No Karat Stamp? Bring Your Haddam Jewelry for a Test You Can Watch.

From Uncertain Markings to an Explained Buying Figure

Unmarked pieces and karat testing

Older rings can lose their marks through wear or resizing, and some items were never clearly marked. We inspect and test the metal instead of assigning a karat from appearance. Separate pieces can produce different results even when they were worn as a set. Tell us about known repairs or alterations so the assessment can account for them. We explain the method and findings before placing an item into a purity group.

Weight and the market reference

Gold value depends on the amount of actual gold, not simply the weight of everything placed on the scale. Stones, non-gold parts, and mixed materials need to be considered. We show the relevant weights and explain the basis used for each group. The spot quotation is a market reference for fine gold; it is not automatically the amount a buyer pays for every gram of finished jewelry. You should understand that distinction before comparing proposals.

Broken chains and single earrings

Damage does not necessarily remove precious-metal value. Bring broken chains, bent rings, and lone earrings with the rest of the collection. Solder, replacement clasps, and other components may require separate attention. We identify what contributes to the calculation rather than treating a damaged piece as worthless or assuming every attachment has the same purity. Leave fragments together when you know they belong to one item. Dental gold can be evaluated too; its alloy needs testing rather than a jewelry-karat assumption.

Victorian jewelry and collectible details

An old piece may deserve consideration beyond its metal content because of workmanship, condition, maker, or collector demand. Age alone does not guarantee that premium. Keep boxes, receipts, and family documentation available, and avoid polishing away surface details before the visit. We will explain when those characteristics affect our purchase assessment and when the available evidence points mainly to metal value.

Watches and chains with several materials

A gold-colored watch might have a solid-gold case, a gold-filled case, or plated components. The movement and other non-gold parts should not be counted as solid precious metal. Bring the watch intact and let us identify its construction; you do not need to open it at home. Chains and bracelets also need examination rather than an assumption based on the watch they accompany.

Gold coins and bars

An estate may include bullion or older gold coins alongside jewelry. We verify the issue, authenticity, and fine-gold content rather than apply a jewelry rate to the whole group. Collector interest can matter for certain coins. Keep bars in their existing packaging and certified coins in their holders so that identification information stays with the item.

Platinum and silver in the estate

We review platinum pieces separately from gold and explain the relevant material findings. Sterling flatware, serving pieces, and hollowware can also be brought for evaluation. Marks, pattern, condition, weighted sections, and non-silver components affect that discussion. A complete service may need a different examination from a few damaged utensils, so tell us what you have when scheduling.

For covered precious-metal purchases, Connecticut requires payment by check or money order rather than currency. If you accept Haven’s offer, our same-day payment policy provides a check; you can instead take time to decide.