Quick primers on pricing, purity, and strategy before you buy.
The quoted international spot price is the raw metal value. What you actually pay adds import duty, local VAT/GST, and a dealer or minting premium. Always compare the all-in local price, not just spot.
Gold is sold at different finenesses — 24K (99.9%), 22K (91.6%), 18K (75%). A 22K piece is worth roughly 91.6% of the pure-gold value of the same weight, before making charges.
Silver moves more sharply than gold because half its demand is industrial (electronics, solar). It offers higher upside but larger drawdowns.
For pure investment exposure, bullion coins and bars minimise premium and, in some countries, qualify for VAT exemption. Jewellery carries fabrication charges you rarely recover on resale.
Precious metals are a long-horizon hedge against inflation and currency risk. Buying a fixed amount at regular intervals smooths out volatility.