What is Gold? (Updated for 2025)

This article has been reviewed and updated for 2025.

Gold remains one of the most trusted stores of value in the world. But what exactly is gold, why is it so valuable, and how can it fit into your investment portfolio in 2025?

This expert guide from GoldCore shows you everything you need to know from the physical properties of gold through to how to buy and store gold bullion.

Whether you're investing for the first time or looking to protect your wealth, this guide to gold is a perfect place for you to begin.

What is Gold?

Gold is a naturally occurring precious metal, known for its softness, brilliant luster, and resistance to corrosion. These are each traits that make it ideal for both decorative and durable applications. For thousands of years, people across cultures have used gold for trade, ornamentation, and wealth preservation.

Gold has proven itself as a dependable asset for millennia. It resists rust and decay and retains its worth even when financial institutions or governments become unstable. It has shown to preserve wealth over hundreds of years and this is why it is often referred to as a safe-haven asset.

Today, central banks and investors across the globe continue to hold gold to reinforce their financial security. Although gold is no longer tied to currency systems (such as the Gold Standard), its role remains strong. In long-term periods of inflation, crisis, or market volatility, gold tends to not only retain or even increase its worth, as well as protect the value of portfolios. In such times, people turn to gold as a reliable way to protect their wealth.

One of the most important aspects to owning gold is it ability to hold worldwide trust. Recognised and accepted nearly everywhere, gold can be exchanged globally, making it a truly versatile asset.

What is Gold Bullion?

When people discuss investing in gold, they’re usually referring to gold bullion. This is gold in its purest, investment-grade form, typically 99.5% purity or higher.

Gold bullion is available as bars or coins like the popular American Gold Eagle and British Gold Sovereign. Bars come in various sizes and are either cast or minted. National mints produce coins and often include detailed designs. Importantly, investors value both bars and coins for their gold content, not their appearance.

Many people confuse gold jewellery or ornaments with gold bullion, but these are fundamentally different. Jewellers make jewellery, which often includes added design costs and lower gold purity. They are no investments. In contrast, refiners produce gold bullion with high purity levels, specifically for investment and long-term value storage.

If you're new to the market, understanding this difference is crucial before making any purchases.

What are Gold Bars and Gold Coins?

What are gold bars? A gold bar is a solid block of gold with a purity of at least 99.5%. They are supplied by sovereign mints and private refineries and come in various weights and sizes. Larger gold bars are cast by pouring molten gold into a mould, and smaller ones are minted with heavy machinery.

Who Buys Gold and Why?

Gold appeals to a wide range of people.

Central banks hold large reserves of gold to protect national financial stability. The US, Germany, and France are among the biggest government holders.

Private investors and everyday savers are also major buyers. In countries like India, gold holds cultural and ceremonial importance. Investors in the West often use gold to hedge against inflation and strengthen their investment portfolios.

Even if you're not a financial expert, gold can be a strong foundation for your long-term savings.

Is Gold Still a Good Investment in 2025?

With global economies feeling uncertain, many investors want assets they can trust. This is why they are increasingly turning back to physical gold.

Gold continues to be one of the few investments that offer both peace of mind and practical protection. It has no counterparty risk, meaning you own it directly. It also performs well when other markets fall, which helps to balance your portfolio.

Most experts suggest:

Holding 5% to 10% of your portfolio in gold bullion.
Thinking long-term, rather than trying to time the market.

Is it Safe to Buy Gold Online?

Yes, provided you work with a reputable gold dealer. Seek providers who:

Offer fully insured, allocated storage options
Are transparent about fees and premiums
Have a long track record and verified customer reviews. GoldCore is one such trusted dealer, with over $1 billion in transactions and thousands of satisfied clients worldwide.
Offer a ‘Buy-Back Guarantee’

Speak to GoldCore today to find out how we can offer all of these services, to all clients.

What’s the Best Way to Invest in Gold in 2025?

