Tips on How to Sell Your Gold, Gold Jewelry and Other Valuables

Well, you've been hearing all the hullabaloo about selling gold and how much it has gone up in value. You've decided to check it out for yourself and see just how much free money is laying around in your jewelry chest. Most people have at least one piece of gold jewelry they no longer wear. So, what do you do now? How do you go about selling your gold? Who can you trust to buy your gold for a fair price? Here are some tips for getting the most when you sell gold.

First of all, gather up all your pieces and decide what you no longer want. Put the things you are going to sell in one pile and the things you are sure you will keep in another. Some people have a few pieces that they are not sure of so if you are one of these folks make another pile. You can determine if you will part with them later. Keep in mind that now is the time to get rid of single gold earrings and broken jewelry and scrap gold. If you have old gold fillings that the dentist returned to you, hunt for them as well. Grandpa's old pocket watch and pocket knife? These can be valuable too. Remember not to overlook that coin collection - even a few coins (especially gold coins) can add up fast. Place the things you are going to sell in a zip lock bag and then put the bag in a safe place. The items you are not sure of should go into another separate zip lock.

You will want to find a reputable jeweler to do business with but how do you do this? A jeweler's business is precious metals and precious stones and a real jeweler is able to assess the true value of your items. Many inexperienced and unscrupulous people have jumped on the "we buy gold" band wagon trying to make a quick buck on the "gold rush". This also happened in the 1980's when gold shot up so high. Some people have decided to "get into the business" by traveling from hotel to hotel convincing people to come to their rented room to sell their valuables. Others have even stooped to offering "free gas" when you sell them your precious items. Please don't be fooled. Just because their cousin's best friend's uncle has a store in New York, they are not qualified to assess your valuables and you will likely be offered far less that the fair value of your gold, diamonds and silver. When you come to Diamond Jim's, we can't give you a tatoo and we won't offer to wash your car or activate your cell phone.   We promise NOT to give you a haircut.  What we will do is pledge to give you a fair and honest value for your gold, jewelry, coins and other items.  To get the best price for your gold, gold jewelry or other valuable, find a real jeweler who has been established in the business for years. Ask friends and family for references and please remember, real jewelers don't give haircuts, clean pools or sell cigarettes!

When you've found a reputable jeweler, bring your zip locks in for inspection. The jeweler is going to sort your gold and gold jewelry into groups by a small stamp located on each piece. ie. 10k 14k 18k etc. The jeweler should test your items right there in front of you. Most of your gold jewelry will test the same as what they are stamped. However, many countries are not as strict about stamping honestly as we are in the US or Western Europe and so some jewelry may be improperly marked. Your jeweler should show you these items and explain why there is a discrepancy. At Diamond Jim's we always test your jewelry while in your view. We never take your jewelry to the back of the store. All items stay within your view at all times. This is something you should insist on wherever you take your gold, jewelry or other precious items.

A reputable jeweler will also examine your precious stones, determine if you have diamonds, and what the value of these will be and check other stones to discover if you have a rare gemstone. The jeweler should then calculate the value of your items and offer you the money you deserve. Keep in mind, all good jewelers will be able to offer you even more money if you trade your items for a new piece of jewelry, so look around the store while you are there.

One final word of advice. Make sure to bring everything in - even the items you think may not be real. We are happy to test these. That piece that you inherited and thought was costume jewelry could turn out to be the most valuable one of all.

We at Diamond Jim's are happy to evaluate your items for you and give you a fair, honest appraisal of their worth. Diamond Jim has been in the jewelry business for almost 25 years and recently moved to the warmer climes of Phoenix. Even if you don't bring your gold to Diamond Jim's, remember to trust your own instincts. If you sense that something doesn't feel legitimate, then walk away. You can always sell your items another day! We wish you the best when you go to sell your gold!

Read  How to Sell Your Silver

Diamond Jim's
6005 N. 16th St.
(corner of Bethany Home & Hwy 51)
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-466-1772

Mon-Sat 9:00 to 5:30 (Sundays and after hours available by appointment.)

If you have a question about selling gold, buying gold, gold jewelry or anything related to precious stones and metals, submit it here and we'll do our best to answer it for you.