What we buy
- Victorian lockets, brooches and mourning jewelry
- Edwardian and Art Deco rings
- Rose gold and multi-tone pieces
- Watch fobs and pocket watch chains
- Cameo brooches set in gold
- Old class rings and signet rings
- Pieces with worn or missing karat stamps
How we price antique gold jewelry
Our offers on antique jewelry are based on the gold: its karat, its weight and the live spot price. Older pieces can be tricky, since stamps may be faint, missing or in older systems, so we test each one. Enamel, glass, cameos and stones are not gold, and we account for them. Some antique pieces have design or maker value that goes beyond their gold. If you believe a piece is special, it's reasonable to get an antique jeweler's opinion as well, and compare it with our written offer.
Old Gold Can Be Hard to Read
Jewelry made a century ago doesn't always follow today's markings. You might see 9ct, 15ct, a number like 375 or 625, a maker's mark, or nothing at all. Rose gold from that era often has a warm, coppery color that's easy to mistake for brass.
That's why we test instead of guessing. You watch the electronic and acid tests, and we tell you what each piece is before anything is written down.
Pieces With a Family History
Many Dallas sellers come to us after an inheritance or while helping a parent downsize. It's common to feel unsure about letting go of a grandmother's brooch. There's no pressure here. You can sell one piece, keep the rest, or simply learn what you have. Some people bring a family member along for support, and that's welcome.
If a piece holds a photo or a lock of hair, take it out before your visit or let us know so we can hand it back.
Gentle Handling
Please don't clean or polish antique jewelry before you bring it. Harsh cleaners can damage enamel, soft stones and old solder. Wrap each piece in a soft cloth or tissue so it doesn't scratch against others.
Bring any old boxes, receipts or appraisals you have. They can help tell a piece's story. Even a note in a parent's handwriting about where a ring came from is worth keeping with it.
Booking Your Visit
Appointments are private and run Monday through Friday, with same-day times often open. Call 469-485-2050 and we'll confirm the Dallas location. Bring a valid government photo ID, which Texas law requires for precious metal sales.
If you're helping an older parent sell their own jewelry, you're welcome to come along together. Many families find it easier with two sets of eyes and ears. We'll walk through every piece at an easy pace, answer questions as they come up, and write it all down so nothing gets forgotten later. Nobody needs to decide anything on the spot.
Antique Gold Jewelry: Common Questions
My antique piece has no gold stamp. Can you still buy it?
Yes. Many older pieces were never stamped, or the stamp wore away long ago. We test each item with an electronic tester and an acid test in front of you, so the lack of a mark isn't a problem.
Is antique jewelry worth more than its gold?
Sometimes. Signed pieces, fine design work or sought-after styles can carry value beyond the metal. Our offer is based on the gold. If you think a piece may be special, getting an antique jeweler's opinion too is a sensible step.
What is 9ct or 15ct gold?
These are older British karat standards. 9ct gold is 37.5 percent pure, and 15ct is 62.5 percent pure. You'll often see them on Victorian and Edwardian jewelry. We test to confirm the purity before writing your offer.
Should I remove cameos or stones first?
No need. We account for anything that isn't gold when we weigh. If you'd like to keep a stone or cameo, a jeweler can remove it before your visit, and we'll price the gold setting on its own.