Selling Gold and Silver Jewelry: What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever cleaned out a jewelry box, inherited pieces from a loved one, or simply decided to sell unused items, you may have asked yourself: “How much is this really worth?”
At Houston TX Coin Dealer, we help Houston residents get fair, transparent offers for gold and silver jewelry. Here’s what you need to know before selling your pieces.
1. The Value Starts With Metal Content
Gold and silver jewelry is valuable first and foremost for the metal it contains.
Gold: Common karats include 10K, 14K, 18K, and 24K. Higher karat means more pure gold and higher value.
Silver: Sterling silver (92.5% silver) is the standard. Some older coins or jewelry may have higher silver content.
A professional appraisal weighs the piece and tests its purity to calculate the intrinsic metal value.
2. Condition and Craftsmanship Can Affect Price
Jewelry isn’t just metal — design, age, and craftsmanship can increase value:
Antique or vintage pieces may have collector appeal.
Designer or branded pieces can carry a premium.
Damage, missing stones, or heavy wear may reduce value, but metal content still retains intrinsic worth.
3. Know the Difference Between Scrap Value and Collector Value
Some jewelry is valued purely for metal content, also called scrap value.
Other pieces may be worth more than metal price due to:
Designer brand or signature marks
Rare gemstones
Historical significance
Unique or intricate design
Professional appraisers like Sean Summerlin can determine if your piece qualifies for collector premiums, ensuring you never sell for less than it’s worth.
4. Avoid Common Selling Mistakes
Don’t clean or polish excessively: This can damage delicate finishes and reduce value.
Don’t guess the price: Estimating by weight alone can leave money on the table.
Don’t sell online without verification: Uninsured shipping and unknown buyers can lead to loss or fraud.
Selling locally to a trusted dealer ensures fair pricing and safety.
5. The Selling Process at Houston TX Coin Dealer
Here’s what you can expect when you bring in your gold or silver jewelry:
Free Appraisal: Sean evaluates your items on the spot.
Purity Testing and Weighing: Each piece is accurately assessed for metal content.
Market Value Assessment: Offers are based on current spot prices plus any collectible or design premiums.
Immediate Payment: We provide cash or check after you accept the offer.
No appointments are rushed, and every step is fully explained so you understand exactly what you’re getting.
6. Why Choose a Professional Appraiser
Selling valuable metals without guidance can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. A professional ensures:
Accurate pricing based on current market rates
Recognition of rare or collectible pieces
Safety and transparency in every transaction
With decades of experience, Sean Summerlin has helped hundreds of Houstonians maximize the value of their gold and silver jewelry.
Final Thoughts
Gold and silver jewelry holds both intrinsic and potential collectible value. Before selling, it’s important to know the true worth of your pieces — and that’s where a professional appraisal makes all the difference.
💬 Ready to find out what your gold or silver jewelry is worth?
Book a Visit Houston TX Coin Dealer today for a free, no-obligation appraisal.
📍 Serving Houston, Kingwood, Cypress, The Woodlands, and surrounding areas
💰 Top prices paid for gold, silver, and rare collectible jewelry
