Checklist Before Mailing Your Old Jewelry
Jun 20, 2023
{
"Title": "Essential Checklist Before Mailing Your Old Jewelry for Gold & Silver Recycling",
"Date": "06/20/23",
"Content": "
A Practical Guide for Sending Precious Metals Safely
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If you have unwanted gold or silver items—such as broken chains, outdated earrings, dental gold, or sterling flatware—you can turn them into cash by mailing them to a trusted precious metals buyer. Before you drop your package in the mail, there are important steps to follow that protect your valuables and help you receive a fair payment. This checklist walks you through identification, sorting, weighing, photographing, packing, and shipping your items with confidence.
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Step 1: Identify and Sort Your Items
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Start with careful identification. Knowing what you have allows you to estimate potential value and organize your items properly.
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Look for stamps and hallmarks: On gold, these often appear as 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K. For silver, look for \"925,\" \"Sterling,\" or other purity marks.
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Coins: Some U.S. and foreign coins contain silver or gold. For details, check the U.S. Mint specifications.
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Dental gold: Dental crowns, bridges, and inlays are typically 16K to 22K. Remove porcelain or steel parts if possible, but if not, keep them together in a clearly labeled bag.
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Spot plated vs. solid: Items labeled \"GP,\" \"GF,\" or \"HGE\" are plated, not solid gold. These generally have little melt value.
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Basic Home Tests
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Magnet test: Gold and silver are not magnetic. If a piece sticks strongly to a magnet, it’s likely not solid precious metal.
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Visual clues: Look for worn areas where base metal shows through, which often indicates plating.
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Acid test or electronic tester: If you want more certainty, consider a home test kit or have the items checked professionally.
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Step 2: Weigh and Record
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Weight plays a major role in precious metal value. Use a digital pocket scale for best accuracy.
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Weigh in grams: Buyers usually calculate value in grams. Record the weight of each group of items by karat or purity.
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Melt value vs. resale value: The melt value equals the weight of pure gold or silver multiplied by the current market price. Actual offers are lower because of refining costs and non-precious parts (claps, stones, fillers).
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Note stones and non-metal parts: Remove loose or easily detachable stones if you wish, but keep small bits of gold or silver together in a small bag.
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Step 3: Photograph and Document
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Creating a personal record helps protect you and gives peace of mind.
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Spread items out on a plain surface in good lighting.
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Take clear photos from multiple angles.
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Label bags or envelopes by karat or type (\"14K bracelets,\" \"Sterling spoons\").
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Write a simple list noting weight, description, and any distinguishing marks.
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Optional: Use a free organizational tool like GavelBase to track your own inventory.
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Step 4: Pack Securely
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Proper packing matters to ensure nothing is lost in transit.
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Use small resealable bags or coin envelopes for each group of items.
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Place all items in a larger padded envelope or small sturdy box.
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Fill any empty space with packing material to prevent shifting.
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Do not write words like “gold” or “jewelry” on the outside packaging.
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Step 5: Mail With Tracking and Insurance
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A reliable chain of custody is critical when mailing precious metals.
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Most buyers provide a tracked and insured kit, including prepaid shipping and clear instructions.
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If using your own package, consider USPS Registered Mail or insured Priority Mail. These options allow for insurance and detailed tracking.
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Track your package online until it is delivered and signed for.
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Step 6: Understand the Testing and Offer Process
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Buyers usually test items upon arrival. Expect methods like:
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Visual inspection with magnification.
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Acid testing or electronic verification.
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Precise weighing by karat or purity groups.
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Reputable companies, such as International Gold & Silver, provide transparent results showing weight, purity, and payout before you confirm final acceptance.
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Step 7: Choose Your Payment Method
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Options usually include:
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Method | Pros | Cons |
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PayPal | Fast; widely accepted | Small transaction fee may apply |
Venmo | User-friendly app; quick transfer | May have limits on amounts |
Zelle | Direct bank-to-bank; usually no fee | Requires participating bank |
Cash App | Instant transfer to linked account | Limits and fees for instant withdrawals |
ACH Bank Transfer | Secure; direct deposit | Typically 1–3 business days |
Check | Paper record and option to deposit at your pace | Slower delivery; requires a bank visit |
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Final Checklist Before Mailing
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✔ Remove loose gemstones or non-metal parts when safe.
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✔ Separate items by karat or type and place in labeled bags.
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✔ Weigh items and note totals in grams.
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✔ Photograph every item for your records.
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✔ Pack items securely with padding.
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✔ Use tracked and insured shipping.
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✔ Keep copies of weights, notes, and photos until payment is confirmed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What if I can’t remove stones before mailing?
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That’s fine—just note in your list which pieces contain stones. Most buyers deduct stone weight from the payout, but you can request returns of certain items if desired.
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Should I clean my jewelry first?
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It’s unnecessary to clean items before mailing; the value comes from weight and metal content, not shine.
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How soon do I get paid?
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Most mail-in services provide payment within 1–3 business days after you approve the offer, depending on the payment method you select.
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Is mailing safe?
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With tracked, insured shipping and careful packing, mailing jewelry and precious metals is considered a safe and efficient method. For maximum security, review USPS insurance guidelines before mailing.
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Conclusion
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Mailing old jewelry, coins, or dental gold doesn’t have to be stressful when you follow a step