Gold fascinates, reassures and spans the centuries without losing its symbolic and financial value. In times of economic uncertainty, it once again becomes a natural refuge, attracting investors and private individuals alike in search of stability. For decades, its price has fluctuated in response to geopolitical tensions, inflation, interest rates and major monetary decisions. Yet one constant remains: gold retains its intrinsic value over the long term.

At a time when markets are more volatile than ever, investing in physical gold is for many a common-sense strategy, provided you know what you're doing.

This guide has been designed to meet that need for clarity. The world of physical gold is vast, and full of subtleties. A poorly prepared investment can quickly turn into a bad deal. Conversely, a well-structured, well-informed approach can make gold a real asset.

We have divided this guide into eight chapters, each focusing on a key stage in your investment journey:

• THE FIRST CHAPTER, "KNOWING PHYSICAL GOLD", lays the foundations: what is gold as a precious metal, what are its chemical properties, what makes it so rare and precious? You'll also discover how gold has been used over the centuries, in art, as currency and by different civilizations. Finally, you'll discover which type of gold, between physical gold and paper gold, best suits your investment strategy.

CHAPTER TWO, "GOLDEN LINGOTS AND LINGOTINS", gets down to the nitty-gritty. What makes a good ingot? What distinguishes an investment bullion from a more affordable bullion?

• In THE THIRD CHAPTER, "GOLDEN INVESTMENT PIECES", we explore a more accessible and often more dynamic market: that of coins. Krugerrand, Napoleon, Maple Leaf... each coin has its advantages, and its premiums. This chapter will help you make the right choices for your objectives.

CHAPTER FOUR, "GOLDEN INVESTMENT PRODUCTS", answers the question: what should I choose between gold coins and bullion?

• THE FIFTH CHAPTER, "INVESTING IN GOLD", guides you step by step in building your strategy. How much to allocate? When to buy? How can gold be integrated into a long-term investment strategy? What mechanisms influence the price of gold? What are the best buying strategies? What do I need to watch out for to avoid counterfeiting? And how to buy and store gold safely.

But investing also means knowing how to resell, which is the subject of CHAPTER SIX, "RESELLING GOLD", which teaches you how to choose the right moment, compare offers and master administrative and tax procedures.

• THE LAST CHAPTER is for those who already own gold in the form of jewelry. It teaches you how to recognize the true value of your possessions, beyond their appearance. "SELLING YOUR GOLDEN JEWELRY" gives you the keys to avoiding the pitfalls of low-priced buybacks, and negotiating the fairest deal possible.

The aim of this guide is to provide clear, concrete and realistic pointers to help you make informed choices. Gold is not a miracle investment, but when used properly, it can become a strategic ally. Now it's up to you to find out how.