How to Determine How Much Your Scrap Gold is Worth

As the spot price of gold has risen sharply overNext, you'll need to divide the number of karats
the last couple of years, a large crop of buyersrepresented by each pile by the fineness of the
have emerged. In fact, you may have seengold. That means dividing each by 24 like the
television commercials encouraging you to sellfollowing...
your gold jewelry, dental work, or scrap. If you10 karats = 10 divided by 24 = 0.41667
own any pieces that contain a large amount of14 karats = 14 divided by 24 = 0.58333
gold, this is a good opportunity to sell them for18 karats = 18 divided by 24 = 0.75000
cash. The challenge is knowing how much your22 karats = 22 divided by 24 = 0.91667
items are worth.Now, simply multiply the price per gram ($35.05 in
Fortunately, calculating their value is relativelyour example) by the factors above to find the
simple if you have the right tools and know theprice per gram for each karatage...
formula. We'll provide the latter below. You'll learn,10 karats = $14.60
step by step, how to determine the worth of14 karats = $20.45
your entire collection. Then, we'll provide a quick18 karats = $26.29
blueprint for selling it to an online buyer.22 karats = $32.13
Split Your Items By KaratThe final step is to multiply each of the "price per
The first step is to organize your collection bygram" figures above by the number of grams in
separating each of the individual pieces by theiryour individual piles. For example, if your pile of 18
karatage (or karat fineness). For example, youkarat pieces weighs 25 grams, that pile is worth
might own a 14 karat watch, an 18 karat$450 based on the current spot price.
necklace, and a 24 karat pendant. You'll need toHow To Sell Your Scrap Gold Online
place each into separate piles.After you have determined the current value of
In most cases, you'll be able to see the karatageyour gold items, find a buyer online. Try to work
on the item; it's a small stamp on the insidewith a refiner rather than a broker. That
surface. If the stamp has been rubbed off, haveeliminates the middleman. Without the extra layer
a dealer test the piece. Note that the testingof padding, you'll likely receive a higher price from
process used by dealers will result in a smallthe refiner. It's important to note that you will not
amount of gold being lost.receive 100% of your gold's value. The
Weigh Each Pilepercentage of the spot price offered varies by
Once your items have been separated into pilesthe buyer; some offer as much as 80% or more
by their karatage, weigh each pile. Ideally, youwhile others offer less than 50%.
should have access to a gram scale. If your scaleYou'll need to mail your items to the buyer so
only displays ounces, you'll need to convert thethey'll be able to weigh them. Many refiners will
number of ounces into grams (multiply it byprovide a free kit that includes an insured shipping
28.35). For example, if your pile of 18 karat piecesbox and an inventory form on which you can list
weighs 3 ounces, it weighs 85.05 grams.each piece. Some refiners will even allow you to
Calculate The Current Value Per Gramcreate an account on their website so you can
Find today's spot price (you can do so at mosttrack their progress. They'll extend an offer to
major news websites). Spot prices are listed asyou which you'll be able to accept or decline.
the dollar amount per troy ounce. A single troyIf you own old pieces of gold jewelry, coins,
ounce is equal to 31.1 grams. Divide the spot pricedental fillings, or any type of scrap gold, consider
by that number to find the current price perselling it while the spot price is high. The quick
gram. For example, if the spot price were $1,090,inflow of cash can be put to better use than
the price per gram would be approximatelyjewelry that is collecting dust in storage.
$35.05.