Whether you’ve got your own collection of jewelry castoffs, or you just inherited a boxful from a relative, selling off unwanted pieces is a great way to make some fast cash—if it’s actually worth something. But how do you know? While an expert like those we have at Loudoun Jewelry on Maple Avenue can give you the best estimate, there are a few questions to ask that can determine if have something valuable in your hands:
1) Does the jewelry have prongs? Absence of prongs holding diamonds or precious gems is an indication that the stones are glued on—and the jewelry is cheap.
2) Does the jewelry have hallmarks? These are imprints that can let you know the manufacturer, designer, country of origin, or precious metal content—and often indicate a piece of fine jewelry. Common gold hallmarks include 18K, 14K, 10K, 750, 585, 375. Common platinum hallmarks include 950, PLATINUM, PLAT. Common silver hallmarks include 925, Silver, 800, Sterling.
3) Does the jewelry feel heavy? Gold is heavy, and if your jewelry isn’t, chances are good that it’s not gold but gold-plated lighter metal, like brass. Unfortunately, that’s not going to be worth much. Even if it is real gold, lightness indicates that it’s hollow, which also means there’s not much gold there.
If you’ve answered yes to these questions, take the jewelry to a reputable pawn shop in Loudoun, VA—maybe you’ll hit the jackpot!