While we can't offer a one-size-fits-all answer, a well-rounded gold investment strategy typically includes:

Holding physical gold bullion (gold bars or gold coins)
Using a monthly savings plan like GoldSaver
Storing gold in a secure, independent and insured vault. This approach balances accessibility, affordability, and long-term value preservation.

Buying Gold with GoldCore

Investing in gold is straightforward with GoldCore. You can open an account online, provide identification, and begin purchasing investment-grade bullion within minutes.

Choose from physical bars or coins and store your gold securely in our world-class vaults across Ireland, the UK, Zurich, or Singapore. If you prefer, you can also take delivery directly to your home.

You can fund your account by bank transfer or debit/credit card, and our team is always available to assist.

See our live gold price chart for up-to-date pricing and historical trends.

Your GoldCore Account Options

GoldCore offers a variety of account types to match your financial goals. You can open multiple accounts in different currencies if needed.

Personal Account: Ideal for individuals looking to buy, sell, store, or take delivery of gold.
Joint Account: Suitable for two or more people, with options for single or dual signature access.
Corporate/Trust Account: Designed for businesses, charities, and trusts. Set up requires documentation and a designated representative.
Pension Account: Use this account for approved pension investments. Please note: you cannot take delivery of gold in a pension account until retirement.
GoldSaver Account: A flexible monthly savings plan. Save a set amount in gold each month for at least 12 months. After that, continue saving or convert to allocated gold (charges may apply).

To open an account, you’ll need:

A valid ID (e.g., passport)
Proof of address (e.g., recent utility bill)
A bank transfer or debit/credit card to fund your account
Once funded, you're ready to start investing in gold.

Is It a Good Time to Buy Gold?

Trying to perfectly time the market is nearly impossible; and that goes for gold, stocks, property, or any other asset. But the good news is: investing in gold isn’t about timing. It’s about balance, protection, and long-term strategy.

Gold has historically performed well during periods of uncertainty, whether that’s inflation, recessions, or geopolitical tensions. It doesn’t move in the same direction as traditional assets like stocks and bonds, which makes it a powerful portfolio diversifier.

This also becomes evident through an old Wall Street adage, saying that you should hold 10% of your portfolio in gold and hope that it doesn't work. If it doesn't work (i.e. it goes lower) it suggests that risk and uncertainty is low and the other 90% of your portfolio is performing well. Therefore, the most important decision to make is to have some gold in your portfolio.

Where to Buy Safe, Physical Gold Bars and Coins?

It’s not as difficult as you may think. However, you need to do thorough research when deciding where to buy gold. We recommend reading customer testimonials to ensure you're dealing with a reliable trader you can trust.

With over 14,000 clients and over $1 billion in transactions, GoldCore is a prominent choice among precious metal investors. GoldCore is also an affiliate member of the LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) , meaning the bullion you buy from us and the service your receive meets the highest global standards of quality and liquidity.

But don’t just take our word for it. Have a look at what others think about us, here are some of our customers' testimonials.

If you still have any more questions for us, please reach out to our GoldCore Team, they are here to support you - whether you're ready to take the next step or still have questions about gold investment.

Book a free strategy call with one of our experts or open your account online in just a few minutes.

Ireland: +353 (0)1 653 3426
UK: +44 (0)203 086 9200
US: +1 888 381 8130

Open Your GoldCore Account Now →

Frequently Asked Questions About Gold (2025)

What purity is gold bullion?

Gold bullion is typically 99.5% pure or higher, qualifying as investment-grade. The exact purity depends on the bars and coins in question.

Is gold a good investment during inflation?

Yes. Gold has shown to rise in value during long-term inflationary periods and is considered a hedge by many.

Can I sell my gold easily?

Yes. This depends on what type of gold and how you have acquired it. If you have bought investment-grade gold through an LBMA-approved bullion dealers then you will find that the gold market is highly liquid and it can be sold through dealers or back to GoldCore.

Should I buy gold bars or coins?

It depends on your goals. Coins offer liquidity and recognisability, while bars are better for bulk value and storage efficiency.