What Not to Put in the Envelope When Mailing Gold
Feb 5, 2023
{
"Title": "What Not to Put in the Envelope When Mailing Gold: A Practical Guide for Sellers",
"Date": "02/05/23",
"Content": "
Making Sure You Only Send the Right Items
\n
When preparing to mail precious metals such as gold or silver, it’s important to know exactly what should go in the envelope — and what should not. Many people mistakenly include unrelated or low-value items, which can slow down appraisal, reduce payouts, or even risk their valuables being returned unnecessarily. This guide explains how to identify, sort, and prepare your metals correctly, while avoiding sending non-precious items like costume jewelry, plated pieces, or miscellaneous household metals.
\n\n
Items You Should Mail
\n
Here are the categories of items generally accepted for evaluation and payout:
\n
\n
Gold Jewelry: Rings, chains, bracelets, earrings, and pendants marked 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K.
\n
Dental Gold: Gold crowns, inlays, and bridges (separated from porcelain or other material when possible).
\n
Silver Jewelry & Flatware: Pieces stamped 925, Sterling, or Coin Silver.
\n
Gold or Silver Coins: Coins with known precious metal content. Reference the U.S. Mint coin composition chart to verify metal percentages.
\n
\n\n
Items You Should Not Mail
\n
Avoid placing the following in your shipping envelope or mail-in kit:
\n
\n
Costume Jewelry: Non-precious items made with base metals, glass, or plastic. These often mimic real gold or silver but have no melt value.
\n
Gold-Plated or Silver-Plated Items: Marked with GP, GEP, RGP, HGE, EPNS, or similar notations. The precious metal layer is only microns thick and has little recovery value.
\n
Stones and Gems Not Requested: Unless specifically listed, non-precious stones add weight without metal value. Valuable gemstones are usually best removed and saved separately.
\n
Household Metals: Stainless steel cutlery, brass fittings, or copper wiring should not be mailed. These are not part of accepted precious metals.
\n
Coins without Silver or Gold Content: Modern U.S. dimes, quarters, nickels, and pennies generally contain little or no precious metal.
\n
Sentimental or Keepsake Items: If you do not want them melted, they should stay out of the envelope.
\n
\n\n
Tips for Identifying Precious Metal
\n
Gold
\n
\n
Look for stamps like 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K.
\n
Use a magnet test: real gold is not magnetic, but beware — so are many non-precious metals.
\n
Check for wear: if a yellow coating is rubbing to reveal another color underneath, it may be gold-plated.
\n
\n\n
Silver
\n
\n
Look for marks such as 925, Sterling, or Coin Silver.
\n
Silver-plated items are often stamped EP, EPNS, or Silverplate.
\n
Tarnish is common on real silver but uncommon on cheaper plated alloys with lacquer coatings.
\n
\n\n
Dental Gold Guidance
\n
Dental alloys are often 16K to 20K. If porcelain, cement, or non-precious metal is attached, separate pieces when safe to do so. If unsure, package everything securely together in a small bag labeled “Dental Gold.” Handle with gloves to keep things clean.
\n\n
Sorting and Organizing Before Mailing
\n
\n
Group items by type (gold, silver, coins).
\n
Use small zip bags or envelopes to prevent loss of small items.
\n
Label each group if possible, so testing goes smoothly.
\n
Take clear photos of your items and note approximate weights for your own records.
\n
Optional: Use a simple digital pocket scale measured in grams. See NIST guide on weights and measures for accurate handling.
\n
\n\n
Safe Shipping Practices
\n
When ready to send your metals, many services provide a free insured mailer kit. If you’re shipping independently, use a strong envelope or box, seal bags inside, and ensure there’s no rattling. Always ship with insurance and tracking:
\n
\n
USPS Insurance Services
\n
FedEx Insurance
\n
\n
Keep your tracking number and consider photographing the sealed package before mailing.
\n\n
Testing Basics: What to Expect
\n
Your items will be tested for authenticity and purity, usually by:
\n
\n
Electronic Testing: Quick and non-destructive.
\n
Acid Testing: A small scratch mark reveals metal purity.
\n
X-ray Fluorescence: Advanced and very accurate, often used in labs.
\n
\n\n
Understanding Value and Payment
\n
Precious metal buyers calculate melt value — the raw value of pure metal by weight — then make a payout offer after accounting for purity, handling, and processing. Remember that stones, non-metal material, and lower purity reduce the payout.
\n\n
Weighing and Value
\n
Always measure in grams for accuracy. One gram is the baseline unit, but some references quote in troy ounces (31.1 grams = 1 troy ounce). Melt value can be checked against current market prices.
\n\n
Payment Options
\n
Most buyers give you a choice of payment methods:
\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
Payment Method | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
PayPal | Minutes to Hours | Convenient, but fees may apply for some accounts. |
Venmo | Same day | Simple for small transfers, has transaction limits. |
Zelle | Usually instant | Linked directly to bank account, no fees. |
Cash App | Same day | Useful for smaller amounts, daily max limits apply. |
ACH Bank Transfer | 1–3 business days | Good for larger amounts, usually no cost. |
Check | 5–7 business days | Takes longer but provides a paper record. |
\n\n
Important Safety & Documentation Steps
\n
\n
Record what you’re mailing by photo/video.
\n
Keep a list with weights and descriptions.
\n
Consider using a simple tool like GavelBase for organizing records.
\n
\n\n
Quick Checklist
\n
\n
✔ Identify and separate real gold and silver from costume or plated items.
\n
✔ Do not mail unrelated household metals or sentimental pieces.
\n
✔ Weigh and record each lot.
\n
✔ Pack items securely by category.
\n
✔ Ship using insured, tracked service.