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Gold Demand Surges as UK rides Recession

24k gold bars and gold coins from LBMA accredited refiner

The recent declaration of a UK economic recession has triggered a notable response in the investment sphere, notably reflecting in The Royal Mint’s report of a significant 22% uptick in daily gold sales last Thursday 15th February 2024.. This sheds light on a substantial shift in investor sentiment.

Market Insights Analyst Commentary

Offering insights, Market Insights Analyst Stuart O’Reilly from The Royal Mint pointed out that the news of the UK recession prompted investors to reassess strategies, leading many to turn to gold as a steadfast safe-haven for preserving wealth. The impending impact on interest rates and inflation fuelled renewed interest in gold, potentially affecting central banks’ monetary policies.

Factors Driving Gold Demand:

O’Reilly underscored several factors behind the surge in gold demand. The possibility of lower interest rates, often viewed favourably for gold, became a significant consideration for investors. Gold’s historical resilience during recessions and economic uncertainty further contributed to the surge. Additionally, geopolitical risks, signs of banking sector turmoil in the US and China, and the potential for central bank gold buying all played roles in driving up demand.

Data from The Royal Mint revealed a trend where investors are turning to gold and precious metals to diversify portfolios and hedge against risks. Notably, Sovereign and Britannia gold bullion coin and bar investment products emerged as preferred choices among investors. An interesting aspect highlighted is that these bullion coins are Capital Gains Tax-exempt for UK residents, providing a unique advantage for investors seeking tax efficiency amid market fluctuations.

Conclusion:

The recent surge in gold demand, as evidenced by The Royal Mint’s data, depicts investors actively seeking stability in uncertain times. Gold’s enduring appeal as a safe-haven asset is once again underscored as economic conditions prompt a re-evaluation of investment strategies. As the landscape evolves, the precious metal market may continue to be a focal point for investors navigating the complexities of a recessionary environment.

Discover the vast range of gold bullion made easy at jblundells.co.uk. As a trusted and credible gold dealer, we pride ourselves on offering an exceptional customer service and the highest quality of LMBA-approved gold bars and gold coins.

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Gift Gold Bullion This Christmas

The holiday season is a time of joy and giving, and what better way to make it special than by gifting gold bullion? In this blog, we will establish why gifting gold is a brilliant idea for Christmas. Whether you’re considering a unique present for a loved one or exploring investment options, gold bullion shines as a thoughtful and enduring choice. Join us as we explore the timeless allure and benefits of gifting gold this festive season.

Why Gift Gold?


Gifting gold bullion this Christmas brings the timeless appeal of a valuable and enduring present. Gold’s intrinsic worth and long-term investment potential make it a precious gift that stands the test of time. It serves as a symbol of wealth preservation and financial security, while its unique and memorable nature reflects thoughtfulness and care for the recipient’s financial well-being. With its lasting value and universal charm, gifting gold bullion is a brilliant choice for a holiday gift that truly shines.

Choosing Gold Coins


Discover a fantastic selection of gold bullion coins at J. Blundell & Sons, ideal for unforgettable gifts. Our range includes renowned choices like Canadian Maple Leafs and South African Krugerrands, celebrated for their exceptional quality and iconic designs, perfect for special occasions. Furthermore, explore our collection of unique collector’s coins and historical pieces, including Britannia and Sovereign Coins. Whether you seek a classic coin or a one-of-a-kind treasure, J. Blundell & Sons provides the perfect gold bullion gift options for any occasion.

Why Gift Bullion Bars?


Choosing gold bullion bars as gifts offers numerous advantages. These bars are highly valued for their purity and intrinsic worth, making them an elegant and timeless choice. With various sizes available, you can tailor your gift to suit any budget, from personal adornment to display. Their simple design, often featuring weight and purity markings, appeals to those who appreciate classic aesthetics. Additionally, gold bullion bars enjoy global recognition and investment potential, promising long-term growth along with sentimental value. Whether customised with engravings or presented in their purest form, gold bullion bars make universally cherished gifts suitable for the holiday season.

Why Choose Bullion over other gifts?


Gifting gold is an appealing choice over usual gifts for several reasons. Gold holds its value over time, making it a lasting present. It appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds, thanks to its universal charm. Gold’s timeless beauty ensures your gift remains stylish. It often carries sentimental meaning, symbolizing love or milestones. You can customize gold gifts, adding a personal touch. Additionally, gold can serve as a form of savings.

