What Happens to Jewelry After It Is Tested

{

"Title": "What Happens to Jewelry After It Is Tested: From Scratch Test to Refining or Resale",

"Date": "05/02/23",

"Content": "

Understanding the Journey of Your Unwanted Jewelry

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When people send in gold or silver jewelry, dental gold, broken pieces, coins, or sterling flatware, they often wonder: what really happens once those items are tested? Knowing the step-by-step journey can help you feel confident and transparent about the process, whether your items end up being resold as jewelry or refined down to their raw metal content. This article explains everything in plain language.

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Step 1: Identifying and Testing Jewelry

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The first step is proper identification. Buyers and refiners need to know what kind of metal you have before assigning any value. Common methods include:

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• Visual inspection of stamps and hallmarks: Look for karat marks such as 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K on gold. For silver, look for 925, “sterling,” or “coin.” These indicate purity levels.

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• Magnet test: Precious metals like gold and silver are not magnetic. A magnet that sticks can suggest plating or a non-precious base.

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• Scratch test: A small sample is rubbed on a testing stone, then treated with acid solutions to verify purity. Each solution corresponds to a different karat level.

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• Electronic testers: These measure surface conductivity to check metal type and approximate purity without acids.

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The testing phase ensures that plated pieces, base metals, and authentic gold or silver are properly separated.

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Step 2: Sorting Items by Metal Type

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Once tested, items are sorted into categories:

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• Gold jewelry: Grouped according to karat (10K, 14K, 18K, etc.).

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• Silver items: Marked sterling (92.5% purity), coin silver (around 90%), or plated.

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• Dental gold: Typically contains 14K-18K purity, although often mixed with porcelain or steel that must be separated.

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• Coins: Separated according to known compositions (for example, U.S. silver coins minted before 1965 usually contain 90% silver—see U.S. Mint specifications).

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Step 3: Weighing and Valuing

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Once sorted, items are weighed in grams. Using grams makes it easier and more precise for consumers, though some refiners use troy ounces for internal pricing. The melt value of the pure gold or silver is calculated based on worldwide market prices. Keep in mind:

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• Melt value: The raw worth of the metal if melted and refined.

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• Offer value: The payout you receive, which is lower than melt value to allow for refining costs and fees.

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Factors that can change the offer include the presence of stones, non-precious parts, or mixed metals.

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Step 4: Transparent Record-Keeping

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Documenting the process builds trust. Many services now keep a photo record, weight record, and test results tied to each lot. Tools like GavelBase can help individuals create an inventory of what they send in, making it easier to track pieces and payouts.

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Step 5: Refining vs. Resale

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Based on their condition and purity, items follow one of two paths:

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• Resale as jewelry: If intact and desirable, some jewelry can be polished and resold.

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• Refining: The more common path. Items are melted down in controlled furnaces, with impurities removed. Resulting pure gold or silver bars are then sold back into the wholesale market.

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Step 6: Safe Packing and Mailing

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If you are mailing items in, secure packaging is essential:

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2. Remove stones or non-metal parts if easily detachable.

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4. Place small fragments in a labeled bag so nothing is lost.

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6. Wrap items in protective material to prevent damage in transit.

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8. Use protective mailers and trackable, insured shipping. For guidance, see USPS insurance services.

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Many companies provide a prepaid mailer kit with insurance included, simplifying the process.

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Step 7: Testing Results and Payout

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Once received, your items are tested again, results are documented, and you are provided with a clear breakdown of weights, purities, and the payout offer. Transparency here builds trust. Typically, you can review and approve the payout before finalizing.

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Step 8: Getting Paid

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Once approved, payment can be sent through different channels. Each has pros and cons:

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Step 9: Final Documentation

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For your records, consider the following:

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• Take photos of your items before sending them.

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• Note weights and any visible hallmarks.

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• Keep your package receipt and tracking number.

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• Save payout confirmations.

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This documentation can provide peace of mind and ensures accountability.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I tell if my gold is real?

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Check for stamps, use the magnet test, and, if uncertain, request a free test kit. Professionals confirm with acid or electronic tests.

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What happens to dental gold?

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Dental gold usually averages between 14K and 18K. Porcelain and steel material is removed; then the remaining gold goes to refining.

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Why is my payout less than melt value?

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The difference covers processing, refining, and risk management. Transparent companies will show how the calculation was made.

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Is shipping insured?

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Yes. Always use trackable, insured services. Registered or insured shipping via USPS or trusted carriers is recommended.

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Quick Checklist

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• Identify items (stamps, hallmarks, magnet test)

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• Sort by metal type

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• Weigh in grams and record

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• Photograph and document

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• Pack securely, insure shipment, track online

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• Review test results & payout breakdown

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• Select payment method that suits you