How to Get Organized Before Mailing in Jewelry
Jun 2, 2023
{
"Title": "How to Get Organized Before Mailing in Jewelry: Step-by-Step Guide with Checklists",
"Date": "06/02/23",
"Content": "
Preparing to Mail Precious Metals Safely and Confidently
\n\n
Many people discover broken or outdated gold, silver, or coin collections tucked away in drawers and boxes. Mailing in unwanted jewelry, coins, flatware, or even dental gold is a safe option when done correctly—but organization before mailing makes all the difference. Clear photos, accurate weights, and simple records help you stay in control and ensure you get fair payment. This guide explains in plain language how to get organized, test, weigh, sort, and prepare items for secure shipping, complete with practical checklists.
\n\n
Step 1: Identify Your Items Clearly
\n\n
Before mailing jewelry or coins, make sure you know what you have. Even if you are not an expert, a few simple tools and techniques will help you separate valuable pieces from costume or non-precious ones.
\n\n
Check for Stamps and Hallmarks
\n
\n
Gold: Look for karat stamps such as 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K. These indicate the gold purity level.
\n
Silver: Look for marks like 925, sterling, or .925, which signal 92.5% silver content. Other common marks include 800 or coin silver levels.
\n
Coins: Check U.S. Mint and foreign coin composition charts (U.S. Mint resource) to confirm silver or gold content.
\n
\n\n
Simple Tests at Home
\n
\n
Magnet test: Precious metals are not magnetic. If a magnet attracts the piece strongly, it is likely not solid gold or silver.
\n
Visual check: Look for worn spots showing different metal underneath, which may suggest plating.
\n
Acid or electronic testers: Inexpensive kits or devices can confirm purity, though final testing is often done by the receiving company.
\n
\n\n
Special Note on Dental Gold
\n
Dental gold may appear as crowns, bridges, or caps. Typical dental gold ranges from 16K to 22K. Before mailing:
\n
\n
Rinse gently with soap and water.
\n
Do not attempt to remove porcelain or steel components yourself unless they separate easily.
\n
Place all dental scraps together in a small envelope to avoid losing pieces.
\n
\n\n
Step 2: Weigh and Record
\n\n
Weighing jewelry in grams provides an essential reference. Most buyers pay by melt value, so knowing approximately what you have keeps you informed.
\n\n
\n
Use a digital pocket scale that measures in grams. Accuracy to at least 0.1 gram is ideal. (See NIST resources on measurement.)
\n
Weigh items after sorting by type (10K vs 14K gold, sterling silver vs plated).
\n
Note the weights in a simple chart or notebook.
\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Category | Weight (grams) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
14K gold jewelry | 25.3 g | Broken chain, two rings |
Sterling silver flatware | 110.4 g | 4 spoons, 3 forks |
Dental gold scraps | 6.2 g | 3 crowns |
\n\n
Understanding melt value vs offer value: Melt value is based on the current price of pure precious metal multiplied by purity percentage and weight. Buyers often deduct refining, handling, and market risk before making a final offer.
\n\n
Step 3: Photograph and Document
\n\n
Good records protect both you and the buyer. Organized documentation assures that nothing is lost and that payout matches your expectations.
\n\n
\n
Take clear photos: Photograph all items laid out on a flat surface with good lighting. Include close-ups of stamps when possible.
\n
Make notes: Record what each pile contains, weight, and any identifying features.
\n
Optional tools: Consider digital record-keeping tools like GavelBase if you have a large collection.
\n
\n\n
Step 4: Sort and Prepare for Packing
\n\n
\n
Group items by metal type and purity (e.g., keep 10K gold together, 14K gold together, silver separate).
\n
Use small bags or envelopes, labeled with category and weight.
\n
Remove non-metal parts when safe (e.g., stones, clasps) but do not damage the metal if difficult.
\n
\n\n
Step 5: Packing and Mailing
\n\n
Secure packing ensures your valuables arrive safely. Many buyers provide a free tracked and insured mail-in kit that includes a shipping envelope, tamper-evident bag, and prepaid label. If preparing your own package:
\n\n
\n
Double-bag small items to prevent loss.
\n
Place labeled bags inside a padded envelope or box.
\n
Seal securely with strong packing tape.
\n
Mail through a service offering tracking and insurance, such as USPS Registered or Insured Mail.
\n
\n\n
Step 6: Understanding Testing and Offers
\n\n
Once received, professional testing confirms purity and weight. Expect:
\n
\n
Visual inspection: Hallmarks and condition assessed.
\n
Magnet and density tests to rule out fakes.
\n
Acid or electronic testing to verify purity.
\n
Clear, itemized results explained before payout.
\n
\n\n
Step 7: Payment Options
\n\n
Once you accept the offer, payment is issued. Common methods include:
\n
\n
PayPal: Fast, but fees may apply depending on account type.
\n
Venmo: Quick for personal use, with transfer limits.
\n
Zelle: Direct bank-to-bank, usually instant, no fees.
\n
Cash App: Fast and convenient for small transactions.
\n
ACH: Secure bank transfer, typically 1–2 business days.
\n
Check: Reliable, but slower due to mailing time.
\n
\n\n
Step 8: Safety and Record-Keeping
\n\n
Simple organization protects you at every step:
\n
\n
Keep copies of photos, weight records, and package tracking numbers.
\n
Note whom you communicated with and when.
\n
Confirm receipt and payout method in writing.
\n
\n\n
Quick Checklists
\n\n
Before You Pack
\n
\n
✔ Identify karat stamps, hallmarks, and silver marks.
\n
✔ Weigh jewelry in grams and record.
\n
✔ Separate gold, silver, coins, and dental gold.
\n
✔ Photograph everything with clear lighting.
\n
✔ Note details in a chart or notebook.
\n
\n\n
Packing and Mailing
\n
\n
✔ Bag and label each category.
\n
✔ Securely seal padded envelope or box.
\n
✔ Use tracked and insured shipping.
\n
✔ Retain tracking number and receipt.
\n