Overall, gifting gold offers a combination of beauty, sentiment, and financial potential that sets it apart from other gift ideas. Take a look at our exceptional range this season and take advantage of Free UK delivery plus Free fully insured delivery to your door.

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The Importance of LBMA Accreditation and Buying 24k Gold Bars

24k gold bars and gold coins from LBMA accredited refiner

When it comes to investing in precious metals, the quality and authenticity of the product are critical. This is where the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) comes into play. In this guide, we’ll delve into the importance of LBMA accreditation and why you should consider buying 24k gold bars from LBMA accredited refiners.

Understanding the LBMA and Its Importance

The LBMA is a highly respected institution in the precious metals market. Membership with the LBMA provides credibility and recognition in the global market, meaning that the refiner meets the high standards set by the LBMA.

Why Buy from LBMA Approved Refiners

Purchasing gold bars from LBMA approved refiners comes with several advantages. They adhere to strict quality and ethical standards, ensuring that the precious metals produced are of high quality and have been sourced responsibly. This reduces the risk of buying counterfeit or substandard products. Regular audits of LBMA approved refiners provide another layer of assurance for buyers.

Different Membership Types with LBMA

The LBMA has different membership types, each with its own set of obligations and requirements. Here’s a quick overview:

Membership TypeDescriptionVoting RightsParticipation in LBMA Activities
Market Making MembersObliged to make markets in either gold or silver, or both.YesCan nominate individuals to serve on the Board.
Full MembersEngaged in activities closely related to the London bullion market but are not market makers.YesCan participate in LBMA committees and working groups.
Associate MembersEngaged in activities related to the London bullion market but do not qualify for Full Membership.NoCan participate in LBMA committees and working groups.
Affiliate MembersNot closely engaged in the London bullion market but have an interest in the market.NoLimited participation in LBMA activities.

All members have the right to attend general meetings, with varying levels of participation in LBMA activities.

LBMA’s Responsible Sourcing Programme

The LBMA’s Responsible Sourcing Programme ensures the continuous improvement of responsible sourcing business practices. It reassures clients that all of the metal sourced from LBMA Good Delivery Refiners is free from threat financing. The programme focuses on:

  • Value Chain Accountability: Building the awareness, trust, and mutual confidence of stakeholders in the precious metals value chain to increase accountability and enhance collaboration.
  • Advancing Standards: Advancing responsible sourcing standards and business practices to strengthen refiners’ risk assessment practices and provide more focus on progressive risk mitigation.
  • Audit Programme: Strengthening the robustness of Step 4 of the Responsible Sourcing Programme to improve confidence in the assurance process.
  • Transparency: Enhancing disclosure against Step 5 of the Responsible Sourcing Programme to improve the transparency of the precious metals supply chain.
  • Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (ASM): Encouraging and facilitating responsible engagement by refiners in the precious metal supply chains of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining.

Choosing the Right 24k Gold Bars for Investment

When it comes to choosing the best gold bars to buy for investment, consider the purity of the gold. 24k gold bars are the purest form of gold you can buy. They are a great investment option as they hold intrinsic value and are highly liquid. When purchasing, look for LBMA accredited refiners to ensure the quality and authenticity of the gold bars.

In conclusion, buying gold and silver bars from LBMA accredited refiners is a smart move for any investor. It ensures the quality of your investment and provides peace of mind knowing that your precious metals have been sourced responsibly. At JBlundells, we only sell gold and silver bullion from full members with LBMA accreditation, such as the Royal Mint and Metalor. Remember, understanding the importance of LBMA accreditation is key to making informed investment decisions.

LBMA accredited refiner
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Advanced Security on Metalor 1000gm Gold Bars

In the realm of gold investment, one name that has stood the test of time is Metalor. Renowned worldwide for the quality of their gold bars, they offer some of the most secure investment options on the market. This post explains the innovative security features of Metalor’s 1000gm gold bars and their significance to asset protection.

Metalor – A Trusted Name in Gold

Metalor is a Swiss-based global leader in precious metals, known for its high quality gold bars. They continue to set industry standards, particularly in the area of bullion security features.

Investing in Metalor 1000gm Gold Bars

Investors in the UK and across the globe prefer Metalor 1 kilo gold bars. Investors celebrate these bars for their unique safety and physical sense of wealth and security.

