Selling Gold Jewelry Through the Mail Explained

{

"Title": "Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Gold and Silver Jewelry Through the Mail",

"Date": "06/06/23",

"Content": "

Understanding the Mail-In Gold and Silver Selling Process

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If you have old, broken, or unwanted jewelry, dental gold, silver flatware, or coins containing precious metals, you may wonder how to safely and profitably sell them. Mailing in gold and silver is a convenient option, but it helps to understand each stage of the process. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you identify, sort, prepare, ship, and receive payment for your precious metals securely.

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Step 1: Identify Precious Metals

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Before shipping, it’s important to separate real gold and silver from non-precious items. Here are some basics:

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• Karat stamps: Gold items are usually marked with stamps such as 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K. A higher number indicates higher purity.

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• Hallmarks for silver: Sterling silver is often stamped “925,” “STERLING,” or “800.” Coin silver varies by coin type and year—see the U.S. Mint composition charts for details.

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• Plated vs solid: Items marked “GP” (gold-plated), “HGE” (heavy gold electroplate), or “EP” (electroplate) are not solid gold.

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• Magnet test: Gold and silver are not magnetic, though the test is not definitive—base metals may also be non-magnetic.

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• Visual clues: Solid metals tend to be heavier and wear evenly. Plated items often show flaking or color changes at edges.

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Dental Gold

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Dental gold crowns, bridges, or fillings are typically alloyed for durability, usually 10K to 18K. Remove any porcelain or steel portions only if safe to do so; otherwise, keep attached material together so professionals can separate it. When packing, ensure dental gold is sealed inside a small labeled bag.

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Step 2: Weigh and Sort

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Once identified, group metals by type and purity where possible.

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• Weigh in grams: Use a simple digital pocket scale. Grams are the most common measurement in refining and payout calculations. For accuracy, see NIST resources on weights and measures.

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• Sort by karat: 10K, 14K, and 18K should be weighed separately if possible.

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• Keep small pieces: Tiny fragments, broken clasps, and damaged earrings still have value—keep them together in a small bag.

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Understanding value: Buyers calculate payouts based on melt value (the basic value of the precious metal). Market prices vary daily, and actual offers may be below melt value to cover refining costs and handling.

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Step 3: Request a Mail-In Kit

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A typical mail-in system provides a secure kit that includes:

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• Pre-paid, insured shipping envelope or box

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• Instructions and forms to list items sent

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• Tracking number for peace of mind

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An example is International Gold & Silver, which offers a simple online quote form, an insured tracked mailer kit, and clear testing results. While each company differs, the general principle is the same: packaging materials and insurance are provided so you can ship safely.

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Step 4: Pack Items Securely

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To protect your shipment, follow safe packing practices:

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• Place items in small, sturdy plastic bags or wrap in tissue to prevent movement.

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• Group items by type and label them (optional but helpful).

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• Use a padded or rigid mailer box provided in the kit.

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• Take photos of items for your records before sealing the package.

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• Seal using strong packing tape and verify all forms are included.

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Always keep your tracking number. Learn more about USPS insurance and tracking policies when mailing precious metals.

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Step 5: Testing and Evaluation

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After your items arrive at the evaluation facility, trained professionals check them. The testing process often includes:

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• Visual inspection: Confirming hallmarks or stamps.

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• Magnet test: Quick confirmation that items are non-magnetic.

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• Acid test: Small scratch tested with acid to confirm karat.

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• Electronic gold tester: Non-destructive tool measuring metal content.

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You should expect a detailed report showing the weight, karat, and calculated value of each lot.

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Step 6: Receiving an Offer and Payment

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Once testing is complete, you will receive a payout offer. If you accept, payment is sent quickly through one of several methods:

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Step 7: Recordkeeping and Safety

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Before, during, and after the process, keep proper documentation:

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• Photograph items before shipping.

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• Keep a copy of the shipping label and tracking information.

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• Maintain notes on weights, karats, and expected values.

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• Consider using a simple record-keeping tool like GavelBase to organize inventory.

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Quick Checklist

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• ✔ Identify and separate by metal and purity

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• ✔ Weigh items in grams

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• ✔ Request a secure mail-in kit

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• ✔ Pack items securely and photograph them

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• ✔ Ship with insurance and tracking

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• ✔ Review testing results and payout offer

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• ✔ Choose your preferred payment method

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• ✔ Keep documentation for your records

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FAQs

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How do I know if my gold is real?

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Look for karat marks, conduct a magnet test, and consider a simple acid test kit. Final confirmation comes from professional evaluation.

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What is dental gold worth?

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Dental gold is usually 10K–18K and priced based on its actual gold content. Value is calculated by weight minus any porcelain or non-precious parts.

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Should I remove stones before sending?

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If removal is safe and simple, it’s fine to keep the stones. Otherwise, leave them in and the evaluator can weigh the metal separately.

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Is shipping safe?

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When using insured, tracked carriers like USPS Registered Mail or kit-provided FedEx labels, mailing precious metals can be very secure.

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