Precious Metals
Gold
Gold is, and has been a measure of value for thousands of years. In recent times, many people have sold old jewelry to free up cash to take care of debts or spend it on things that better suits their lifestyles. Unfortunately, many predatory businesses have set up shop and tend to take advantage of people's unfamiliarity with the true value of gold.
Whether it is a gold coin or jewelry piece, gold has a basic market value and is always in demand. In jewelry form, it is commonly alloyed with other metals such as copper, silver, palladium, etc. These alloys give the material extra strength so it is more wearable and also determines the color of the jewelry. The alloy or karat of your jewelry is important when figuring its scrap value. Common Karat values of gold in the United States are 10kt, 14kt, and 18kt. 10kt gold is 41.7% pure gold, 14kt gold is 58.5% pure gold, 18kt gold is 75% pure gold. A qualified jeweler will be able to test your pieces to determine their purity and value. When a dealer buys gold jewelry they have to determine if it will be resold or if it will be melted down. If a piece is melted down there is a loss in the refining process as well as a cost to refine the item. A jeweler that manufactures jewelry has a demand for scrap gold as they need the raw material to make new pieces.
Generally a good jeweler will pay more for your scrap gold than someone who simply sells it to a refiner since they actually need the material. Pieces that can be resold might be worth even more as there is labor to be accounted for. Be wary of any "ship me your gold" companies and understand that someone who doesn't have a need for the scrap gold or jewelry pieces will always pay far below the market value for your pieces.
In my business, as a service to my clients, we pay market price for all precious metal items. I have built this site as a service to the public. A little knowledge and research will help you from being taken advantage of when selling your gold and other precious metal items. If you're in the Phoenix, Arizona area, come in to Nelson Estate Jewelers for a free evaluation and cash offer. If you live out of the area, contact me for a referral to a licensed, qualified dealer near you!
Silver
Silver is the poor man's gold! Silver is found in many forms. All dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars minted in the U.S.A. prior to 1964 are 90% silver. Half dollars from 1965 to 1970 are 40% silver. It was very popular during the 1970's to invest in silver. Products manufactured by private mints such as Franklin Mint and Danbury Mint are quite common from that period and can be collectible. Silver in jewelry is generally Sterling or 925/1000 pure (92.5%). Other forms of silver are out there as well.
Many people have sitting in the back of a closet or in the garage a sterling silver flatware set or sterling silver tea set. People used to entertain differently than they do today. Oftentimes a sterling silver tea set, tray, or flatware set can be sold for good money. While silver is worth only a fraction of the value of gold, it tends to be heavy and the weight adds up! Some sterling flatware, tea sets, and jewelry items do have value over and above their material value. Silver jewelry-making pieces (wire/ solder/etc.) can also be in demand to a manufacturing jeweler. A qualified dealer will be able to test your silver for purity and evaluate your pieces fairly.
My jewelry business services the Phoenix, Arizona area. If you live outside the area and would like a referral, use my contact form and I will help!
Platinum and Palladium
The most precious of metals. While gold has surpassed the value of platinum in recent years, it is still far more rare. Platinum in jewelry is generally higher purity than gold would be in a similar piece. Platinum jewelry is usually 90-95% pure in jewelry form. Most designers make special pieces out of platinum so care must be taken to examine them for makers marks and period placing. There are many industrial uses for platinum so you will find it in many forms in addition to jewelry and coins.
Palladium is a platinum group metal that has gained in popularity for jewelry use in recent years. Like platinum, it is white, but slightly harder. Palladium is usually 90-95% pure in jewelry pieces. Like platinum, palladium is commonly used in industrial purposes as well, so you will find it in many forms.
If you think you have a platinum or palladium piece you might have a real treasure! Vintage pieces can demand massive premiums over their metal value. A qualified, trusted jeweler should be able to help you sell fine platinum and palladium pieces for hefty prices!
If you live in the Phoenix, Arizona area check out Nelson Estate Jewelers for a free evaluation. Otherwise, contact me and I will help you find an ethical, licensed dealer.