Eleven years of the same conversations on the call. Here are the questions that come up before almost every transaction, answered the same way we answer them in person.
Reputable San Jose gold buyers typically pay 85–92% of the live spot price on investment-grade gold, and 70–80% on lower-karat or damaged jewelry. At today's spot price around $4,782/oz, that works out to roughly $89/gram for 14K and $115/gram for 18K. Pawn shops typically pay 50–65% of spot. If two offers differ by more than 5%, one of them is probably wrong.
Online quotes are accepted 24/7 and answered the next business hour. For estate lots over $10,000 or large coin collections, call (408) 594-3624 or mention it in the form so we can arrange a senior appraiser.
California state law requires every precious metals dealer to see a government-issued photo ID for every transaction. A driver's license, state ID, or passport works. The transaction is recorded per California state law — standard practice that protects both buyer and seller from fraud. It's routine and nothing to worry about.
Yes. Weight and karat are what matter — condition doesn't affect the payout. Broken chains, bent rings, mismatched earrings, single studs, and dental gold all pay the same per gram as intact pieces. Do not repair anything before selling. It rarely adds value and often costs more than it returns.
Cash for offers up to $5,000. Business check or same-day wire transfer for larger amounts. Wires clear within one to two banking hours. You choose the method before signing.
You keep your items and walk out. No fee, no pressure, no awkward conversation. Every written offer is good for seven days — take it elsewhere, compare it, come back if ours is still the best. About one in ten sellers does exactly that. We'd rather you be confident than feel rushed.
Ballpark estimates, yes. Binding offers, no. Gold must be physically tested to confirm karat — no legitimate buyer will give a firm quote sight-unseen. Call (408) 594-3624 with approximate weight and karat and we'll give you a realistic range so you know whether it's worth the drive.
Look for four signals regardless of who you pick: state-certified scales, written itemized offers good for at least seven days, on-the-spot testing you can watch, and a physical shop you can return to. A dedicated precious metals specialist almost always pays more than a pawn shop, a mail-in service, or a jewelry store. We'd rather you compare us against those options than take our word for it.
We use an XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analyzer on the call. It's non-destructive — no scratching, no acid, no damage to your pieces. It reads the precise metallic composition in seconds and you see the reading on the screen. It's the same technology refineries and mints use to verify purity.
Yes. For significant stones (diamonds over 0.5ct, emeralds, rubies, sapphires) we'll evaluate them separately. For small accent stones, we either remove them and return them to you, or factor them into the offer — your call. We never charge a fee for stone removal.
Generally no, unless the gold fill/plating is thick enough to be worth extracting. The XRF test reveals this instantly. Bring it in either way — we'll tell you what you have before you decide anything. If it's not worth selling, we'll say so and you'll know for next time.
Bring everything in a bag or a box. We'll sort through it on the call, identify each piece, tell you what's gold and what isn't, and what each karat is. No charge for any of this. You don't have to commit to selling — many estate visits turn into "these four pieces yes, these twenty to keep." That's completely fine.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Call us directly — we'll tell you straight.
The answers above cover most of what comes up — but every situation is different. Phone us or submit an online quote, and we will talk it through.
We'll call back within a business hour with a realistic range — no spam, ever.
Expect a call from (408) 594-3624 within the next business hour.