or do: it is better for the client to see it with their own eyes, and above all, ask if they have any doubts.

Who gives more?

The price of gold is what it is, it is marked by the gold market and can be known by anyone through the internet. It can vary every day, but lately it is quite stable, hovering around 25 or 28 euros for each gram of 18-carat gold, while for each gram of 14-carat they offer around 20 euros and 38 euros for each gram of 24-carat gold. , which is usually that of ingots and coins and is used as an investment, almost never to make jewelry.

As for the price for 999 sterling silver, 600 euros per kilogram (usually coins), for 925 silver, about 500 euros per kilogram, and for 800 (cutlery and small objects) about 400. euros. In most establishments, differences are made in prices for sales of more than 200 grams, in the case of gold, and more than 10 or 15 kilograms in the case of silver. From there, each establishment offers one price or another. "Here everyone offers what he can or what he wants," confirms an experienced buyer.

In all the places of sale you can read the slogan 'we will improve any offer'. Chance? Not: scam. Bearing in mind that not all scales measure the same weight, and that the kilage is generally checked once you have chosen to sell the objects in that establishment, it is doubtful that the money to be received after the barter is higher than that offered. It is advisable not to get carried away by large amounts of money and adjust to an approximate real valuation at the price of gold in the market.

In addition, consumer organizations such as Facuaremember that when a jewel is sold in this type of store, you only pay for the weight of the gold in the piece, not its design or the different materials it contains, such as precious stones or other elements. They also advise checking the price of gold to know when is the best time to sell, since its price depends on supply and demand and may even vary during the day.