Investing in gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals could provide you with stability even during economically challenging times. Investors should understand as much about these valuable elements as possible, including where to find them. Continue reading to learn about the various types of precious metals and where they originated. For more information on precious metals and their value, call on the experts at First National Bullion. San Diego residents rely on our professionalism and expertise when they’re ready to invest in gold and other precious metals.

History

Precious metals such as gold and platinum are rare elements and have a rich history. Metals are typically durable and exist everywhere people go. Historically, precious metals were mainly viewed as currency, but today people use the items as investments, works of art, coinage, and more. Compared to common industrial elements, precious metals typically command significantly higher prices. These metals are malleable, have a high luster, and are generally less reactive than the more common elements. During ancient times, precious metals were made into exquisite jewelry suitable only for kings and queens. In today’s society, most recycled and newly mined precious metals are manufactured into jewelry.

Where to Look

The first known transactions using gold date back to more than 6,000 years ago. Early transactions using precious metals were made with pieces of silver and gold, but now people also conduct transactions with platinum, palladium, rhodium, and more. It’s believed there are more than enough precious metals to cover the earth’s surface in a thick layer, which is why collectors and manufacturers can find them in mines and everyday places around the world.

Properties

What sets precious metals apart from other elements is their rarity and durability. These metals don’t tarnish, and they’re easy to work with in terms of hammering, forming into wires, and aligning with other metals. Gold’s beautiful color and ability to be melted down into any shape set it apart from other precious metals. Most precious metals only have to be heated at high temperatures to harness their properties.

Precious Metals Around Your Home

Precious metals are often located in kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and various spaces throughout a house. For example, older electronics stored away in a closet could contain small quantities of precious metals, including gold. You may also find silver and platinum in personal items or everyday jewelry in your bedroom. Devote a weekend to searching your home thoroughly, and you may be surprised to find precious metal scrap in the most unusual places. If you’re confused about particular pieces, make sure to speak with a precious metals expert who can test the items and give you honest feedback.

If you’re looking for the best place to purchase San Diego gold and bullion and other types of precious metals, including silver, platinum, and palladium, reach out to the trustworthy professionals at First National Bullion. We can answer all your questions about precious metals and help you decide which ones are best for your investment needs. Give one of our experienced dealers a call today at 858-666-6570.

The statements made in this blog are opinions, and past performance is not indicative of future returns. Precious metals, like all investments, carry risk. Precious metals and coins may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same in cash value depending on a variety of factors. First National Bullion does not guarantee, and its website and employees make no representation, that any metals for sale will appreciate sufficiently to earn the customers a profit. The decision to buy, sell, or borrow precious metals and which precious metals to purchase, borrow, or sell are made at the customer’s sole discretion.