Coin collecting, a captivating pursuit known as numismatics, is a fascinating journey that unearths the rich tapestry of history, culture, and art encapsulated within these small metallic discs. As collectors delve into this engrossing hobby, they often find themselves captivated by the allure of limited edition coins and unique pieces that add a distinctive layer … Read More
Introducing the Ground-breaking “Thousand-Armed Thousand-Eyed Guan Yin Bodhisattva” Coin – A Marvel of Spiritual Splendour!Behold the extraordinary “Thousand-Armed Thousand-Eyed Guan Yin Bodhisattva” coin, a true testament to the divine craftsmanship and spiritual significance. Minted by the Republic of Chad in 2024, this coin transcends boundaries with its breath-taking design and unique features.Own a piece of … Read More
While none of us are old enough to experience the numerous gold rushes in history, they were still impactful enough that a reality TV series about them can hit 12 seasons. They detail a thrilling time in history when fortune beckoned, dreams soared, and societies were turned upside down. Throughout the 19th and early 20th … Read More
The BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) have been hailed as the top emerging markets with huge potential. They have been discussing about creating a common currency for several years now. However, on 3rd July 2023, India announced that it has no plans for a BRICS currency, pouring cold water on the … Read More
As many of us already know, gold is considered the best hedge against inflation. So does this mean gold price is in a constant upward drift? Well, yes and no. While gold has been seen as a source of wealth and prosperity since ancient times, it is important to note that gold price, just like … Read More
Hyperinflation, characterised by rapid and uncontrollable price increases, has devastating consequences for economies and the livelihoods of everyday people. Throughout history, numerous nations have witnessed the erosion of their currencies, resulting in financial chaos and a significant decline in living standards. For example, during the Mexican peso crisis of 1994, the value of the peso … Read More
While physical gold and silver have a tangible presence, there are also paper-based investment alternatives. Understanding the differences between physical and paper gold/silver investments is crucial for those of us seeking to make informed decisions in the precious metals market. Physical gold and silver investments involve the purchase and ownership of tangible bullion in the … Read More
The price of precious metals, such as gold and silver, has been a hot topic of debate in recent years. Some people believe that the prices are rigged by large banks and other financial institutions, while others believe that the prices are determined by supply and demand. There is some evidence to suggest that the … Read More
We live in an era of financial complexity and uncertainty, where the debate surrounding the relevance of the gold standard persists. In one of our earliest articles, we discussed what the gold standard is and how it came to be. While it played a significant role in the past, the question remains: Is the gold … Read More
Besides the relationship between gold prices and silver prices, the relationship between gold prices and the stock market has also been a major subject of interest among investors. Gold, often considered a safe-haven asset, and stocks, representing ownership in companies, are two contrasting investment options. Understanding the correlation, or lack thereof, between gold prices and … Read More
The relationship between gold and silver prices has intrigued investors and economists for centuries. Both precious metals have long been considered safe-haven assets and storehouses of value, attracting attention during times of economic uncertainty. Understanding the correlation between gold and silver prices can provide valuable insights for those of us seeking to diversify our portfolios … Read More
Previously we walked about oxidation of silver bullion and that it is unlikely to affect the resale value much if sold to a bullion store. Today we shall explore several creative techniques to reduce the oxidation of silver bullion, helping investors preserve its beauty. Firstly, proper storage. One of the simplest and most effective ways … Read More
A common question we get when selling silver bullion, especially the more dated bullion, is whether the yellow “thing” tarnishing the bar will affect the buy back price. Let’s dissect this matter today. Over time, silver bullion can undergo a natural process known as oxidation, where it reacts with oxygen in the air and develops … Read More
We’ve all heard the saying that gold is a good safe haven asset. It protects your wealth during harsh and uncertain economic times. However, it is also a solid choice when deciding where to park your money in case you need to permanently and swiftly uproot yourself or your family. You might be wondering what … Read More
Now that we know where the majority of gold come from, we turn our focus on silver. The majority of the world’s silver is mined from several countries, with the top three being Mexico, Peru, and China. In 2021, Mexico was the largest silver producer in the world, accounting for about 24% of the world’s … Read More
With many countries turning to gold once again in the recent months, I’ve been wondering where in the world all our yellow metal is being mined from. And it seems the majority of the it is mined from several countries, with China, Australia, and Russia being the top three. China is the largest gold producer … Read More
As we all know by now, gold is one of the most highly sought-after and valuable metals in the world, known for its beauty, rarity, and versatility. It has been used for centuries for jewelry, currency, and decoration, and has also been highly prized for its use in electronics and other modern technologies. One of … Read More
Precious metals have long been a popular investment choice for those of us looking for a safe haven during times of economic uncertainty or market volatility. Traditionally, gold and silver have been the most popular precious metals for investment purposes. However, in recent years, platinum and palladium have gained increasing attention as potential investment options. … Read More
Gold and silver are precious metals that have been valued for centuries due to their rarity, durability, and beauty. Central banks play a critical role in the gold and silver markets as they hold large quantities of these metals as part of their reserves. The role of central banks in gold and silver markets has … Read More
