Ready to turn your old jewelry into instant cash?
If you’ve been wondering where to sell jewelry for scrap, you’re not alone. People often search using terms like where to sell jewelry for scrap, where to sell scrap jewelry, where to sell gold scrap, or where to sell silver scrap – all variations of the same concern. With gold and silver prices near record highs, there’s never been a better time to cash in on scrap jewelry you no longer wear. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly where to sell jewelry for scrap in the Phoenix metro area – covering local options in Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, and beyond – and how to ensure you get the most for your gold and silver items.
Selling jewelry for its scrap value means you’re trading it for the worth of its precious metal content. Whether you have a broken gold chain, an old class ring, or tarnished silver earrings, you can convert these items into money by selling them as scrap gold or scrap silver. But the key question is where to sell jewelry for scrap safely and profitably. In the Phoenix area, you have plenty of options – from pawn shops to jewelry stores to dedicated gold buyers – but not all buyers are equal. Keep reading to discover where to sell scrap jewelry for the best return, how scrap value is determined, and why a local Arizona-based buyer like Gold King Bullion offers a no-nonsense, same-day cash solution.
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📑 Table of Contents
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Where to Sell Jewelry for Scrap in Phoenix – Comparing Your Options
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Gold King Bullion – Your Best Partner for Selling Scrap Jewelry in Phoenix
Why Sell Jewelry for Scrap?
Almost everyone has some unwanted or broken jewelry tucked away. It might be a lone earring without a match, a kinked gold chain, or an outdated bracelet you never wear. Selling these pieces for scrap is often the smartest move when they hold more value in metal than as wearable jewelry. Here are a few key reasons it makes sense to learn where to sell jewelry for scrap now:
Gold and Silver Prices Are High: Precious metal prices have surged in recent years. Gold reached an all-time high of about $3,500 per ounce in April 2025 (Investopedia), and as of mid-2025 it’s still trading around $3,289 per ounce for gold and $33 per ounce for silver (Kitco). This means your scrap gold jewelry is
worth more today than it was a few years ago. In other words, when you decide where to sell jewelry for scrap, higher gold prices translate to more cash for you. Timing the market by selling when prices are high can put significantly more money in your pocket (Wikipedia).
Immediate Cash for Unused Items: Selling for scrap is straightforward and fast. You walk in with old or broken items and walk out with cash the same day. No need to find a collector or wait for an online buyer. It’s an easy way to raise funds for an emergency, to pay bills, or even to put toward a new investment. (Some people even use the proceeds to buy gold in Phoenix in the form of bullion or coins as a way to retain value.)
Declutter and Recycle: Broken chains, dented bangles, or outdated pieces can clutter up your drawers. Converting them to scrap metal recycles the precious metals into something useful. Refineries will melt and purify the gold or silver to be reused in new coins, bars, or jewelry. You get the benefit of decluttering and a cash payout, while contributing to the circular recycling of precious metals.
No Sentimental or Collectible Value: If a piece doesn’t have significant design value or sentimental meaning, you usually won’t get much more than its melt value by selling it as “pre-owned” jewelry. For example, a plain 14k gold herringbone chain or a class ring from decades ago typically isn’t sought after by jewelry collectors – it’s the gold content that counts. In such cases, selling for scrap is ideal because you’re paid for the gold or silver content without worrying about the item’s style or brand. (Larger pieces like thick chains or bracelets can yield especially high payouts due to their weight – see our guide on selling a gold bracelet in Arizona for cash for an example of how much you can earn.)
Ultimately, being informed will help you identify where to sell jewelry for scrap in a way that gives you the most value and least hassle. Now, let’s explore how scrap value is determined so you know what to expect when choosing where to sell jewelry for scrap.
Understanding Scrap Gold and Silver Value
Before deciding where to sell jewelry for scrap, it’s important to understand how payouts are calculated. When you sell jewelry for scrap, the price you get is based on the precious metal content of the item – primarily its purity and weight – and the current market price of that metal. Here’s a quick rundown of how scrap value is determined and why it’s often lower than a piece’s original retail price:
Purity (Karat or Fineness): Gold jewelry comes in different purities measured in karats. Pure gold is 24 karat (24K), but most jewelry is 10K, 14K, or 18K gold, meaning it’s mixed with other metals for strength. For instance, 14K gold is about 58.3% pure gold (Gold.org), while 18K is 75% pure. If you have a 14K gold necklace weighing one troy ounce (~31.1 grams), only ~58% of that weight is actual gold – roughly 0.58 troy ounces of pure gold. Silver is similar: sterling silver jewelry is typically 92.5% pure silver (often stamped “925”). The higher the purity, the more precious metal content in your item, and thus the higher its scrap value. Accurate testing of purity is key when determining where to sell jewelry for scrap, because you want a buyer who will correctly identify 10k vs. 14k vs. 18k, etc.
