Sorting Out What Buyers Accept and What They Don’t
Jul 30, 2023
{
"Title": "Sorting Precious Metals: What Buyers Accept and What They Don’t",
"Date": "07/30/23",
"Content": "
Understanding What Precious Metal Buyers Will and Won’t Take
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If you have old jewelry, broken chains, dental gold, or silver flatware sitting around, you may be wondering which items a precious metal buyer will accept. Sorting your items ahead of time saves effort, reduces back-and-forth, and helps you get faster results. Below is a clear guide to separating valuables from items that are not usually accepted, along with simple steps for identifying, preparing, and safely shipping your pieces.
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Items Buyers Commonly Accept
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Buyers are generally looking for solid gold, silver, or coins with precious metal content. These are the most commonly accepted categories:
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Gold jewelry: Rings, chains, earrings, pendants, charms—even if broken or missing parts.
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Karat gold: Stamped 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K. Check clasps, inside band of rings, or small tags.
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Dental gold: Crowns, bridges, and other pieces, typically 10K–18K. Porcelain or steel can be attached but should be bagged securely.
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Silver jewelry: Marked “925,” “Sterling,” or another silver hallmark.
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Sterling flatware and hollowware: Forks, spoons, serving pieces, trays, teapots—look for “Sterling” impressions.
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Coins containing gold or silver: Many U.S. and world coins before certain dates. U.S. Mint resources list silver and gold content by type and date.
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Items Usually Not Accepted
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Some items look valuable but often have little or no precious metal content. These typically are not accepted for melt or resale value:
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Gold plated or gold-filled items: Marked with GP, HGE, RGP, GF, or Rolled Gold.
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Costume jewelry: Base metals, decorative stones, plastic, or plated finishes.
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Plated silverware: Marked “EPNS,” “Silverplate,” “Sheffield Plate,” or “Community.”
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Watches and accessories: Unless solid gold or silver, most stainless steel watches have no melt value.
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How to Identify and Sort Before Sending
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Separating real gold and silver from plated or costume items is easier if you know the basics.
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Check Marks and Stamps
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Gold: Look for “10K,” “14K,” “18K,” “22K,” “24K.”
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Silver: Look for “925,” “Sterling,” or “Coin Silver.”
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Plated: “GP,” “GF,” “EPNS,” or “Silverplate” indicate non-solid items.
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Simple Tests
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Magnet test: Gold and silver are not magnetic; strong attraction usually indicates a base metal.
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Weight in grams: Use a kitchen or pocket scale. Precious metals feel heavier than plated or costume metals of the same size.
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Visual inspection: Wear, flaking, or color change often suggests plating.
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For more detailed at-home verification, acid or electronic testers are available, though many sellers prefer to rely on professional testing done by the gold and silver buyer.
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Value Basics
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Understanding how value is calculated helps set expectations:
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Melt value: Based on weight and purity (karat for gold, purity for silver).
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Offer value: The amount you’ll be quoted, which accounts for processing, refining, and market conditions.
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Items with gems or non-precious attachments are valued mainly for their metal weight.
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Preparing Items for Shipment
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Most buyers provide a free mail-in kit with instructions, or you can make your own secure package.
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Sort: Group gold, silver, and coins in small bags, label if helpful.
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Pack securely: Use padded envelopes or boxes. Wrap fragile or dental items separately.
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Insure and track: Use USPS insurance services or FedEx/UPS insured shipping. Keep a receipt and tracking number.
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Document: Take photos and notes for your own records before sealing the package.
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Testing and Evaluation on Arrival
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Expect a professional buyer to use one or more of these tests:
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Electronic testers: Quickly determine karat level of gold.
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Acid test: Drops applied to small sample area to confirm purity.
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XRF (X-ray fluorescence): Non-destructive test used by some facilities.
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You should receive itemized results showing weight, purity, and payout calculation.
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Getting Paid
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Most buyers provide flexible payment options once you accept your offer. Common methods include:
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Payment Method | Speed | Notes |
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PayPal | Same day | Fees may apply; well known platform. |
Venmo | Same day | Mobile-friendly; transfer limits. |
Zelle | Same day | Direct to bank; daily limits vary by bank. |
Cash App | Same day | Simple phone app; limits for new users. |
ACH (bank transfer) | 1–3 days | Secure direct deposit; no app needed. |
Check | By mail | Slower, but useful if you prefer a paper record. |
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Safety and Record-Keeping
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Smart steps for peace of mind:
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Write down what you send: type, weight, markings.
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Save photos of each item before shipping.
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Track your package online until delivery confirmation.
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If using software to organize inventory, a tool like GavelBase can help keep simple records.
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Checklist Before You Send
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✔ Checked for karat stamps or silver marks
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✔ Separated clear precious metal items from plated or costume jewelry
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✔ Weighed items in grams for your notes
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✔ Packed securely in small bags or protective wraps
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✔ Labeled and photographed everything
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✔ Used insured, trackable shipping
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FAQs
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Can I send items mixed together?
Yes, but it is safer for you and easier for the evaluator if you separate gold from silver and label the bags.
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What about dental gold with porcelain attached?
You can send it as is. Buyers typically remove non-metal material during processing.
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Are gemstones valued separately?
Usually not. The focus is on gold and silver weight, though some larger stones may be returned on request.
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How do I know if a coin is worth more than melt?
Some coins have numismatic (collector) value beyond metal content