Metalor’s Response to Counterfeit Gold Bars

The precious metals market has seen a rise in counterfeit and fake kilobars, tarnishing its reputation. To restore trust and integrity, Metalor, in collaboration with SICPA, developed a technology-based security feature, BullionProtect®. This high-security ink solution applied directly to the bullion ensures its authenticity.

BullionProtect® – An Innovative Security Solution

BullionProtect® empowers all parties in the supply chain to confirm the authenticity of precious metal products on three levels:

  1. Certification: A standard certificate accompanies the bar that matches serial number indented on the bar. These are not reprinted by the company and only come from headquarters.
  2. Quick verification: A blinking light system or validator provides rapid validation. For instance, with a credit-card sized validator, a hundred kilobars can be checked in less than a minute.
  3. QR code verification: Each bar comes with a unique QR code embedded in the seal, readable by any smartphone.

Metalor Check – An Essential Tool for Bar Owners

With the Metalor Check iOS application, bar owners can easily authenticate their Metalor gold bar and access detailed information about it, including production date, location, purity, and specifications.

Respecting Your Privacy

Privacy is a priority for Metalor. When you use the Metalor Check application, it doesn’t take or send any picture of the bar, and it doesn’t share any of your personal data To download it, visit the Apple Store from your device.

Adopted Globally

Several LBMA Good Delivery refiners embrace BullionProtect® due to its compatibility with existing and future security measures. The seal, robust and unremovable, further strengthens the security.

To conclude, Metalor designs the advanced security features of their 1000gm gold bars to provide you with a secure investment experience. Every bar has an indented serial number that matches with the number on the provided paper certificate, further ensuring the authenticity of your precious metal investment.

References: [1] https://metalor.com/banks-traders-investment/bullionprotect/ [2] https://metalor.com/banks-traders-investment/bullion-investment-products/cast-bars/

Consider Metalor 1000gm gold bars for your next investment to secure your wealth with advanced security features. Jblundell and Sons LTD is official reseller of Metalor Silver and Gold Bars. All images are credited to Metalor.com

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Do I have to pay Capital Gains Tax on Gold in the UK ?

Gold is considered a “tax-free” investment in the United Kingdom. This means you don’t have to pay capital gains tax (CGT) on any profits you make from buying and selling Gold. There are some exceptions to this rule, which we will discuss in more detail below. 

When CGT is Applicable 

There are two main situations when CGT becomes applicable to gold investments in the UK. The first is when you sell gold coins that are considered to be “collectable.” These coins are worth more than their intrinsic value because of their rarity, condition, or history. For example, some old gold coins may be considered collectable because of their age or because they were once used as currency. 

The second situation when CGT may be applicable is if you use your Gold as collateral for a loan. If you default on the loan and the lender sells your gold to recoup their losses, any profits they make from the sale will be subject to CGT. 

Capital Gains Tax is exempt on all British legal currency, including Gold Sovereigns and Gold Britannia coins. 

How Much CGT Do I Pay? 

The amount of CGT you pay depends on your income tax bracket. You can work out your Capital Gains Tax Rates here. In the UK, there are two rates of CGT: 18% and 28%. You will pay 18% CGT on your profits if you are a basic rate taxpayer. You will pay 28% CGT on your profits if you are a higher-rate taxpayer. It’s important to note that CGT is only payable on profits above the annual exempt amount, which is currently £12,300 per year. This means that if your total profits from asset sales do not exceed this amount, you will not have to pay any CGT. 


It is the responsibility of the individual investor to declare any Capital Gains Tax that might be due. In most cases, you will not have to pay capital gains tax on your Gold investments in the UK.

If you are looking to purchase Gold coins and aren’t sure if you will have to pay CGT, call us, and we can advise you further. 

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When is the Best Time to Buy Gold?

Many people view Gold as a safe investment, especially during economic uncertainty. This precious metal has been used as a form of currency for centuries; its value has only increased over time. So, when is the best time to buy Gold?

There are a few things to consider before making any investments, including the current state of the economy and your personal financial goals. In addition, Gold prices can be affected by various factors, including central bank policy, inflation, geopolitical events, and demand from jewellers and other industries. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the events that can impact the price of Gold.