Weight: Precious metals are bought and sold by weight. Gold is usually weighed in troy ounces (1 troy oz = 31.1 grams) or in grams, and silver mostly in ounces or grams. Scrap buyers will weigh your items (after removing any non-metal parts like gemstones) on a calibrated scale. Licensed, registered scales are crucial for accuracy – reputable buyers in Arizona use state-certified scales so you’re credited for every gram. For example, a small pile of 14K gold jewelry weighing 20 grams contains about 11.66 grams of pure gold (since 14k is 58.3% gold). The heavier your items, the more total gold or silver content you have, and the more money you’ll receive. (This is why a chunky old chain can fetch far more than a thin ring – weight matters a lot.)
Current Spot Price: The spot price is the current market price for pure gold or silver per ounce. These prices fluctuate daily (even minute by minute) based on global trading. You can check live gold and silver prices on trusted resources like Kitco (for example, gold ~$3,289/oz and silver ~$33/oz as of May 2025). When selling scrap, the buyer will pay a percentage of the spot price equivalent of your item’s metal content. For instance, if gold is $3,289/oz, then 14K scrap gold (58.3% pure) has a theoretical melt value of about $3,289 × 0.583 ≈ $1,918 per troy ounce (about $61.7 per gram). But you likely won’t receive that full amount – which brings us to the buyer’s cut. This real-time metal price is a baseline for offers. A transparent buyer will often show you the day’s market price and how it factors into their offer. (Gold King Bullion, for example, publishes its live buy/sell prices openly, so you know the market baseline.)
Buyer’s Cut (Refining & Profit Margin): No gold buyer pays 100% of spot price for scrap gold or silver, because they need to cover refining costs and make a profit to stay in business (Diamonds.pro). The amount of money you’ll actually get is the spot metal value minus the dealer’s margin. Different buyers have different payout rates. A very competitive buyer might pay ~80–85% of the gold’s spot value for common scrap jewelry, whereas some other places might pay 60% or even less. For example, a dedicated gold buyer might offer, say, $50 per gram for 14K gold when the pure gold spot price is $61.7/g – that’s about ~80% of melt. An uninformed pawn shop might only offer $30–$40/g for the same item. This spread covers the buyer’s refining fees and overhead. It’s why shopping around is important. (On larger volumes or higher purity items, you can often get a higher percentage of spot.) That’s why it matters where to sell jewelry for scrap – a top-rated buyer could easily put an extra 10–20% in your pocket versus a lowball buyer.
No Extra Value for Design or Stones (Usually): When selling for scrap, the payout is based purely on metal content. A beautiful design, brand name, or intricate craftsmanship typically doesn’t add money to a scrap offer, because the buyer plans to melt the item. A plain 10K gold wedding band and a 10K Cartier ring of the same weight will fetch essentially the same scrap price if sold for melt. (One exception: if you have significant diamonds or gemstones, those might have additional value, but most scrap-focused buyers do not pay much for stones. They will remove any gems before melting and usually return them to you or offer a nominal amount if the stones have resale value. For example, small melee diamonds are usually not worth anything in scrap, whereas a 1-carat diamond would be worth selling separately. This is worth considering when picking where to sell jewelry for scrap – if you have gemstone-heavy pieces, clarify the buyer’s policy on stones.)
Bottom line: The scrap value of your jewelry depends on purity × weight × market price, minus the buyer’s margin. A reputable buyer will test and weigh your items in front of you and explain the calculations. If a place can’t or won’t explain how they arrived at their offer, consider choosing a different option where to sell jewelry for scrap that offers more transparency. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be better prepared when evaluating where to sell jewelry for scrap and comparing offers.
Now that you know how value is calculated, let’s compare the common venues where to sell jewelry for scrap in Phoenix – and see which option will give you the best overall outcome.
