These are golden times for people with a full jewelry box, but also for gold exchange offices. The gold price has risen enormously. The new location of Goud Exchange Office in Emmen is therefore having a busy opening month.
According to Aart Eysink, regional manager of Gold Exchange Office, the high gold price has various causes. “Wars, viruses and uncertain economic conditions are driving up the price. Recently, Evergrand – a major real estate magnate in China – was told that it must pay all creditors. This also causes the price to rise,” says Eysink.
Compared to the previous year, prices are at a historically high level. “Gold once again proves its value as a safe haven and stable investment in uncertain times. Gold rises with inflation and so many people choose it, because you don’t get that on your savings at the bank,” says Eysink. “The purchase of gold coins, jewelry and gold bars from private individuals increased by almost 30 percent in 2023.”
He sees different audiences entering the exchange office. “That is very diverse. One person has invested a lot in gold and comes to cash in, the other may be due to various reasons, such as expensive groceries and the high gas price, but has difficulty making ends meet and decides to sell family heirlooms. Sometimes people sit in front of you crying. There are really distressing cases,” says the regional manager.
In most cases, jewelry is melted down, but can also be resold or auctioned. “Our director is also a sworn auctioneer and we also sell watches, jewelry, diamonds and the like through Catawiki.”