THE VAULT BLOG

Precious Metals Intelligence

Guides, analysis, and strategy for serious gold and silver collectors.

MARKET ANALYSISFEATURED

Platinum vs. Gold in 2026: Is Platinum Undervalued?

Platinum has traded below gold for years despite historically trading above it. Here's an honest look at why, and what it means for collectors considering platinum today.

July 19, 2026·6 min read·Read →
BUYING GUIDE

Best Time to Buy Gold and Silver: Seasonal Patterns and Market Timing Myths

Collectors love debating the 'best' time to buy. Here's what the seasonal data actually shows, and why disciplined accumulation usually beats trying to time the market.

July 17, 2026·7 min read
FUNDAMENTALS

How to Track Precious Metals Purchases Across Multiple Currencies

Buying gold and silver while traveling, or from international dealers, creates a real cost-basis headache. Here's how to track multi-currency purchases without losing accuracy.

July 15, 2026·5 min read
BUYING GUIDE

Numismatic vs. Bullion Coins: What's the Difference and Which Should You Buy?

Bullion coins are valued for their metal content; numismatic coins for rarity and condition. Confusing the two is one of the most expensive mistakes a new collector can make.

July 13, 2026·6 min read
FUNDAMENTALS

Silver Stacking 101: A Beginner's Guide to Building a Silver Position

Silver's low entry cost makes it the most accessible way to start collecting precious metals. Here's how experienced stackers actually approach building a silver position from scratch.

July 11, 2026·7 min read
OWNERSHIP

How to Insure Your Precious Metals Collection (And What Most Policies Miss)

Homeowner's insurance usually caps precious metals coverage far below what collectors actually own. Learn what's covered, what isn't, and how proper documentation makes a claim possible.

July 9, 2026·6 min read
FUNDAMENTALS

Troy Ounce vs. Gram vs. Tola: The Complete Precious Metals Weight Conversion Guide

Precious metals are quoted in troy ounces, grams, and tolas depending on the market. Use this reference to convert accurately and avoid the single most common bullion math mistake.

July 7, 2026·5 min read
BUYING GUIDE

Sovereign Gold Bonds vs. Physical Gold: Complete Comparison

Sovereign Gold Bonds offer interest and no storage risk, but physical gold offers instant liquidity and true ownership. Compare both to decide what belongs in your collection.

July 5, 2026·6 min read
FUNDAMENTALS

How Much Gold and Silver Should You Own? A Portfolio Allocation Guide

There's no single right answer, but there are well-reasoned ranges. Learn how collectors and financial advisors think about precious metals allocation as a percentage of net worth.

July 3, 2026·7 min read
BUYING GUIDE

How to Verify a Gold or Silver Dealer's Price Is Fair (Premium Calculator Guide)

Every bullion dealer charges a premium over spot price — the question is whether it's fair. Learn how to calculate dealer premiums and spot overpriced listings before you buy.

July 1, 2026·6 min read
FUNDAMENTALS

How to Calculate Your Gold Cost Basis (And Why It Matters)

Cost basis is the foundation of any serious precious metals portfolio. Learn how to calculate it correctly, avoid common mistakes, and track it automatically.

June 28, 2026·7 min read
STRATEGY

Gold vs Silver: Which Precious Metal Should You Buy in 2026?

Gold and silver serve different roles in a physical metals portfolio. Here's a data-driven breakdown of the key differences and how to decide which to prioritise.

June 20, 2026·9 min read
ANALYSIS

The Gold/Silver Ratio Explained: How to Use It to Time Your Stack

The gold/silver ratio is one of the most useful signals in precious metals investing. Learn what it means, how to read it, and how serious collectors use it.

June 14, 2026·6 min read
BEST PRACTICES

How to Document Your Physical Gold Collection (The Right Way)

Proper documentation protects your collection from theft, simplifies insurance claims, and ensures your heirs know exactly what you own. Here's the complete guide.

June 8, 2026·8 min read
BEGINNERS

Beginner's Complete Guide to Physical Gold and Silver Investing

Starting your precious metals journey? This guide covers everything: why physical metals, what to buy first, where to buy it, and how to track your growing portfolio.

May 30, 2026·12 min read
REGIONAL GUIDE

Gold Price in India: Understanding XAU/INR for Indian Collectors

India is the world's second-largest gold consumer. Here's how XAU/INR pricing works, why Indian gold prices differ from international spot, and how to track your portfolio in rupees.

May 22, 2026·7 min read
BUYING GUIDE

APMEX vs JM Bullion vs Kitco: Best Online Bullion Dealers Compared

The three biggest US online bullion dealers each have different strengths. Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose where to buy your next gold or silver purchase.

May 15, 2026·8 min read
STRATEGY

Dollar-Cost Averaging Precious Metals: A Practical Strategy with Price Alerts

DCA is the most reliable strategy for building a physical metals portfolio without the stress of market timing. Here's how to set it up systematically, combined with price alerts.

May 8, 2026·7 min read
ESTATE PLANNING

Precious Metals and Generational Wealth: A Complete Estate Planning Guide

Physical gold and silver are ideal generational wealth assets — but only if your heirs know what you have, where it is, and how to value it. This guide covers everything.

April 28, 2026·9 min read
EDUCATION

Gold Purity Explained: 24K vs 22K vs 18K — What Every Buyer Needs to Know

Gold purity (24K, 22K, 18K, 999, 916) affects price, durability, and investment value. This complete guide explains what the numbers mean and which purity to buy for your goals.

April 18, 2026·7 min read
ADVANCED

Platinum, Palladium & Copper: Are Minor Precious Metals Worth Collecting?

Gold and silver get all the attention, but platinum, palladium, and copper have unique investment cases. Here's an honest assessment of each as collectible metals.

April 8, 2026·8 min read