FAQ

We buy a wide variety of precious metals and valuable items, and our experts are ready to evaluate them.

This includes:

• gold, silver, and platinum jewelry in any condition (even broken or mismatched pieces)
• physical gold and silver bullion (bars and coins)
• dental gold
• natural colorless diamonds
• luxury watches
• sterling silver flatware

Please note that we evaluate your silver recognized hallmarks to help us quickly determine the purity of your silver items. Common stamps to look for include 925, 800, Sterling, Ster, and the English walking lion. If your silver is unstamped, we can still evaluate it using our rigorous in-store testing methods. We simply need to be absolutely certain of its precious metal content before making a purchase offer. For added peace of mind, our Seattle Gold location is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

You can view our prices for gold, silver, and platinum items, updated daily, here.

If you are looking to invest, we sell pure physical gold, silver, and platinum bullion. We also offer a curated selection of premium pre-owned jewelry online through our sister company 100 Ways.

You can view our prices for common gold, silver, and platinum bullion items, updated daily, here.

We want to make selling your valuables as easy and stress-free as possible. You can choose between our simple in-store evaluation or our secure mail-in service.

The In-Store Experience: When you visit our Seattle location, we utilize a straightforward three-step process.

• First, we welcome you in to provide a free quote on your items.
• Next, we conduct a transparent assessment by testing your pieces right in front of you. We explain every step of the valuation in plain language and answer any questions you have.
• Finally, we provide a written purchase offer based on live market prices with absolutely no pressure to sell.

Secure GoldPack Mail-In Service: If you prefer to sell from home, our GoldPack service is a safe and fully insured alternative.

• You can request a free GoldPack online, and we will send you a secure package with prepaid return shipping and instructions.
• Our experts test and evaluate your items exactly as they would in person. When you fill out your secure GoldPack form, you can choose whether you want our team to contact you with the testing results before finalizing the transaction.
• There is never any obligation to sell, but should you choose to do so, your payment will be mailed to you as a check.

All customers must be at least 18 years old to buy or sell items with us. A valid photo ID is required to be presented for all transactions. In cases when selling items only (to comply with local police reporting requirements), we must securely record your name, address, phone number, and photo ID. We respect your privacy and share your information only as required by law. Your privacy is extremely important to us, and we do all we can to earn and protect that trust.

The value of your gold depends on three key factors:

• Purity (karat level, like 10k, 14k, 18k, etc.)
• Weight (measured in grams)
• Current market price (live rates change daily)

We use professional tools to test and weigh your items right in front of you. You can also check our Live Gold Prices online anytime to see exactly what we’re paying.

At Seattle Gold, we believe in complete transparency both online and in person. We publish our live gold and silver prices on our website so you can always see exactly what we are paying before you visit.

When you come in, we test and assess your items right in front of you. Our staff will explain every step clearly and answer any questions you have with absolutely no pressure and no surprises. At every step you will know exactly what is happening and exactly what your items are worth.

We also offer the highest payouts in the industry for jewelry backed by our Best Price Guarantee. If you have a written offer for your jewelry from another gold buyer in the same city on the same day, we will beat it by 20% of the difference.

How the Math Works: If our offer for a gold necklace is $90, and you bring in a valid competitor's quote for $100, the difference between the two offers is $10. We will match their $100 offer and add 20% of that $10 difference (which is $2). Therefore, our final payout will be $102.

There are a couple of easy at-home tests that can give you a basic idea of what your jewelry is made of:

• The magnet test is a great place to start. Genuine gold is not magnetic, so if your item sticks to a strong magnet, it is likely not real gold. If it does not stick, that does not guarantee it is real either since many other base metals are not magnetic.
• You can also look for stamps. Common gold hallmarks include 10k, 14k, 18k, or 24k as well as 417, 585, or 999. These markings can help you identify purity, but they are not always accurate, especially on older or imported items.

If you are still unsure, simply bring your items into our store. We will test them for free with no pressure to sell.

Gold-plated items often look real, but they contain only a microscopic layer of gold over a base metal like brass or copper. These items typically have little to no melt value because refining fees cost more than the thin layer of gold is actually worth.

We use professional tools to tell the difference. Our touchstone scratch testing reveals what is beneath the surface to bypass thick plating. We also utilize X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to measure the exact percentage breakdown of the metal composition.

Our staff will explain the testing results clearly so you know exactly what you have and whether it is worth selling.

We purchase natural colorless diamonds and specific large gemstones. For diamonds we evaluate the clarity, cut, carat, and color. Stones under 0.40 carats are often priced as premium jewelry, while larger stones require an evaluation by a certified diamond grader. If you have laboratory paperwork for a large gemstone, please bring it with you. Our high-end jewelry experts can use these documents to assist with testing and provide you with the most accurate pricing. If you prefer to keep your stones from your sold jewelry items, we are happy to remove them for you whenever possible.

Please note: We explicitly do not buy synthetic diamonds or gemstones like pearls, amethyst, garnets, or tanzanite.

You can buy pure physical gold, silver, and platinum bullion directly from our Seattle or Portland locations. Just walk in with no appointment needed. We offer a variety of items including coins and bars.

If you are looking for premium pre-owned jewelry, you can browse our curated selection online through our sister company, 100 Ways. You can check our live bullion prices online anytime or contact your local store to ask about available stock.

We are not a pawn shop. We are a specialized precious metals buyer and seller. This means we do not offer loans or hold items since we simply buy them outright.

Our focus is on transparent pricing and honest educational evaluations. You will receive a clear written offer and same-day payment with no hidden fees and absolutely no pressure. Our goal is to help you understand exactly what your items are worth and why.

If you are wondering whether a gold dealer is trustworthy, there are a few key warning signs to watch for. Reputable buyers must ask for a valid photo ID by law. Be cautious of unusually high prices offered without proper testing or a clear explanation.

You should always receive clear documentation of your transaction. A trustworthy dealer will never rush or intimidate you into selling. If you notice any of these red flags, it is a good idea to step back and get a second opinion.

At Seattle Gold, we offer free evaluations and explain every step of the testing process clearly right in front of you. If something does not feel right elsewhere, trust your instincts and feel free to visit us for a second opinion.