Last Updated: June 8, 2026
It seems as if every time you turn on the television or radio, there’s another commercial for “Cash for Old Jewelry” businesses, all clamoring to offer you money for any spare gold or silver you may have hidden away. Gold-buying kiosks are springing up in malls and shopping centers across the country, and there are countless websites claiming to give the very best price for your precious metals. The question is, how do you choose? How to sell precious metals safely and for the best price? You have many options, so here are some things to look for when you’re ready to sell your precious metals.
Price
This is the big one, obviously. How much will the buyer offer you for your pieces, and how do they arrive at that price? Generally, the purity and weight of the precious metal can be accurately calculated and you can easily check the prices of the day online. Prices fluctuate with the market, so it’s worth keeping an eye on how the indexes are doing. What percentage of the market price you’ll get depends on the type of buyer you choose.
Fine or antique jewelry will fetch the best price from a jeweler, although you may have to accept store credit. If you want quick cash, go to a pawnbroker or a mall kiosk, but prepare to take a lower percentage of the scrap value. Selling scrap precious metals directly to a gold refinery is a good choice if you have a little bit of time. Their margins are lower and you’re likely to get a better percentage since you’re skipping the middleman.
Flexibility and Convenience
Many buyers, from dealers to refineries to those tv services, offer free shipping aid. These buyers are willing to pay to have your precious metals mailed to them for assessment. Check their guarantee and make sure there are no hidden fees or charges for “appraisal” or shipping. A reputable buyer will also offer to pay to ship your precious metals back to you if you are dissatisfied with the quote you receive. This minimizes your risk. How long do you have to decide on the offer, and what happens if you change your mind? They should also offer an itemized valuation with the quote so that you can see exactly how your offer stands.
Reputation and Experience
Gold buying is big business, and new buyers seem to be appearing all the time. Look into the history and reputation of the company with which you’re doing business, especially if you’re going to be sending your precious metals off in the mail. Examine their credentials, registrations, and licensing, and check to see if they’ve had any dealings with the Better Business Bureau. Established buyers want repeat business and may have a greater commitment to integrity and professionalism than a fly-by-night company.
It’s never been easier to turn your scrap precious metal into ready cash, so have confidence when you approach buyers. Ask some good questions and shop around: when it comes to selling silver, gold, or other precious metals, it really pays off to do a little research.
Written by
Allie BowmanAllie Bowman is the Content Lead at Garfield Refining, where she translates more than 130 years of precious metals expertise into clear, accurate, and practical content for individual sellers, dental professionals, jewelers, and collectors. A Dean's List graduate of the University of Delaware's Media Communication program, Allie has built her career around making complex subjects accessible to a broad audience. Her experience spans nutrition science, lifestyle magazine publishing, and precious metals refining, giving her a unique ability to transform technical information into engaging, trustworthy content. At Garfield, Allie brings editorial rigor and subject-matter expertise to every piece she produces. She works closely with Garfield's refining specialists and senior leadership to ensure that technical topics - from karat markings and assay methods to precious metals markets and spot price mechanics - are explained with both accuracy and clarity. Since joining Garfield's marketing team, Allie has written extensively on precious metals refining, dental scrap recovery, gold and silver bullion, estate and inherited jewelry, and industry-specific topics for dental and jewelry professionals. All content is reviewed by Garfield's leadership team prior to publication, ensuring it reflects the company's standards for accuracy, transparency, and industry expertise.
Reviewed by
Morgan KerrisseyMorgan Kerrissey is the President of Garfield Refining, one of North America's most longstanding and trusted precious metals refineries. For over two decades, Morgan has built his career at the intersection of commodities markets, metallurgy, and precious metals — earning a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable voices in the refining industry. Morgan joined Garfield in 2008, bringing rigorous operational discipline to a company built on exacting standards since 1892. Named President in 2014, he has guided Garfield through volatile gold, silver, and palladium markets, while modernizing its workforce and technologies and diversifying its metal supply chains. Under his leadership, Garfield has expanded its refining capabilities across the full lifecycle of precious metals recovery, entered new markets, and expanded services while maintaining the same customer forward approach that has made Garfield a mainstay for more than a century. From hedging strategy to daily refinery operations, Morgan commands high levels of technical depth and market fluency. Morgan grew up outside Boston, graduated from Harvard University, and has lived with his family in Philadelphia, PA for almost 20 years.