Simple Tips for Anyone Selling Old Jewelry
Oct 16, 2023
{
"Title": "Simple Tips for Selling Old Jewelry and Precious Metals Safely",
"Date": "10/16/23",
"Content": "
Getting Started with Selling Old Jewelry
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If you have old or unwanted jewelry, dental gold, silver pieces, or coins, you may wonder how to turn them into cash without making mistakes. This guide explains the basics of identifying precious metals, weighing them, preparing shipments, and choosing safe payment options. We focus on clear, step-by-step methods anyone can use.
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Step 1: Identify What You Have
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Before selling, first identify whether your items are truly gold or silver. Common indicators include:
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Karat stamps: Look for marks like 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K for gold. The higher the number, the purer the gold.
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Hallmarks: Silver may be marked “925,” “Sterling,” or similar. Check edges, clasps, and undersides for tiny stamps.
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Magnet test: Precious metals are not magnetic. If a piece sticks strongly to a magnet, it is plated or made from base metal.
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Visual inspection: Wear spots revealing different colors suggest plating rather than solid metal.
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For deeper confirmation, jewelers and professional buyers may perform an acid test or use an electronic tester to confirm purity. These help distinguish between plating and solid material.
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Special Case: Dental Gold
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Dental crowns and bridges often contain real gold, typically between 10K–22K. They often include ceramic, porcelain, or steel parts. If you have dental gold, carefully place it in a small envelope or bag separate from jewelry. Do not attempt to break pieces yourself—just keep them secure. A professional buyer will handle separating non-metal parts safely.
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Step 2: Sorting and Preparing Items
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Sorting helps you stay organized and makes evaluation faster:
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Group by gold karat where visible (10K vs. 14K, etc.).
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Keep silver separate from gold.
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Remove obvious non-metal parts if they can be taken off safely (for example, beads or clasps made of plastic).
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Place small fragments or dental gold in labeled bags so they are not lost.
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Step 3: Weighing for an Estimate
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Weight is one of the key factors in value. Use a small digital scale that reads in grams. Record each group’s weight. For accuracy:
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Set the scale on a flat, stable surface.
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Zero it before placing items.
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Weigh each karat group separately.
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Values are usually based on the melt value (the raw gold or silver weight times current market price). Keep in mind the offer you receive will be slightly below melt value because buyers also account for refining costs, impurities, and processing.
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Metal | Common Stamps | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Gold | 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K | Higher karat = more pure |
Silver | 925, Sterling, .800 | Plated silver is much less valuable |
Coins | Check U.S. Mint composition charts (source) | Not all old coins contain silver or gold |
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Step 4: Document Before You Ship
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Good records protect you. Before mailing items:
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Take clear photos of each group or individual item.
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Write notes about the stamps, weights, and anything unique.
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Optional: Store these records in a simple system like spreadsheets or a neutral inventory tool such as GavelBase.
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Step 5: Packing and Mailing
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When you’re ready to send your items, most companies offer a free mail-in kit or you can pack items securely yourself. Follow best practices:
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Use small zip bags or padded envelopes inside a plain, sturdy shipping box.
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Never write “gold” or “jewelry” on the package exterior.
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Use insured, trackable shipping such as USPS Registered or Insured Mail for high value pieces.
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Save tracking numbers and receipts until you are paid.
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Some buyers provide insured tracking mailer kits and online status updates so both sender and receiver know exactly where a package is in transit.
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Step 6: Understanding the Testing Process
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Once received, items are evaluated. Standard tests include:
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Magnet check for plated metals.
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Acid application on a small scratch mark to verify karat.
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Electronic scanners/testers for quick purity readings.
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You should expect clear results, often with a straightforward breakdown showing item categories, weights, and final payout values.
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Step 7: Getting Paid
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Most buyers offer multiple payment options so you can choose convenience or speed:
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PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App: Fast digital payments but may have transaction limits and small fees.
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Zelle: Quick direct-to-bank transfers if both sides are enrolled.
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ACH direct deposit: Secure, typically 1–3 business days.
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Check by mail: Traditional, requires wait for postal delivery and possible bank hold.
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Always confirm which payment method you prefer before shipping items. Legitimate buyers will respect your choice and provide written confirmation of payout.
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Safety and Best Practices
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Keep copies of all correspondence.
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Track your shipment step by step using carrier websites.
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Save payout receipts for your records and taxes.
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Quick Checklist
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✔ Check for karat stamps, hallmarks, or 925 marks
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✔ Weigh items in grams and record totals
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✔ Sort by karat and metal type
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✔ Take photos and notes of each group
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✔ Pack securely and ship with insurance and tracking
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✔ Confirm preferred payment method
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✔ Keep records of appraisal and payout
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FAQs
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How do I know if my gold is real?
Check for karat stamps, use a magnet test, or request acid/electric testing from professionals.
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What is dental gold worth?
Value depends on purity and weight. It is tested like other gold, even if porcelain or alloys are attached.
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What’s the difference between melt value and resale value?
Melt value equals pure metal content times market price. Payment offers are slightly lower to cover refining and handling.
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Is sterling silver always marked?
Most sterling is stamped 925 or “sterling,” but some older flatware or jewelry may not be clearly labeled.
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How can I ship items safely?
Use padded packaging and request insurance and tracking with your chosen carrier. USPS Registered Mail is considered highly secure.