Nov 21

Written by:
11/21/2011 5:07 PM 

Selling Old, Unwanted, or Broken Jewelry

We understand your time and gas money are precious, so we are providing you with a list of clues (below)  to help  to determine if what you have is something we can buy.

However, please keep in mind,

The only absolute way to determine what you have and what it is worth is to bring it in.  We willtake a look at it, weight it, test it and give you a quote.

  

Some Simple ways to tell that an item is NOT gold, silver or platinum:

• Inspect for discoloration. If an item is plated, high-friction areas (such as clasps and shanks) will typically reveal that the plating is beginning to rub off. Discoloration proves that the gold is not solid, and therefore, something we cannot purchase. However, the absence of discoloration doesn't necessarily prove that the gold is real.
• Hold it up to a magnet. Gold is not magnetic, but many base metals are. If it sticks to, or pulls toward the magnet, it's not a precious metal. If it doesn't react to the magnet, however, it could still be made of a base metal, just made from a non-magnetic material.
• Look for markings. If it is stamped “A1” or has the word “plate” or some variation like “quadruple plate” then it is plated. “EP” stands for electroplate and is another tale tell sign it is plated. We cannot purchase items that are plated with precious metal; they must be solid.

Some ways to determine that an item is IS gold, silver or platinum:

You might check for a fineness stamp somewhere on the piece that tells you what it is. However, keep in mind that sometimes these stamps have worn with age, been removed during a repair process (such as ring sizing) or covered with tarnish (as happens with oxiduzed silver). If you are uncertain about what you have, or cannot see a stamp, we will test it for you. Many times these stamps are very tiny and require a magnifying glass to be seen. They can also be in hard to find places (like the inside of a jump ring or clasp on a necklace). Also note that gold stamps can be on a white-colored piece of jewelry; this is white gold.

Conversely, please also know that sometimes just because metal is stamped, does NOT mean it is a genuine, solid precious metal. It could mean that only a small portion of the jewelry is a genuine; such as a clasp or tag. Unfortunately, stamps are also sometimes placed on jewelry for a deceptive purpose to sell it as something it is not . Any piece in question can and will be tested.

Some common markings include:

925, SS	Sterling silver
800	800 Grade Silver
850	85% Platinum
900, PLAT, PL	90% Platinum
950	Pure Platinum
375	9K  or 9kt Gold
585	14K or 14kt Gold
750	18K or 18kt Gold
916	22K or 22kt Gold

The karat weight (signified by K or kt) denotes the purity, and hence the value, of the gold. For example, a gold chain stamped with “583″ would be 58.3% gold, or 14K. That will not be as valuable as 18K. The higher the numerical value, the higher the gold content (24K being the highest) and therefore, the more valuable the metal.

Gemstones and diamonds need to be examined by a trained jeweler using the proper instruments to determine whether or not they are genuine and are of value. We have diamond testing devices, microscopes, loupes, and various gem insruments as well.

There are many forms of simulant or immitation gemstones, including (but not limited to):

• Plastic
• Glass
• Composites/Doublets – where a small sliver of authentic gem is sandwiched in between or combined with other materials such as plastic, glass or foil.
• Imitations  - such as lab created cubic zirconias (commonly called CZs)

Not all natural or genuine gemstones are valuable. Small to large gemstones of poor quality (as determined by hue, color saturation, clarity, cut and other factors) are common and often considered mining castaways. As a dealer of fine quality jewelry, we are not able to purchase such gemstones because we cannot resell them. Rarity and quality determine gem value.

The value of gemstone, diamond and antique jewelry, for our purposes, is based on many factors including:

• If the jewelry (including gemstones, metals, markings,etc) is natural and unenhanced.
• The quality of the gemstones, diamonds, metals, etc. and the workmanship.
• The weight of the gemstones, diamonds and metals.
• The condition of the jewelry.
• If the jewelry has been altered in an undesirable fashion.
• The market value.
• If we think we can sell it, and if we currently need that item.
• How saleable we believe the item to be.
• Whether or not designer pieces are authentic, have been altered in some way, and if they are accompanied by the original paperwork and/or boxes.
• Our inventory status at the time of your visit. For example, if we have diamonds of a certain cut and size in our inventory, we may not be able to offer as much for another in that category at this time.