Where to Sell Jewelry for Scrap in Phoenix – Comparing Your Options
Phoenix offers a variety of options when it comes to selling scrap jewelry. Let’s compare the most common choices where to sell jewelry for scrap in the Valley and see which offers the best outcome:
1. Dedicated Gold Buyers / Bullion Dealers
Description: These are businesses that specialize in precious metals (coins, bullion, and scrap jewelry). They buy gold and silver primarily for the metal value. Gold King Bullion is a prime example – an Arizona-based network of partner stores focused on buying (and selling) gold and silver. Dedicated dealers like this are often the first answer people think of for where to sell jewelry for scrap if they want top dollar.
Pros:
Higher Payouts: Dedicated gold buyers typically base their offers on the live market price of gold or silver, minus a small margin for profit. Because their business is focused on volume precious metals dealing, they often pay more (a higher percentage of spot) than other types of buyers. Gold King Bullion, for instance, updates its buying rates continuously with the market and posts its prices publicly on a buy/sell prices page for full transparency. They also have advanced testing equipment and expert staff who know how to assess your items accurately. If you’re deciding where to sell jewelry for scrap for the most honest and competitive payout, a specialized gold buyer is often your best bet.
Expertise and Equipment: Staff at bullion dealers know how to evaluate all kinds of items – from 10K class rings to 24K gold coins. They invest in advanced equipment to test metals. For example, Gold King Bullion’s Tempe and West Valley locations are equipped with Thermo Scientific Niton DXL-800 XRF analyzers, which can non-destructively verify the exact gold or silver content of an item within seconds. If you’re worried about authenticity or being underpaid, choosing where to sell jewelry for scrap to a buyer with advanced testing (like Gold King) ensures you won’t get shortchanged on purity. They also use traditional acid tests and other methods as needed, but the key is you get professional verification of your item’s metal content on the spot.
Transparency and Trust: These specialists will weigh and test your jewelry right in front of you. They often have digital displays showing the current spot price and their payout rates. For example, Gold King’s stores feature screens with up-to-the-minute gold and silver prices, and they clearly explain their calculation (e.g. grams × purity × current price × their payout percentage). There’s no guesswork. You know you’re getting a fair offer based on the actual market value. With nearly 20 years in Phoenix, Gold King Bullion has built community trust, holding an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and loads of positive reviews. When searching for where to sell jewelry for scrap, reputation is key – and a long-standing local dealer offers peace of mind.
Immediate Payment: Specialized gold buyers pay on the spot – typically in cash for smaller transactions or via business check for large amounts if you prefer. There’s no delay. You hand over the item, they analyze it, and they pay you right then and there. This immediacy is a major reason people choose these dealers where to sell jewelry for scrap instead of mailing things off.
Cons:
If you have an item that might be worth more than its melt value (for example, a vintage Rolex watch or a designer bracelet from Cartier), a bullion dealer might still only pay for the metal content because they are not reselling the item as jewelry. Their focus is on metal. In such cases, you might do better selling the item to a specialty collector or jewelry buyer. However, for the vast majority of typical gold and silver jewelry – especially if it’s broken or not from a big-name luxury brand – the scrap metal value is the best you can get anyway.
Verdict: If you’re trying to figure out where to sell jewelry for scrap for the highest payout, a dedicated precious metals buyer is typically your best bet. Businesses like Gold King Bullion – one of the top gold dealers in Phoenix – have the expertise and transparent pricing that yield the best results for sellers. For most Phoenix sellers, a reputable gold buyer offers the most cash and the least hassle.
2. Pawn Shops
Description: Pawn shops are everywhere in the Phoenix area and will often buy gold and silver jewelry along with anything else of value. Many people consider them when looking where to sell jewelry for scrap, simply out of convenience.
Pros:
Convenience & Speed: Pawn shops are ubiquitous (there’s likely one in your neighborhood) and usually accept walk-ins with no appointment. You can get an offer in minutes and walk out with cash on the same visit. Many pawn shops are also open weekends, making them an easy, quick option.
Flexible Options: You have the choice to either sell your item outright or pawn it (take a loan against it and potentially reclaim it). If you’re only interested in selling for scrap, you’d do an outright sale. But it’s worth noting pawn shops offer that loan option which some sellers might find useful if they intend to buy the item back later.
Cons:
Often Lower Offers: While some pawn brokers are fair, many are generalists who deal in all kinds of goods and may not keep up with daily metal prices. Their offers on gold jewelry can be on the low side – sometimes significantly below the scrap metal value. It’s not uncommon for a pawn shop to pay only 40–60% of the gold’s melt value, because they have high overhead and may resell the item at a markup or melt it later. Their business model isn’t specialized for gold buying, so you might lose money compared to a specialist buyer.
