How to buy gold bricks?

I'm curious about the process of purchasing gold bricks. Could you walk me through the steps, from researching reputable dealers to making the actual purchase? Are there any important factors I should consider, such as the current market price of gold or the purity of the bricks? Additionally, how can I ensure that I'm getting a fair deal and that the gold I'm buying is authentic? Lastly, are there any risks associated with investing in gold bricks, and how can I mitigate those risks?