When it comes to investing in precious metals, two of the most popular choices are gold and silver. Both are considered to be a store of value and a hedge against inflation, but there are some differences between the two that investors should consider before making a decision on which one to buy. Previously we … Read More
Today will be something different from what you have been reading thus far. It will be an opinion piece. We will be discussing about how the new kid on the block – cryptocurrency – will affect the old timer – precious metals. Let me preface this by saying this is purely the opinion of the … Read More
For thousands of years, gold and silver have been used as a currency. From ancient civilizations to modern times, gold and silver have been considered valuable and have been used as a store of wealth. While today’s modern currencies have replaced the use of precious metals as a means of payment, there is still a … Read More
When it comes to investing in precious metals, there are two main mindsets: long-term investing and trading. Both approaches have their merits, but they are fundamentally different. Let’s start with trading. Traders are focused on short-term gains, typically buying and selling precious metals within a few days or weeks. They are looking for quick profits … Read More
Let’s discuss about recycling and refining precious metals, a super important process that helps reduce waste and protect the environment. We have already discussed about the uses of precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum in all sorts of things like jewelry, electronics, and medical devices, but did you know that extracting and producing these … Read More
Have you ever wondered how interest rates, inflation, and precious metals are all interconnected? Let’s discuss how and why changes in interest rates and inflation play a significant role in determining the prices of precious metals such as gold and silver. Interest rates refer to the cost of borrowing money, which is set by the … Read More
The precious metals industry is one of the largest and most diverse markets in the world, and it is undergoing significant changes as the economy continues to evolve. In recent years, demand for precious metals has increased due to growing consumer confidence and increased purchasing power. This trend is particularly noticeable in countries such as … Read More
Previously we discussed about gold being used in the electronic sector due to its good electrical conductivity and high resistance to corrosion and oxidisation. However, silver has a higher electrical conductivity than gold. In fact, it has the highest electrical conductivity of all metals. Coupled with the fact that it is a much lower cost … Read More
With the knowledge that gold does not corrode, one might think that there must be other uses for gold other than just in the dental or food industry. And they are right. Gold is also used often in electronics. The fact that gold not only does not corrode, but also is a good conductor of … Read More
I’m sure everyone has seen or heard of the gold tooth. We previously wrote about eating gold, so talking about another way to put gold in your mouth seems quite a logical follow up. But before you think about getting your goldsmith to contact your dentist and create a 24 Karat gold tooth, please read … Read More
Investment grade bullion produced by any reputable refiner always come with their unique serial number and corresponding certificate. This certificate is usually called the Assay Certificate or Certificate of Authenticity. To most people, an Assay Certificate looks like any ordinary sheet of paper with the corresponding serial number on it. However, it is a guarantee … Read More
Many economists and top market researchers are paid big bucks to predict the next move of the market. However, for many of us, it seems like these people can only explain the past rather than predict the future. Hence there is a famous saying that it is time in the market rather than timing the … Read More
Most people understand that gold is a safe haven asset. Many central banks around the world hoard it. Even our very own central bank – MAS – holds it and regularly reports their holdings. Yet when there is a crisis, price of gold drops. Shouldn’t everybody be buying gold and driving up its price? To … Read More
We’ve gone through at length how it is possible to build generational wealth using gold when viewed in terms of real estate prices. However, for some people, it is not feasible to buy that much gold due to personal circumstances. Today we shall look at another way to view gold prices – in terms of … Read More
Ever wondered how bullion dealers calculate the premiums on your bullion? There is a simple formula used that will even the least gifted math student can use: Final price = (Spot price per ounce + Premium per ounce) x weight Here are a few examples to illustrate the formula. You may refer to the table … Read More
It has been some time now that we have seen silver being used in clothing manufacturing. Many clothing manufacturers are using silver nanoparticles as a treatment for their clothing, claiming them to be anti-bacterial. Really? Well let’s take a look. Silver ions on the surface of a textile binds with any particles that come into … Read More
Some of you may remember Sean Connery playing Sir August de Wynter in the 1998 movie Avengers. He was hell bent on controlling the weather. At that time, the younger me thought it was fascinating that you could control a natural phenomenon. However, I now know that it is something many countries are actively doing. … Read More
In precious metals, we often come across the terms 999 or 999,9 or 916. And to add to the mix, some people use terms like 24 Karat or 18 Karat. What’s with these terms you wonder? Well, they are used to define the fineness of the metal it is referencing. The numbers are easier to … Read More
Is gold edible? Now that is a question that may make some people scratch their heads in bewilderment. Why would anyone want to eat gold? It is akin to eating your wedding ring! However, there is an increasing trend of people ingesting edible gold. From the famous liqueur Goldschlager to the Hollywood-style bling Tokusen Kaisen … Read More
Generally, gold demand in China surges as the lunar new year approaches. This demand spike usually comes with a corresponding premium spike in China as supply at the Shanghai Gold Exchange vaults get dwindled down. The closer it is to Chinese New Year, the higher the premium, reaching dizzying heights of up to 65% higher … Read More
It is no secret that India is a significant buyer in the global gold market. And nearing Diwali is where the buying picks up pace there. This is because the period leading to Diwali is considered an auspicious time to buy gold and jewellery, especially the days leading up to Dhanteras – the first day … Read More
