Gold & Jewelry Guides
Explore practical guides to gold jewelry, precious-metal identification, and preparing jewelry for a professional evaluation.
Understanding Gold Purity and Karats
Gold jewelry is made in different purities, commonly described using karats.
- 10K gold: Approximately 41.7% pure gold.
- 14K gold: Approximately 58.3% pure gold.
- 18K gold: 75% pure gold.
- 24K gold: Nearly pure gold.
Jewelry may also contain other metals to improve strength or change its color. White gold, yellow gold, and rose gold can have the same karat purity despite their different appearances.
Hallmarks are useful clues, but professional testing may be needed to confirm actual metal content.
What Determines the Value of Gold Jewelry?
A gold jewelry evaluation may consider weight, purity, current precious-metal prices, condition, and the potential for resale as a finished piece.
Broken chains, damaged rings, single earrings, and outdated jewelry can still contain valuable gold. Their condition does not automatically eliminate their precious-metal value.
Some designer, antique, or collectible pieces may warrant additional consideration beyond their metal content.
Diamonds, Platinum, and Other Precious Metals
Diamonds are evaluated differently from gold. Their value may depend on characteristics such as cut, color, clarity, carat weight, condition, and market demand.
Platinum and palladium are separate precious metals with different properties and market prices. They should be correctly identified rather than assumed to be white gold or silver.
Professional testing can help distinguish metals that look similar.
What Happens During a Professional Evaluation?
A typical precious-metals evaluation may involve examining hallmarks, identifying the material, testing purity, weighing relevant components, and explaining how an offer is calculated.
Before accepting an offer, ask what is being weighed, how purity is determined, and whether stones or other nonmetal components are included in the calculation.
A clear explanation of the process can help you make a confident decision.
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Related Guides
Explore our Silver & Coins Guides for information about silver and bullion, or visit our Estate & Inherited Items Guides for help organizing inherited valuables.
Questions about gold, silver, coins or inherited valuables? Call (713) 568-2468 Ext. 202 — Ask for Gina.