Central Bank Policy 

One of the most important factors that can impact the price of Gold is central bank policy. In recent years, central banks worldwide have increasingly turned to Gold as a reserve asset. This means they are buying more Gold to hold onto their balance sheets. 

The central banks’ demand for Gold affects the supply and demand in the market, which in turn impacts the price. When central banks buy Gold, it takes it off the market and increases the cost. On the other hand, when they sell Gold, it adds to the supply and puts downward pressure on prices. 

Inflation 

Another factor that can impact gold prices is inflation. When inflation goes up, so does the price of Gold because it retains its value better than other assets such as stocks or bonds. So investors turn to assets like Gold that will hold their value better over time.

Geopolitical Events 

Geopolitical events can also have an impact on gold prices. For example, tensions in North Korea or trade disputes between the U.S. and China can cause investors to flock to safe-haven assets like Gold. When there is uncertainty in the markets, investors tend to move their money into assets that are seen as being more stable. 

Covid 19

The pandemic caused Gold prices to increase by more than 25%. In the past, Gold prices had been relatively stable, but the outbreak of Covid-19 led to a sharp increase in demand for the metal. Investment banks and hedge funds bought Gold as a safe haven asset, and central banks also increased their Gold reserves. The increased demand led to a shortage of Gold, and prices continued to rise in the short term. In the long term, however, Gold prices started to return to their pre-pandemic levels as the pandemic subsided and economic activity picked up.

Demand from Jewelers and Other Industries 

Another factor that affects gold prices is demand from jewellers and other industries that use Gold in their products. For example, if there is an increase in demand for wedding rings or cell phones, this will lead to higher prices for Gold because more businesses will be competing for limited supplies of the precious metal. 

In summary, Gold prices are affected by various factors. Therefore, when considering whether or not to invest in Gold, it’s essential to consider all of these factors before making any decisions.

We are always happy to advise you when you are looking to make your first investment. 

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Gold Investment Tips For Beginners

If you are looking to start investing in Gold, there are a few points to consider before you make your first investment. Gold is a brilliant way of preserving wealth from one generation to another as it has a history of holding its wealth. Its natural scarcity and high production cost are the main reasons it holds value. 

Keeping an eye on the price of Gold 

Keeping an eye on the price of Gold is key. Gold prices are continuously updating; when you are looking to buy Gold, keep an eye out on what is happening in the property and stock exchange markets. Generally, if the other markets are underperforming, then the price of Gold will rise, and many companies and investors will use Gold as their insurance backup. 

With Gold, you have to look at it as a long-term investment. Ideally, you will keep your Gold for many years. Therefore, people buy Gold to have a timeless asset and preserve their wealth to protect them during any financial crisis. 

Different types of Gold investments 

Throughout history, Gold ownership has been reserved for the rich, but we at J Blundell & Sons want to make the ownership of precious metals accessible to everyone. 

There are three main options if you are looking to invest in physical Gold. You can either buy Gold bullion, coins or jewellery. 

In one of our recent blogs, how to invest in Gold, we went into detail about each option and why people choose each option. 

How to keep your Gold investments safe 

Our last blog talked about the three main options for keeping your Gold investments safe and secure. You can either store it at home, in a bullion bank vault or in a safe deposit box/consumer bank. Of course, it is always important to take our appropriate insurance to protect your Gold. 

If you are at the start of your Gold investment journey and would like any advice, you can always give us a call or drop by and see us in Hatton Garden, London.

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How to store your Gold securely. 

In our previous blog, we discussed how to invest in Gold and briefly discussed how to store and insure it. This week we will delve a little deeper into the various ways you can store your Gold securely once you have invested in it. 

There are three main ways you can store your Gold. At home, at the bank or in a secure vault. There are pros and cons for each option which we will discuss below. 

Storing Gold at home

Storing your Gold at home is the cheapest option, but it does come with its risks. If you plan to store at home, you need a home storage plan. It is always a good idea to tell one trusted person where you keep your Gold in your house. 

If you are investing in Gold to protect and preserve your family’s wealth, it is a good idea to tell a trusted family member or friend where you are storing your Gold at home. If you become unwell or have a major accident, you have a trusted person who can get your Gold for you. If more than one person knows where your Gold is stored, then the risk of theft is increased, so it is essential to keep the storage place top secret. 

