How to Remove Stones Before Selling Jewelry

Practical Guidance for Jewelry Owners

Many people who want to sell old or broken jewelry face one common question: should they remove stones before sending their items to a buyer, or leave them in place? The answer depends on the type of stones, the jewelry setting, and the rules of the buyer or refinery. This guide explains what to consider, how to handle stones, and how to track your items for safety.

Step 1: Understand Why Stones Matter

Most gold and silver buyers pay only for the precious metal content. That means diamonds, rubies, sapphires, or even glass pieces don’t add value in their estimate, unless the buyer specifically accepts certain gemstones. Because stones can shift weight, identifying whether to remove them saves both time and confusion later.

Step 2: Check Buyer Requirements

• Some buyers automatically remove and discard stones during their testing and melting process.

• Others will return larger stones on request, but small ones may be unrecoverable.

• A clear policy is important—if it’s not stated, ask in writing before sending items.

Step 3: Decide Whether to Remove Stones Yourself

If you have larger stones you want to keep, you can either remove them or ask a jeweler to assist. Tiny chips often aren’t worth the effort or risk of damaging the setting. Safe removal also depends on whether stones are prong-set, glued, or bezel-set.

Safe Removal Tips

• Use the right tools: Small jeweler’s screwdrivers, pliers, or prong lifters work best. Avoid improvised tools which can cause injury.

• Work slowly: Apply gentle pressure on prongs or bezels. For glued stones, use a little heat from warm (not boiling) water to soften adhesive, then carefully peel away.

• Consider professional help: Stones with sentimental or market value should be removed by a jeweler. This reduces the chance of cracking them.

Step 4: Sort and Separate

After removing stones, place them in small labeled bags or boxes. This makes it easy to keep stones for later uses, like resetting them into new jewelry pieces or passing them on as keepsakes.

Step 5: Prepare Jewelry for Mailing

• Remove loose non-metal parts: Pieces of plastic, beads, or backing should be taken off when possible.

• Keep small fragments together: Use small envelopes or bags to prevent loss.

• Label jewelry by type: For example, “10K gold ring, stones removed” or “Sterling chain.”

Step 6: Track Everything You Send

Keeping accurate records avoids disputes and protects your investment. Take photos of each piece with and without stones. Write down weights in grams using a household scale. Having a log also creates peace of mind if multiple pieces are mailed in one package.

Simple Tracking Tools

• Spreadsheets work well for listing descriptions, weights, and notes.

• A dedicated app or database like GavelBase can store records and photos in one place.

• Always keep a personal copy separate from what you send.

Step 7: Ship Safely and Insure Properly

Use a secure shipping provider. For high-value items, USPS Registered Mail with insurance is widely regarded as the safest option. Pack jewelry in padded envelopes or small boxes, then place that package inside a stronger outer box. Always get a tracking number so you can follow progress until delivery is confirmed.

Step 8: Expect the Testing Process

Buyers will typically remove any remaining stones before weighing metals. Methods like acid testing, magnets, or electronic testers are used to verify karat purity and silver content. Don’t be surprised if stones are no longer attached when jewelry is returned or melted.

Step 9: Get Paid

Common payment options include:

FAQs

• Should I remove cheap stones? Usually not necessary, unless you want to reuse them. They often add little value.

• Can I send jewelry with stones still attached? Yes. Just know they may be removed and not returned if the buyer only wants metal.

• What about dental gold with porcelain attached? You don’t need to remove porcelain, but you can separate easily detachable non-metal matter for cleaner weight.

Checklists

Before Sending

• Decide if you want to keep stones.

• Photograph each item.

• Weigh in grams and note measurements.

• Bag and label items clearly.

• Record details in your log or system.

Packing & Shipping

• Use small padded bags or containers inside a box.

• Ship with tracking and insurance.

• Keep your log and tracking number handy.

By carefully deciding on stone removal, tracking your items, and preparing jewelry for mailing, you’ll protect yourself and make the selling process smoother and more transparent. Taking these steps helps ensure you receive accurate value for the gold or silver you’re sending.