Safe Ways to Ship Higher Value Pieces
Jul 7, 2023
Practical Guidance for Shipping Precious Metals Securely
When you decide to sell or appraise higher-value items like gold jewelry, dental gold, sterling silver flatware, or collectible coins, one of the biggest questions is how to ship them safely. Ensuring that your package arrives intact, insured, and traceable is just as important as knowing the market value of what you are sending.
Understanding the Risks
Precious metals are small, valuable, and easily misplaced. Proper shipping protects you from common risks: packages being lost, intercepted, damaged, or delayed. A little extra preparation goes a long way toward avoiding unnecessary stress.
Step 1: Document and Record Before You Ship
Photograph each piece before packing, from different angles, ensuring hallmarks, karat stamps (10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K), or silver markings (925, “sterling”) are visible.
Weigh items on a small digital gram scale. Record weights and descriptions (e.g., “14K broken chain, 12 grams”).
List everything you are shipping. Even quick notes help if you need to verify contents later.
Optional but recommended: use a simple digital tool like GavelBase or a spreadsheet for tracking pieces.
Step 2: Sorting and Preparing Items
Before packaging, sort gold, silver, and coins into small, durable bags or containers. Keep small fragments, dental gold, or broken jewelry together so nothing is lost. Remove easily detachable non-metal parts when safe (e.g., plastic or stones with no melt value), but don’t risk damage trying to pry out stones if not confident.
Step 3: The Double-Box Method
A proven way to protect valuables is using the double-box system:
Place items in a small, sturdy box or well-padded envelope (the inner container).
Add padding around this container and seal it into a larger shipping box (the outer container).
Avoid using envelopes that feel lumpy—they can hint at valuables inside.
This reduces the chance of damage or theft and makes the package appear ordinary during shipping.
Step 4: Insuring the Package
Insurance protects you financially in case the package is lost or damaged. For higher-value gold and silver shipments, consider:
USPS Registered Mail: The most secure USPS service, with documented handling. Learn more through the USPS insurance and extra services page.
USPS Priority Mail with Insurance and Tracking: Faster delivery, with coverage for declared value.
FedEx or UPS Insured Shipping: Check each carrier’s policy as coverage for precious metals may vary.
Step 5: Tracking and Chain of Custody
Always track and monitor your package. Save the tracking number, set up text or email alerts, and refresh online tracking to know the status at every stage. Reliable services, like those provided by International Gold & Silver, may consolidate status updates for added peace of mind.
Step 6: Addressing and Labeling
Do not write “gold,” “silver,” or any reference to valuable items on the exterior.
Use a discreet return address and make sure the recipient information is accurate.
Double-check postal codes and confirm the address matches the buyer or appraiser’s instructions.
Step 7: Payment and Confirmation
Once your package is received, the next steps usually include testing and valuation. Modern buyers often provide photos or video of testing using simple acid kits, magnet checks, or electronic testers so you know exactly what was confirmed. After testing, payouts are issued with options like:
Payment Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
PayPal | Fast, familiar, widely used | Small transaction fees apply |
Venmo | Quick peer-to-peer transfer | Receiving limits for new accounts |
Zelle | Almost instant to linked bank | Requires enrollment and compatible bank |
Cash App | Popular and easy for individuals | Daily transaction limits may apply |
ACH Bank Transfer | Direct bank-to-bank, secure | Settlement can take 1-3 days |
Check | Simple record-keeping, physical copy | Slower delivery and clearing |
Safety and Peace of Mind Checklist
[ ] Photographed and listed all contents
[ ] Double-boxed with adequate padding
[ ] Selected an insured mail option
[ ] Written discreet address label
[ ] Saved tracking number
[ ] Requested delivery confirmation and insurance receipts
FAQs
What if I only have a few small gold fragments or dental gold?
Place small fragments in a clearly labeled, sealed bag. Dental gold often comes mixed with porcelain or other materials—pack it as-is without trying to break it down further; professional buyers can separate the precious metal safely.
How much insurance should I buy?
Match insurance to your estimated melt value plus a small buffer. For gold and silver coins, refer to the U.S. Mint’s coin specifications for silver and gold content, then calculate approximate melt value.
Can magnets or acid tests damage my items?
A simple magnet test won’t harm gold or silver. Acid tests can leave small marks, so preliminary testing is often better left to professionals unless you’re comfortable with the process.
Conclusion
Shipping higher-value gold and silver items does not have to be stressful. With good preparation—photos, weighing, careful double-boxing, proper insurance, and reliable tracking—you can send your items with peace of mind. Document everything and use insured, discreet shipping for the best results. That way, whether it’s inherited jewelry, coins, or dental gold, you can rest assured your valuables will arrive safely at their destination.