As you rummage through drawers you rarely open these days, you may happen upon clothes that no longer fit or trinkets of sentimental value. You may also find things you haven't seen or worn for years - a high school class ring, a broken necklace chain, or another item of jewelry given by a former sweetheart. While sentimentality prompts you to hang onto certain things, the possibility that you could cash in on unworn and unwanted jewelry is also appealing. When people perceive trouble with the economy, investment in gold gains popularity, and value rises. If you have gold jewelry in your possession, you may be at least interested in what it is worth.
How do you find out? There are a few ways to determine the value of rings, necklaces, and bracelets made of precious gold and/or silver, or the value of diamonds and other gems in rings and earrings. Some of the more obvious steps to take include:
1) Have a professional appraisal made on your jewelry. Contact a local jeweler to find out if they do appraisals on gold and gems. Most shops have somebody on staff who is certified, and is either ready to consult with walk-ins or willing to work by appointment. When you see an appraiser about your belongings, it will help to offer as much information as possible about the jewelry - where you got it, when you got it, and how you've stored it over time. You may want to bring any paperwork associated with the jewelry, like certificates of authentication, if you think an appraiser will want to see them. Sometimes one can tell you right off the bat if you have actual gold or just gold-plated metal that a jeweler is likely not interested in buying.
2) If you know what you possess is actual gold, you can consult current gold prices to get an idea of its value. There are online calculators that offer estimates on the going price for gold according to weight and karats. While you may find some helpful information that way, though, you may wish to confirm with a reputable appraiser.
3) If there is a reputable gold and coin show near you, you may wish to consult with one or more certified appraisers for an idea of value. Be careful, however, of who you visit. Some jewelers will warn you not to call the fly-by-night dealers who rent a hotel room for a weekend and take walk-in appraisals. There is the risk you may be paid less the true value of the jewelry you want to sell.
If you think what gold, silver, and gem jewelry you own is worth selling, find out what it's worth first.
Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach jewelers and Virginia Beach gold appraisals.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathryn_Lively
