Before you set out to sell your gold jewelry follow these tips to make sure what you get back in cash is worth parting with jewelry that often represents cherished memories.

Don’t act on impulse

Carefully evaluate every piece of jewelry that you are looking to sell. Most pieces of gold jewelry have some emotional value. Make sure that emotional value does not out weigh the price that you will receive. Ideal pieces of jewelry to consider are broken items, earrings with a missing pair, or outdated items with no emotional meaning.

Get an appraisal

Have antique or intricate jewelry appraised before selling it to a buyer that pays by weight. Designer or antique jewelry could be worth more to sell as a finished piece than for its gold metal. Learn more in our guide to jewelry appraisals >>

Know what you have

Gold jewelry is rarely made from pure gold. Most jewelry in the United States is 10-, 14- or 18-karat gold that is comprised of gold and other alloys. When selling your gold, you will only get paid for the parts that are pure gold. Review our guide to gold jewelry >> 

Find a reputable buyer

Check that the business has a license to buy gold jewelry in your state. To ensure a company is reputable, ask if they are a member of a jewelry trade association, such as Jewelers of America, that requires high ethical standards of its members. Check with the Better Business Bureau. See if the company has any customer complaints having to do with buying or selling gold jewelry.

 

Shop around

Get bids from multiple companies before you settle on a buyer. The offers you receive may vary significantly depending on where you sell it.

Protect yourself

Before leaving your jewelry with – or shipping your jewelry to – a potential buyer, document and photograph the pieces. Check the company’s reimbursement policy in the event of a loss. If the value is significant, be sure to get an appraisal first!

Know the price of gold

Keep up with the prices of gold at Kitco.com. The price listed will NOT be the price you will get for your jewelry. The price on Kitco.com will simply give you a reference point when comparing multiple offers.

Get realistic 

For most people, selling gold jewelry will not make you rich. It might, however, put some extra dollars in your pocket. Remember that you will only be getting paid for the amount of gold in your jewelry, minus fees the company has to charge for refining.

The best place to start is by visiting a local jewelry store that is a Jewelers of America Member, so you can be confident in the advice and service you receive. Find a JA Member Jeweler near you >>