In the early days of gold parties, everyone expected to get rich as quickly as possible. This often led to some unscrupulous practices. Gold party organizers would blanket their community with leaflets or flyers inviting anyone and everyone to come sell their gold. Unsavory individuals with a penchant for crime would come to the parties bringing steel chains that they had painted gold in attempts to sell them for a large gain.

Other criminals would actually lay in waiting, ready to intercept individuals on their way to gold parties and steal the gold. Others would wait until after the parties and spring upon poor folks robbing them of their gold, or their money if they had already sold their gold. It became quite a profitable practice.

It didn't take long for organizers to learn their lessons. Now, gold parties are much more discreet. Usually they're held at the home of a reputable individual and only friends or family are invited.

The parties aren't widely publicized, thus lessening the chance for people to be robbed as a result. There may even be escorts to accompany party-goers to and from the site for protection.

Gold parties appear to have won back their reputations as fun and profitable events. No longer are people nervous about losing their valuables in the process. Instead they can attend confident that they'll be given fair street value for their belongings that they would otherwise be disinterested in keeping. It gives friends a chance to get together and enjoy life.

There are many ways to cash in on your gold. I'm sure you have seen those commercials that tell you to mail in your gold, then they will send you a check for what it is worth. Others offer do-it-yourself packets with materials to help you appraise the gold yourself. There are other companies that offer to send professionals to your home to do the work for you. Which is the best? Different methods work for different people.

Personally, I have had experience with gold parties hosted by women I knew who brought in a professional to appraise my gold. I prefer it this way because I know that a professional will be more accurate than someone who learned the process in a do-it-yourself manual and no prior experience. Granted this is my only experience.

I received a considerable amount for my gold at this party, and so I trust this method. Friends of mine have cashed in their gold in other ways, one sent in her gold through the mail. She got some money but she had no way of knowing, how or why they gave her that amount. In contrast, I was able to ask questions and talk to my appraiser about my gold, point out things she might have missed, or background information that made the gold more valuable.

Another friend has gone to gold parties that were do-it-yourselfers. She expressed to me her doubts, the woman was confused and had to refer to the manual several times for clarification. I feel comfortable with my choice in gold parties!