Which Jewelry Items Are Usually Not Accepted
Sep 2, 2023
{
"Title": "Which Jewelry Items Are Usually Not Accepted When Selling Precious Metals",
"Date": "09/02/23",
"Content": "
Understanding What Buyers Typically Reject
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When selling unwanted jewelry, coins, or other precious metals, it’s just as important to know which items are not typically accepted as it is to know which ones have value. This helps you avoid surprises, unnecessary returns, or delays in payment. Below, we provide clear guidance on the types of jewelry and household items that are commonly rejected by precious metal buyers, and why.
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Why Some Jewelry Is Not Accepted
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Precious metal buyers generally purchase items based on their actual gold or silver content. Items that lack genuine precious metal, or are made with materials that are too costly to refine, are usually declined. Understanding the difference between solid metals versus plated or mixed materials ensures you know what to include when sending items for evaluation.
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Commonly Rejected Items
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Gold-Plated Jewelry
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What it is: A thin layer of gold applied over a base metal such as copper, brass, or nickel.
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Why rejected: The gold layer is microscopic and refining these items for such little recoverable value is not cost-effective.
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How to spot: Look for stamps like GP, GEP, HGE, RGP, or terms such as \"gold plated\" or \"electroplated.\" A simple magnet test may also show the base metal if it’s magnetic.
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Gold-Filled or Rolled Gold Items
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What it is: A thicker gold coating mechanically bonded to base metals, often marked 1/20 12K GF.
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Why rejected: Though technically containing a higher layer of gold than plated jewelry, the cost of separating the thin outer gold layer from the inner base metal still outweighs the potential return.
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Stainless Steel Jewelry
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What it is: Durable, corrosion-resistant jewelry commonly sold as fashion pieces.
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Why rejected: Contain no gold or silver content, even if polished or plated. They simply don’t have precious metal to recover.
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Costume Jewelry
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What it is: Fashion accessories made of plastic, glass, or non-precious alloys.
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Why rejected: These items may be attractive but contain no gold, silver, or platinum content. Stones are usually glass or synthetic, not diamonds or gems.
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Pewter, Brass, and Copper Items
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What it is: Decorative or utilitarian items once marketed as alternatives to silver.
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Why rejected: Lacking gold or silver, they have only industrial or ornamental value.
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Watches and Timepieces
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What is accepted: Only if the case or band is clearly made of solid gold or sterling silver (hallmarked 10K, 14K, 18K, or 925).
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What is rejected: Most watches made of stainless steel, plated alloys, or containing only gold tone finishes.
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How to Tell if Your Jewelry Contains Precious Metal
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Instead of guessing, you can use a few simple checks to determine if your items are worth sending in:
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Hallmark check: Look inside rings, or on clasps of necklaces and bracelets, for stamps like 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K, 925, or the word \"sterling.\" Absence of marks often points to non-precious items, though older items may occasionally be unmarked.
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Magnet test: Real gold and silver are not magnetic. If strongly attracted to a magnet, the item is likely plated or made of base metal.
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Visual wear: If you see a different-colored metal showing through along edges or clasps, the piece is plated.
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Professional test: Expect buyers to use acid testing, electronic testers, or spectrometers. Buyers like International Gold & Silver typically provide clear explanations of their testing results.
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Sorting Items Before Sending
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Once you’ve identified the precious metals versus unsuitable items, it’s best to sort and list everything clearly. Include only likely solid gold, silver, or coins with known silver/gold content. Creating one systemized list before shipping avoids the frustration of non-accepted items being separated and returned.
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Place real precious metals in labeled bags by karat or type (10K, 14K, sterling, coins).
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Group costume or plated jewelry separately, and consider donating or recycling them instead of shipping.
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For dental gold, remove as much porcelain or steel as safely possible, and package securely in a small bag.
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Mail-In Kits and Shipping
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Most buyers provide secure, tracked, insured mail-in kits to safely ship accepted materials. If you’re unsure, check shipping insurance details directly with USPS (Registered Mail Insurance) or FedEx service guides. Insured shipping ensures that any package containing precious metals arrives safely and maintains accountability during transit.
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What Happens After Testing
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Items are weighed, tested, and evaluated based on purity. Non-precious material, like glued stones or base clasps, may be deducted from final weight. Rejected items are typically returned upon request. Offers are based on melt value minus processing costs, and payouts are issued only for accepted material.
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Payment Methods
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Payment is usually offered by secure and convenient digital methods. Common options include:
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Method | Pros | Cons |
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PayPal | Fast, familiar, widely used | May have small transaction fees |
Venmo | Instant transfer to wallet | Limits on large amounts |
Zelle | Direct bank-to-bank, often instant | Limits vary by bank |
Cash App | Quick and accessible | Transfer limits apply |
ACH Transfer | Secure, goes directly to your bank | Processing may take 1–3 days |
Check | Tangible record, useful if you prefer paper | Slower delivery by mail |
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Checklist: Avoid Sending Unaccepted Items
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✅ Check for hallmarks (10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K, 925, Sterling).
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✅ Avoid sending gold plated, filled, or rolled items.
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✅ Do not include stainless steel or costume jewelry.
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✅ Inspect watches carefully; only solid gold or sterling cases are accepted.
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✅ Weigh and sort precious metals separately from fashion pieces.
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✅ Photograph and document what you send for your records.
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FAQ
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What about coins?
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U.S. dimes, quarters, and half-dollars minted before 1965 are 90% silver. Modern coins are usually not accepted unless clearly gold or silver bullion issues. Reference the U.S. Mint official coin composition tables.
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Do diamonds or gemstones add value?
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Usually, the offer is based solely on the precious metal content. Stones are not typically appraised or valued in mail-in processes and may be removed.
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What if I send in items that are not accepted?
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Non-precious items are usually set aside and returned, but this can delay offers. Sorting carefully beforehand saves time and ensures smoother processing.
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Safe Documentation & Record-Keeping
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Always photograph your items, weigh them at home with a pocket gram scale if available, and create a quick note or spreadsheet of what you