Unmarked Gold in a Wethersfield Estate? Start with the Test.

How We Approach Older Jewelry and Household Silver

Karat and unmarked gold

A 10k stamp is a starting point for an assessment, not the entire assessment. On an unmarked piece, testing is especially important because yellow color can come from a surface layer or several different alloys. Repairs may introduce material that differs from the rest of the object. We explain the findings before grouping pieces for a metal calculation. Neither a family date nor the style of a setting tells us precisely how much fine gold is present.

Weight and the price reference

The scale can show the weight of a whole object even when part of it is stone, steel, or another non-gold material. We explain the relevant weight and purity rather than describing all of that mass as precious metal. Live spot prices inform the calculation, but a headline ounce price is not a purchase quote for an ounce of mixed jewelry. Ask how deductions and the item’s characteristics affect the proposed amount so comparisons are made on understandable terms.

Estate settings and intact pieces

Some older jewelry has value associated with workmanship, condition, or collector demand beyond its metal content. We consider those features when relevant and explain whether they affect our offer; age alone does not ensure an antique premium. A past insurance valuation may describe replacement cost rather than what a buyer would pay today. Bring the document as context, and leave stones and settings together instead of attempting to prepare the piece yourself.

Broken pieces, dental gold, and surface layers

A snapped chain or incomplete pair of earrings can still contain useful precious metal. Conversely, plated and gold-filled items should not be counted as solid gold simply because their finish looks convincing. Dental alloys need their own assessment instead of an assumed jewelry karat. Small fragments are easier to keep track of in a secure container. There is no need to repair damage, polish a surface, or remove attachments before asking us to evaluate it.

Watches and gold coins

A watch’s gross weight includes its movement and possibly other non-gold parts; the case and bracelet require separate consideration. Bring watches intact so their construction and condition remain visible. Gold coins and bars can be assessed in the same visit, with their authenticity, fineness, and weight checked as appropriate. Coins with collectible characteristics should not automatically be reduced to a simple melt calculation. Let us know about those categories when scheduling the jewelry review.

Platinum and silver

Platinum is tested and assessed against its own purity and market reference. Sterling tea services and flatware also need careful identification: silver plate, weighted components, and non-silver knife blades change how a total weight should be interpreted. Some complete pieces may warrant attention to pattern or condition as well as metal content. Please describe a large service beforehand. Connecticut requires payment by check or money order for purchases covered by the precious-metals dealer rules, and Haven pays by check. Our same-day payment practice means you receive that check when accepting the offer, while required dealer retention of covered property is a separate obligation.