How to Mail in Jewelry Safely for Evaluation
Jun 10, 2023
{
"Title": "How to Mail in Jewelry Safely for Evaluation: Secure Packing, Insured Shipping, and Tracking Explained",
"Date": "06/10/23",
"Content": "
Safe and Simple Guide to Mailing Jewelry for Evaluation
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Many people find themselves with unwanted or broken gold jewelry, silver flatware, dental gold, or old coins containing precious metals. If you are considering mailing your items to a trusted buyer for evaluation, you may feel uncertain about how to protect your valuables during transit. This guide explains, step by step, how to identify, sort, pack, and ship jewelry or other precious metal items using safe methods. It also covers what to expect once your items are received — including testing, reporting, and payment options.
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Step 1: Identify and Sort Your Precious Metals
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Before mailing items, try to separate them by type and hallmark. Clear identification helps you understand value and protect against mistakes.
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Gold Identification Basics
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Karat Stamps: Look for numbers like 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K, often marked inside rings or on clasps. These indicate gold purity.
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Hallmarks: Some jewelry has marks such as “750” (18K) or “417” (10K). Reference guides from the Gemological Institute of America explain these further.
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Magnet Test: Gold is not magnetic. If a strong magnet attracts an item, it may be plated or non-gold.
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Visual Clues: Worn areas that show a different metal below suggest plating.
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Silver Identification Basics
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Numeric Marks: \"925,\" \"Sterling,\" or \"Ster\" indicate sterling silver (92.5% silver content).
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Other Marks: \"800\" or \"835\" suggest coin silver or European standards.
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Plating: Items marked \"EPNS\" (Electroplated Nickel Silver) or \"Silverplate\" are not solid silver.
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Dental Gold
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Dental crowns, bridges, and fillings are often gold alloys of 10K to 18K. They may contain porcelain or steel as well. If possible, gently separate removable non-gold parts, but do not risk injury — buyers evaluate mixed materials correctly.
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Step 2: Weighing and Understanding Value
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Value is primarily based on weight and purity. Weigh individual lots using a digital scale that measures in grams (the National Institute of Standards and Technology provides measurement information). Note each lot’s weight and karat/hallmark.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Metal | Common Hallmarks | Typical Purity |
|---|---|---|
Gold Jewelry | 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K | 41.7%–91.6% |
Dental Gold | Varies, often unstamped | Approx. 40%–75% |
Sterling Silver | 925, Sterling | 92.5% |
Coin Silver | 900, 800 | 80%–90% |
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Melt Value vs. Resale: Melt value is the raw metal value based on purity and weight. Final offers may be slightly lower because buyers account for refining, handling, and market changes.
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Step 3: Preparing Items for Mailing
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Careful preparation ensures your items are safe during shipping and easily evaluated at the destination.
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Sorting and Labeling
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Group similar karats of gold together.
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Bag tiny fragments (like earring backs) in small plastic bags.
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Label each bag with a short description: “14K scrap, 8 grams.”
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Packing Checklist
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Use small, sealable plastic bags for each type of metal.
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Cushion items with bubble wrap or padded envelopes to prevent shifting.
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Place all bagged items in a sturdy box or prepaid mailer kit.
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Remove unnecessary personal items (jewelry boxes, cases).
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Step 4: Choosing a Secure Shipping Method
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Use a trackable, insured method when mailing jewelry or precious metals.
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Insured Shipping Options
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USPS Registered Mail: The most secure method, with detailed tracking and insurance up to $50,000. See USPS insurance options.
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USPS Priority Mail Express: Faster than Registered Mail, with tracking and insurance (limits may apply).
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FedEx and UPS: Offer insurance and tracking, but check limits for jewelry shipments.
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Tip: Do not label packages with words like “gold” or “jewelry.” Use plain packaging for security.
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Step 5: Tracking, Testing, and Payment
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Tracking Your Shipment
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Save your receipt and tracking number. Many services allow you to sign up for automatic text or email updates. Chain of custody is important: it shows where the package is at each stage.
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Testing at Destination
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Once received, items are tested using common methods such as:
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Electronic Testing: Devices measure electrical conductivity to verify purity.
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Acid Tests: Safe drops of acid indicate gold purity based on color change.
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X-ray Fluorescence (XRF): Non-destructive analysis of metal composition.
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Expect a clear report showing karat, weight, and payout value for each lot.
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Payment Methods Explained
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Typical payout options include:
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PayPal: Fast deposit, small transaction fee.
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Venmo: Quick transfer, easy mobile access.
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Zelle: Bank-to-bank, usually instant, no added fees.
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Cash App: Simple mobile transfer; may have limits on large sums.
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ACH Transfer: Direct deposit, usually 1–2 business days.
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Check: Mailed for those who prefer a paper record.
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Step 6: Keep Records and Stay Organized
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Create a folder for photos, weights, and notes before shipment. Snap clear pictures of each lot. Simple spreadsheets or a lightweight inventory tool like GavelBase can help track what you mailed and what you were paid.
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Quick FAQ
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\n How can I tell if gold is real?\n
Check for karat stamps, use a magnet, and look for color consistency. Buyers confirm using acid or electronic testing.
\n\n What is dental gold worth?\n
Dental gold is usually 10K–18K. The value depends on purity and weight minus non-gold parts.
\n\n Is sterling more valuable than plated silver?\n
Yes. Sterling is solid silver (92.5%), while plating has only a thin silver coating.
\n\n What if my package gets lost?\n
Use insured, tracked methods like USPS Registered Mail. Insurance can cover declared value if lost.
\n\n How fast will I get paid?\n
Once items are received and