If you are storing your Gold at home, keeping your Gold investment activity secret would be beneficial, so you don’t become a target. Don’t talk to your friends about your investments or post about investing in Gold on social media. If you have kids, avoid talking to them about your Gold investments, as you don’t know who they are talking to. If you own a large home, drive an expensive car and wear valuable jewellery, you could already be a target for thieves, so it would be better to look at other options for storing your Gold securely. 

If you are storing your Gold at home, it’s essential to take out insurance to cover your Gold in case someone did attempt to steal it. 

Storing Gold in a bullion bank vault 

Storing your Gold in a bullion bank vault is a highly secure option for safekeeping. If you have it in a vault, it remains in your full ownership, and you can keep all of your valuables in one place. You also have the flexibility to sell your Gold or have it delivered to you. Most people who look at storing Gold in vaults are owners of large amounts of Gold; most vaults only accept a minimum of 1,000 oz. 

It costs money to store your Gold inside secure vaults, so that is something to bear in mind when looking for storage options. Also, vault storage usually comes with insurance, so always enquire about it when looking for vaults to store your Gold. 

Bullion bank vaults are usually located in major cities, so this option may not work for you if you live outside a major city. 

Storing Gold in a safe deposit box/consumer bank 

Storing your Gold in a safe deposit box at a local bank is one of the most common storage options. This type of storage is convenient and secure; however, you have to take out your insurance, and you can only access your Gold during the bank’s opening hours. 

A bank like Halifax has three options for safe deposit boxes. The smallest option at £200 per year is perfect for jewellery and Gold coins. The second size, at £325 per year, is ideal for collections of valuables or important documents. Finally, the largest size is £475 per year and is used for single large items such as a valuable Gold bullion bar. 

If you want to invest in Gold, it is crucial to have a well-thought-out storage plan to keep your investment safe and secure. As mentioned above, there are three main ways to store your Gold, it will be down to you to determine which option works best for you, but we can always advise you if you have any further questions. 

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 How To Invest In Gold

Gold has been around for as long as we can remember and has always been a symbol of wealth. People have been investing in Gold since 550BC when Gold was first used as a form of currency. One of the reasons that people invest in Gold is because it is a way of preserving and protecting wealth. 

There are three main options if you are looking to invest in physical Gold. You can either buy Gold bullion, coins or jewellery. Investing in physical Gold has many benefits; it is timeless and offers a safeguard against any turbulence in the financial market. This blog will discuss the three types of physical Gold options in more detail. 

Gold Bullion:

Gold bullion is pure Gold formed into bars or oblong blocks so they can be stored in vaults easily. In the UK, if you buy a Gold Bullion bar with a purity of at least 99.5% (we only sell 99,999% purity bars which are 24ct) then they are investment-grade Gold and VAT-free. If you are buying Gold bullion and storing it at home, you should ensure that you have included it in your home and contents insurance to cover you in case of theft. 

To get protected, you must provide proof of purchase and all relevant documents to validate the insurance. It could be a good idea to store your Gold in a safe deposit box at the bank or with us; it is a much safer way to protect your Gold. 

Gold Coins

Many people decide to invest in Gold coins as they are smaller and, most of the time, more affordable. Gold coins have had a very long history as a currency and hold a lot of value. It can sometimes be better to invest in ten 1oz Gold coins instead of one 10oz Bullion bar so that if you need to sell some of your Gold, you can sell a portion of it and keep the rest rather than having to sell a whole bar. 

The beautiful and intricate designs of the Gold coins are another reason why people invest and collect them. Different coins are available, including The Sovereign and The Britannia. These two coins, in particular, are leger tender in the UK, which means they are exempt from Capital Gains Tax and VAT.

Gold Jewellery 

Buying Gold jewellery is another way for people to invest. People have been buying Gold jewellery for centuries, it is always in high demand. A Gold bracelet can be re-sold quickly for cash and can be transformed into coins or a bar if needed. If you purchase jewellery, it’s essential to make sure that it is authentic and bought from a reliable supplier. Some people accidentally purchase costume Gold jewellery that is being passed off as the real deal and end up getting stung when they find out their investment isn’t worth anything. If you are buying Gold jewellery online, always check that it is Assay Assured verified; you can check here. It is also important to remember that the cost of jewellery is made up of gold cost and the making/manufacturing cost. This cost can be up to 50% of the total price of the jewellery.