Question About Jewlery Appraisal

[smartfox]

Are there any jewlers who appraise jewlery without charge? I might be selling some gold and sterling silver and miscellaneous gold and silver earrings to either jewlers or someone who wants it. The other day I did a garage sale and was amazed at people who wanted to buy gold and jewlery. At the time I was only interested in getting rid of big junk and told them I was not planning on selling any jewlery but now I am. Should of gotten their number but did not think about it at the time. Anyways they would of probably ripped me off.

My question is? Are there any places that I can take my jewlery to get it appraised for free and maybe sell it to them for a good price? I was thinking of a pawn shop but with what my dad tells me most of the time they ripp you off. Also is there a way that I could appraise jewlery myself with some type of kit that way I know the value and sell it close to the original price. I have a feeling that I will be able to at least pay my detector at least in half or maybe more with my finds. Let me know. thanks.

[liquid1]

humm good question...I'm sure someone will chime in soon..

[Arkwater]

I'm not sure jewelry dealers are any better than pawn shops! I had a ring appraised that I found md'ing. One jeweler called it a "$300 wal-mart ring" & his competitor said " it is a nice ring that would easily bring $500+." Both of them commonly have "Gold Sales" where they have 50% to 70% off all gold items. If they can sell them at 70% off & still make a modest profit, how bad are they really gouging us. I think the value of jewelry is the current melt value, & any value above that lies with the owner or the purchaser. JMHO!

[smartfox]

Most places I went to the sites for some reason are not working. What do you guys usually do when you find gold/jewlery. Do you test it yourself, go to a pawn shop, or just go to a couple of local jewlery store and compare prices?