Before you set out to sell your gold jewelry, make sure to follow these tips to ensure that you get the best value for your cherished pieces. When you keep these items in mind, you will be able to have a better gold-selling experience.
- Know What You Have. Gold jewelry is rarely made from pure gold. Most jewelry in the U.S. is comprised of gold and other alloys. When selling your gold, you will only get paid for the parts that are pure gold. Also, keep up with the price of gold. Check out websites to give you a reference point when comparing offers.
- Carefully Determine Which Pieces to Sell. Don’t act on a whim. Most of your jewelry has some emotional value. Make sure that the sentimental value does not outweigh the price you will receive in return. Sometimes, it is best to consider broken items, outdated items, or incomplete and missing sets of jewelry.
- Find a Reputable Jeweler. Check with the Better Business Bureau or the memberships a business or jeweler may hold, such as with professional organizations. It is also important to see how long they have been buying gold.
- Protect Yourself. Before leaving your jewelry with – or shipping your jewelry to – a potential buyer, document and photograph the pieces. Check the company’s reimbursement policy in the event of a loss. If the value is significant, be sure to get an appraisal first.
- Be Realistic. For most people, selling gold jewelry will not make you rich. However, it might put some extra dollars in your wallet. Remember that you will only get paid for the amount of gold in your jewelry, minus any other processing or refining fees.