Buy, Sell, and Pawn Jewelry

Gold, Platinum, and Silver jewelry often have markings that are supposed to indicate what the metal is and it’s purity. Here’s a guide on what these markings are and what they mean:

• Gold Jewelry: The most common markings are 10K, 14K, and 18K, which indicate 10 Karat, 14 Karat, and 18 Karat gold, respectively. 10K jewelry is 41.7% Gold and is mixed with other metals and alloys to make it stronger and more durable. That’s why 10K gold will also sometimes be marked “417”. 14K may also be similarly marked as “585”, because it is 58.5% pure gold along with other metals and alloys. Finally, 18K Gold may be marked as “750” because it is 75.0% gold with the balance being those other metals and alloys. These markings indicate what the metal should be, however, be sure to work with a trustworthy jeweler to ensure you’re getting what you are supposed to. 
• Platinum Jewelry: Markings on Platinum jewelry are often “PT950″, “PT900”, or “PLTM” indicating that it is 95% or 90% pure. Platinum is a very dense metal so even when just holding it, it “feels” heavier. Again, a trusted jeweler can verify the actual metal.
• Silver Jewelry: Silver is generally marked “925”, meaning it is 92.5% pure silver with the other 7.75% being other metals and alloys. This is often also referred to as “Sterling” silver and may be marked as such. Coins dating from 1964 and older (dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars) are actually 90% silver. Many older pieces of early flatware and hollowware may be marked as “800” since they were composed of 80% silver.

When you hear the term “Gold Filled,” you probably figure they somehow fill the piece with gold. The reality is that “Gold Filled” refers to a process by which a very thin layer of gold is applied over a base metal such as silver or copper to give the appearance of gold jewelry. The amount of gold is so minuscule that it would not weigh anything if you were able to separate it. It is actual gold and does last longer and retain its shine & appearance longer than gold plating; however, it is not “solid” gold.

Gold plating or electroplating is the process where a small number of gold molecules are deposited onto a base metal, such as silver, nickel, or brass, giving the appearance that a piece of jewelry is made of gold. A small piece of real gold is placed in a liquid, referred to as a gold bath, along with a base metal piece of jewelry. The bath is then “electrified,” allowing gold molecules to attach themselves to the base metal piece. This is not as durable as gold-filled jewelry; however, it does work to give the piece the appearance of being gold.

Outside of checking the markings on a piece, here are a few things that may help you determine if they are gold: Gold (and silver, for that matter) is not magnetic, so if any of your items are attracted to a magnet, they are likely not gold. Acid tests that can test gold are also available for consumer purchase. If you want to be 100% sure, bring your items to a reliable jewelry store or pawn shop (like Empire Loan) and have them test your items for you!

No, by nature in order to make Jewelry rose gold, some amount of the jewelry is utilizing a different metal. For instance you might have a rose gold necklace that is stamped 20K. This means the jewelry is made with 20 parts yellow gold and 4 parts zinc, copper, silver, or a different alloy used to give it the rose appearance.

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to how much gold jewelry is going to be worth. By rule, pure gold is often worth more than jewelry with less gold (with some exceptions), but prices are changing and fluctuating constantly. Where you live, supply & demand, and hundreds of other small factors can affect the price of jewelry. The best thing you can do is bring your jewelry to a local pawn shop that is highly-rated to get an answer.