Gold and silver value sounds simple until you try to put a real number on it. Most people walk in asking one question: “What’s it worth?”

The honest answer is that it depends on three things: purity, weight and the pricing basis. The same chain can produce different numbers depending on whether you need an insurance document, an estate value, or you’re selling and trying to understand what you could get today.

This guide explains the appraisal process in plain English, what affects the number, and what you should bring if you want the process to go faster. If you’re ready to book, start here: schedule an appraisal.

The quick answer before you scroll: understanding gold appraisal and current market value

Gold and silver value comes down to purity, weight, and market pricing. We confirm metal content first, verify weight, then apply the right pricing method based on your goal. The same piece can have different values depending on whether the number is meant for replacement or for a realistic market based sale.

If you want the simplest way to think about it: gold fluctuates daily based on global market conditions, supply and demand, and going rates in the current market.

What a gold appraisal or silver appraisal actually means (and when you need a jewelry appraisal)

A gold or silver appraisal is a documented evaluation of your jewelry pieces or items made from precious metal. The goal is to identify what you have, describe it accurately, and provide a value conclusion that matches the purpose of the report.

An appraisal considers weight and purity, construction, and various factors that can affect its value beyond metal alone. This is especially important with antique gold, silver jewelry, and pieces that include gemstones or brand signatures.

People usually need this for:

• insurance documentation
• estate settlement and asset division
• resale planning, including selling gold or selling jewelry
• personal records for higher value pieces and peace of mind

If you want the service details, appointment options, and documentation format, start here: gold and silver appraisal in NYC.

Purity basics for gold jewelry and precious metal: karat, sterling, hallmarks, mixed metals

Purity is simply how much precious metal is actually present, measured in karats for gold.

Gold karat basics

Gold jewelry is commonly marked:

• 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, and sometimes 24K (24k is pure gold)

  Karat, typically shortened to K or KT, weight refers to how much gold is in the alloy. Higher karat usually means higher gold content.

Sterling silver basics

Sterling silver is commonly marked:

• 925

  That means the piece is 92.5 percent silver, mixed with metals like copper for strength.

Hallmarks help, but they’re not proof by themselves

Hallmarks are useful, but they can be worn down, missing, or incorrect. Some items are stamped even when they are not real gold or not sterling through and through, especially if plating is involved.

That’s why we test.

Mixed metals and repairs are common

Older jewelry often has mixed metal sections, solder, or repairs that can change purity readings. Even clasps and internal parts can be different metal than the rest of the piece.

How an appraiser tests precious metal: methods and why we use more than one

A proper evaluation starts with testing. One method is not always enough. Our appraisal process begins with inspection, then confirmation testing where needed.

Visual inspection and hallmark review

We start by checking:

• hallmarks and maker’s marks
• construction style and wear patterns
• areas where plating or fills are common
• repairs and solder points

Testing to confirm metal content

Depending on the item, we may use more than one approach to confirm purity. Some pieces require professional confirmation because mixed metals, repairs, or finishes can confuse a single method.

You’ll often hear people talk about acid tests or electronic testing. In practice, the goal is simple: confirm what the metal actually is before we talk numbers.

Measuring weight: how we calculate the value for your gold (and what does not matter)

Once purity is confirmed, weight becomes meaningful.

What we weigh

We weigh the item using proper scales to measure accurately. Most jewelry is weighed in grams, but some pricing references can also use troy ounces. You may see weight expressed as grams or troy ounces depending on the context.

What changes the usable weight

Some jewelry pieces include:

• gemstones
• non metal cores
• hollow construction
• springs, clasps, or internal components made from different metal

If a gold piece includes gemstones, the valuation reflects that the gemstone is not part of the precious metal weight. This matters for an accurate value, especially on a gold necklace, rings, or heavier gold pieces with large settings.

What does not matter as much as people think

• how large it looks in the hand
• how “heavy” it feels compared to something else
• vague online estimates without purity confirmation

Market value and pricing: why gold’s value can change and why two offers differ

This is where buyers get confused. The price of gold changes, the gold market moves, and offers are built on different assumptions.

A few reasons two offers can differ:

• gold fluctuates daily based on market trends and the current market price
• the buyer’s margin and business model
• whether the item is treated as scrap or as a resellable piece
• the time it takes to resell the category
• fees, refining costs, or demand at that moment

This is why the current market value in a report can differ from what a buyer offers on the spot. It also explains why similar items can trade differently at an auction house versus a quick cash buyer.

Scrap value vs retail replacement value: why the numbers are not the same in a gold appraisal

This is where most confusion happens, especially when you’re selling.

Scrap value

Scrap value is driven mainly by purity, usable metal weight, and the current market. It assumes the item is being melted or refined. Scrap is often the baseline when you are selling gold quickly, especially for broken jewelry.

Scrap value can be the right lens for some items, but it is not the full story for all jewelry.

Retail replacement value

Retail replacement value is a different type of number. It is used for insurance and it reflects what it would cost to replace the item in a comparable way. This can include craftsmanship, design, and sourcing that goes beyond metal alone.

That’s why you can see a wide gap between what something could sell for and what it would cost to replace.

If you want a related reference point for the appraisal side of pricing, here is: how much does a jewelry appraisal cost in NYC.

Written appraisal vs evaluation: when a jeweler’s documentation matters

Not every situation requires a formal written report. A jeweler can help you choose the right documentation based on your goal.

A written appraisal makes sense when you need:

• insurance documentation
• estate and probate records
• clear asset division support
• formal documentation for higher value jewelry appraised as individual items or collections

An evaluation can be enough when you need:

• a practical sense of what you have
• a decision point for selling your gold (or deciding to keep it)
• basic guidance on category and material value

If you’re unsure, the easiest move is to start with your goal. That way you can make informed decisions instead of chasing the wrong number. Our job is to help you make informed choices, not push you into a path that doesn’t fit.

Common questions about gold jewelry and silver jewelry

Can you appraise gold jewelry with stones in it?

Yes. Stones change how we interpret weight and value. We account for stones and construction so the valuation is accurate and not based on assumptions. Some pieces may be valued for artistic value or historical significance beyond metal alone.

Does plated gold have value?

Plated gold usually has minimal precious metal content compared to solid gold. It can still matter depending on what the item is, but it is evaluated differently than solid karat gold.

Is sterling silver worth appraising?

It depends on the item. Some silver jewelry is primarily metal value. Others have design or collectible value. A family heirloom, a signed piece, or an item with strong craftsmanship might be worth documenting even if the metal weight is modest.

Why is my appraisal value different from what a buyer offers?

Because those numbers are built for different purposes. A buyer’s offer reflects their costs, margin, and how quickly they can convert it. An appraisal value reflects the valuation purpose, such as replacement or a market based number tied to current market conditions.

Do you appraise gold coins and bullion?

Yes, depending on what you bring in and what your goal is. Coins and bullion are typically valued differently than jewelry, even when purity is high.

Need to schedule an appraisal with a professional appraiser in NYC?

If you want a precise appraisal for insurance, an estate, or documentation that supports informed decisions, start here: gold and silver appraisal in NYC.

If your goal is to sell your gold, compare options, or understand what your gold is worth before you act, we can help you make an informed plan so you’re getting the best outcome for your situation.

To book directly, use: schedule an appraisal.