Almost everyone has a drawer with a broken chain, a single earring, or a ring from another lifetime. Here is how selling gold actually works, so you can walk into any shop, including ours in Leola, PA, knowing what your metal is worth and why.
The three things that set the price
Karat. Pure gold is 24 karat. Most jewelry is 10k, 14k, or 18k, which means that fraction of the piece is actually gold. The stamp inside a band or on a clasp, 10K, 14K, 585, 750, tells the story, and a jeweler can test any piece that is not stamped.
Weight. Gold is bought by weight. Heavier is worth more, full stop. Two identical-looking chains can be worth very different money if one is solid and one is hollow.
The day's gold price. Gold trades on a live market that moves every day. The same bracelet can be worth noticeably more this month than last, which is why any honest quote is tied to that day's price.
What we buy
Gold jewelry in any condition, broken or not. Sterling silver and silver coins. Estate pieces. Diamonds and fine watches are evaluated piece by piece. If it has precious metal in it, it is worth a conversation.
What to bring
Bring the pieces and a photo ID. That is it. We weigh and test everything in front of you, explain exactly how the number was reached, and the decision to sell is yours. No appointment needed during store hours, though a call ahead never hurts.
Sell to someone you can find again
Maxwell & Co. Jewelry, 6 Glenbrook Rd, Leola, PA 17540. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Questions first? Call (717) 475-8814. We are a working jewelry store with a bench on site, not a pop-up buyer, and we will be here next year too.