What Happens During a Gold Jewelry Evaluation?

A Private, One-on-One Review

When you visit us, you’ll sit down directly with an experienced buyer. There are no drop-offs or back-room evaluations. Everything is done with you, and you’re welcome to ask questions at any point.

Our goal is to make sure you understand what you have and feel comfortable throughout the process.

Step One: Reviewing Your Items

We begin by looking at each item individually. This includes:

• Identifying the type of item (jewelry, coins, bullion, etc.)
• Checking for markings or hallmarks
• Noting overall condition

This initial review helps determine how each item should be evaluated and whether anything needs closer attention.

Step Two: Verifying Metal Content

Once we’ve reviewed your items, we verify metal content carefully and professionally. When clear markings are present, they help guide the process — but verification is still performed to ensure accuracy.

For most gold and silver jewelry, this is done using scratch testing, a standard and widely accepted method in the jewelry industry. Scratch testing allows us to confirm purity reliably, and it’s performed carefully and selectively as part of the evaluation.

When there’s a question about what’s beneath the surface — such as pieces that may be plated, filled, or constructed differently than they appear — we may also use additional verification methods. These can include:

• Electronic gold and silver testing to confirm metal content quickly
• XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analysis, a non-destructive method used to identify metal composition when deeper confirmation is needed

We explain which method we’re using and why, so you always understand what’s happening.

Different items require different approaches. Jewelry, silver pieces, and bullion are verified using methods appropriate to their form and condition. Coins and bullion are handled with care and evaluated according to recognized industry standards, without unnecessary testing.

Step Three: Considering the Full Piece

If your items include diamonds or gemstones, those are taken into account as part of the evaluation. Stones are reviewed in context, and we explain how they’re considered and how they may contribute to the overall assessment.

Every item is different, and we take the time to explain what matters for yours.

Step Four: Explaining the Evaluation

Once the review is complete, we walk you through what we found in clear, plain language. You’ll understand:

• What your items are made of
• How different factors were considered
• How the evaluation came together

There’s no rush, and there’s no obligation to move forward.

Step Five: You Decide What Happens Next

After the evaluation, the choice is entirely yours. You can:

• Choose to sell
• Take time to think
• Or simply leave with more information

There’s no pressure, and evaluations are always complimentary.

How Long Does an Evaluation Take?

Most evaluations are completed during a short visit. We respect your time while still making sure each item is reviewed carefully and explained clearly.

A Comfortable, No-Pressure Experience

Many people tell us this is what sets the experience apart. The purpose of an evaluation isn’t just accuracy — it’s comfort. You should feel informed, respected, and confident in whatever decision you make.

Ready to Have Your Items Evaluated?

If you’re thinking about selling gold jewelry, silver jewelry, or coins and bullion, the next step is a simple in-person evaluation.

Dave and team will:

• Review your items with you
• Explain each step clearly
• Answer your questions honestly
• Let you decide what to do next

You can return to our We Buy Gold Jewelry page to learn more about the process, or give us a call if you’d prefer to talk things through first.