FAQ
Frequently asked questions
If your question is not here, call us — we answer pricing questions over the phone every day.
How much can I get for my gold?+
Your payout is based on three things: the purity (karat), the exact weight, and today's gold market. Use our calculator for an instant estimate — the counter offer is calculated exactly the same way.
Do I need an appointment?+
No. Walk in during open hours and we will test and weigh your items at the counter. Most visits take 10 to 15 minutes.
What do I need to bring?+
Your items and a valid state-issued photo ID. Michigan law requires us to record ID for precious metal purchases.
How do you test my gold?+
Acid testing and electronic karat testers at the counter, with XRF verification for higher-value pieces. You watch every test.
Do you pay cash?+
Yes. Accept the offer and you leave with cash the same visit. No mail-in kits and no waiting for a check.
Is my item worth less because it is broken?+
No. Scrap gold and silver are paid by purity and weight, so damage makes no difference to the value.
Can I sell on behalf of a family member or estate?+
Yes, with your own photo ID. For probate estates, bring any paperwork showing your authority to sell.
Am I obligated to sell after you make an offer?+
Never. Testing, weighing and our offer are free, and you can walk out with your items at any point.
Do you buy gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry?+
No — plated and filled items contain too little recoverable gold. We test your pieces and tell you honestly which are solid.
How often do your prices change?+
Our prices follow the live precious metals market and refresh throughout the trading day. The offer you get reflects the market at that moment.
About specific items
How much is gold worth per gram today?+
It depends on karat and the live market. Our gold price page shows what we pay per gram and per pennyweight for 10K through 24K, updated throughout the day.
Do you buy gold-plated or gold-filled items?+
Plated and filled items contain too little gold to recover, so we cannot pay for them. We test and tell you honestly which pieces are solid gold.
Is there a minimum amount of gold to sell?+
No minimum. We buy a single earring just as readily as a full jewelry box.
Should I polish my silver first?+
No. Polishing removes a thin layer of silver and never increases the payout.
Do you buy silver plate?+
No. Silver plate contains a microscopic amount of silver. We test each piece and tell you what is sterling.
How do you price silver coins?+
By actual silver content against the live market, unless a date or mint mark carries a collector premium — then we pay the higher collector value.
Will you melt my grandmother's ring?+
Not without telling you. If a piece is worth more intact, we say so and offer on that basis.
Do I need an appraisal to sell jewelry?+
No. Appraisals reflect insurance replacement cost, not resale value. Our evaluation is free.
Do you buy costume jewelry?+
Generally no, unless it is a collectible signed piece. We sort your lot and tell you what has value.
Should I clean my coins before selling?+
Never. Cleaning leaves marks that collectors can spot and can cut a coin's value sharply.
Do you buy whole collections?+
Yes, and we itemize the better pieces rather than quoting one lump sum for everything.
Are wheat pennies worth anything?+
Most are worth a few cents each, but key dates are worth far more. We sort them for you at no charge.