What You Need to Know About Selling Your Metals
When you're thinking about selling gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or any precious metal item, one thing matters most: what it's actually made of.
Not all precious metals are created equal. Not all gold is pure gold. Many items that appear valuable may actually contain lower percentages of precious metals than you'd expect, which directly impacts their worth.
Precious metal content simply refers to how much actual valuable metal is in your item.
For instance, a heavy gold-colored bracelet might look impressive but could be 10K gold (41.7% pure) or even gold-plated brass with minimal actual gold content.
At Gold Rush Houston, an informed seller makes better decisions and typically walks away more satisfied with their transaction. Keep reading for useful insights into precious metal content.
What is in Precious Metals?
Precious metals are naturally occurring elements with high economic value due to their rarity. Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are the most popular. You'll typically find these in jewelry, coins, flatware, and even electronics.
Gold gets most of the attention because it's durable and holds value well. Silver is more affordable but still valuable—especially in quantity. Platinum and palladium are less common but extremely valuable, particularly in industrial applications.
Metal Content: Purity Matters
The value of precious metals is determined by their weight and purity.
Gold is graded in karats, with pure gold being 24K.
A 14K ring contains only 58.3% actual gold, with the rest being other metals for strength. Most U.S. jewelry ranges from 10K to 18K.
Silver is typically marked with numbers like "925," meaning it's 92.5% pure (sterling silver). Platinum and palladium use similar markings, such as "950" for 95% purity.
Always check for stamps on inner bands of rings, clasps of chains, or backs of flatware. If you're unsure, professional testing provides the most accurate assessment.
How We Evaluate Your Items at Gold Rush
The most precise way to evaluate metal content is through XRF analysis (X-ray fluorescence). At Gold Rush, we use this technology because it's fast, non-destructive, and gives you a real-time readout of exactly what's in your item—no guesswork involved.
Precious metals are often marked with an indicator of their purity. For pieces without markings, we can also use traditional appraisal techniques, but nothing matches the accuracy of modern technology.
Calculating the “Cash for Gold” Payout At Gold Rush
Your payment depends on two factors: purity and weight. More pure metal means more money.
For example, a 10K gold necklace contains about 41.7% gold, while an 18K piece has 75% gold. Same weight, very different value. Buyers calculate offers based on current market prices multiplied by purity and total weight.
“Cash for gold” applies to all precious metals and diamonds in this context.
Where to Look for Precious Metals
Precious metals show up in more places than you might think:
Jewelry is obvious—rings, bracelets, earrings, and watches. Coins can be valuable depending on their composition. Sterling silver flatware is often overlooked but can bring serious returns, especially complete sets.
Even electronics contain traces of gold and silver in circuit boards and connectors.
Quick Tips for Identifying Precious Metals at Home
Before coming to see us, try these simple checks:
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Look for hallmarks (stamps like "925" or "14K")
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Use a magnet (precious metals aren't magnetic)
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Compare weight (precious metals are generally heavier)
These give you a starting point, but professional testing provides the definitive answer.
Get Maximum Value with Gold Rush
Whether you're in Colorado or Texas, bring your items to Gold Rush Houston or Gold Rush Denver for accurate evaluation using top-grade equipment. We test everything in front of you so you can see the results firsthand. We provide the best resource to sell gold in Houston, Denver, and their surrounding areas.
Coins, jewelry, and scrap—if it contains precious metal, we'll evaluate it accurately and make a competitive offer on the spot. No pressure, no obligation. Just real value for your precious metals.
