It’s easy to get ripped off selling gold, so follow these steps

Gold has been an extremely valued metal for thousands of years. In fact, archeologists estimate that gold began to be used as a currency over 7,000 years ago. Gold has been seen constantly through history as a symbol of power and wealth, from being buried alongside ancient Egyptians to the establishment of the “gold standard” in the United States in 1879. Needless to say, gold is a valuable precious metal.

Selling gold jewelry can be a great way to make a few extra dollars. Do you have gold that you are looking to sell? It can be difficult to know where to start. However, it’s important to go into the process knowing what you are doing.

BBB offers these tips for selling your gold:

■ Know the price of gold and understand it varies. Also, store estimates received one day may not be the same the next.

■ Carry identification. Jewelers are required to ask for identification from anyone selling gold.

■ Find reputable gold buyers — people who have been in the industry for years and are transparent when determining the value of your gold.

■ Determine whether your gold is worth more intact as an heirloom.

■ Separate your gold by karat before you sell it. Dealers may weigh all your jewelry together and only pay you the rate for the lowest karat value.

■ Get it appraised. Your gold may be worth more than its weight depending on its makeup.

■ Watch out for phone offers. Trustworthy buyers will need to see the piece.

■ Beware of expos. Companies may rent hotel or conference rooms for a limited time and advertise high prices for gold, but pay significantly less.

■ Get bids from multiple companies. The offers you receive may vary depending on where you decide to sell it.

■ Ask the buyer if he or she is a member of a jewelry trade association, such as Jewelers of America, that requires high ethical standards of its members.

■ Find out how long it will take to be reimbursed. How long will they keep your gold before melting it down? How many days do you have to turn down the offer? Only consider companies that will allow you to accept or reject an offer before you are given a check.

■ Get a detailed receipt from the buyer.

■ Do not use regular mail to ship gold to a buyer. Use a service that tracks delivery and receipt. Insure the package. Also, take pictures of each piece.

Any questions, get help from the BBB, such as a list of BBBaccredited jewelers. Visit www. bbb.org or call 937-222-5825 or 800-776-5301.