Variable Knowledge: Not all pawn shop staff are experts in precious metals. One shop might test your gold properly and weigh it accurately, while another might just give a flat estimate without much explanation. There’s a risk of inconsistent experiences. Some smaller pawn shops might not recognize markings or undervalue certain pieces.
Shop Differences: The pawn industry is hit-or-miss. However, Gold King Bullion has actually partnered with select pawn shops across Phoenix, placing their gold-buying experts inside those stores. These partner locations offer the convenience of a pawn shop with the specialized knowledge and pricing of a gold dealer. So, if you walk into one of these, you get a fair, spot-based offer even at a pawn location. If you do go the pawn route, look for pawn shops that advertise themselves as gold buyers or have someone on staff who deals heavily in coins and bullion. They should weigh and test your items in front of you and base the offer on purity and current gold prices – not just eyeball it.
Verdict: Pawn shops can work in a pinch due to sheer convenience, but you’ll almost always get more by selling to a dedicated gold buyer. If you’re serious about maximizing cash, skip the generic pawn shop unless it’s one of those with a known gold buying specialist. In short, when deciding where to sell jewelry for scrap, a specialized gold buyer will usually beat a pawn shop’s offer in terms of price.
3. Jewelry Stores
Pros: If your jewelry is a high-end brand or contains large diamonds, a jewelry store might pay a bit more than scrap value (or offer you store credit toward a new purchase). Jewelers sometimes buy back pieces they sold, or they might be interested in designer items because they can resell them in their showcases. They have a resale market for designer pieces. For example, an engagement ring from a luxury brand might fetch more than just its gold content – our gold ring buying guide for Arizona explains how such factors can add value beyond melt price.
Cons: For most plain gold chains, rings, or broken jewelry, jewelers will only pay for the metal content – and often less than a dedicated buyer will, since reselling scrap isn’t their core business. Many jewelry stores simply end up selling the gold to a refinery or dealer. They might not be up-to-date on daily gold prices or may offer you credit instead of cash. Also, not every jewelry store buys gold; some do it as a courtesy or to help you trade up to a new piece, but it’s not their main business.
Verdict: Unless your piece has significant value as jewelry (e.g. a well-known designer name or big gemstones that add to its worth), you likely won’t get more than scrap value by selling to a jewelry store. For the majority of people figuring out where to sell jewelry for scrap, a specialized gold buyer will offer a better deal and a more straightforward experience.
4. “Cash for Gold” Mail-In Services
Description: These are the companies you might see advertised online or on TV that send you a mailing kit. You ship your jewelry to them, they evaluate it, and then they send you a check or payment.
Pros:
Convenience: You don’t have to leave your house. A mail-in service will ship you a prepaid envelope or box. You drop your jewelry in the mail and, theoretically, get paid without driving anywhere. This can be useful if you live in a remote area with no nearby gold buyers (which isn’t the case in Phoenix, since we have many local options).
Cons:
Low Payouts: These services are notorious for extremely low offers (Gold King Bullion). It’s not uncommon to be quoted only 20–50% of your item’s true gold value. Many mail-in companies bank on the fact that people won’t go through the hassle of rejecting the offer and asking for their jewelry back. You could be leaving a lot of money on the table compared to local options.
Lack of Control: When you mail your valuables away, you lose control of the process. You can’t witness the weighing or testing. You’re trusting that they assess everything correctly. If you’re unhappy with the offer, you have to request your items returned (and hope they do so promptly and intact). It’s a leap of faith.
Slow Turnaround: Between shipping there, processing, and then mailing a check, it can take weeks to get paid. If you need cash quickly, this is frustrating.
Risk of Loss: While reputable companies insure packages, there’s always some risk whenever you send gold through the mail. And if something goes wrong, resolving it can be a nightmare.
Verdict: In a city like Phoenix where in-person gold buyers abound, mail-in services should be a last resort. Why wonder “where to sell jewelry for scrap” online and wait weeks when you can get paid today locally? The slight convenience of mailing from home is far outweighed by the low payouts and lack of transparency. If you’re in the Phoenix metro, you have much better options within a short drive.
(Some people attempt private sales through Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. However, these methods carry safety risks and usually don’t yield better payouts. You have to meet strangers or deal with shipping and scams, and you’ll typically end up selling to a gold buyer or hobbyist at scrap prices anyway. For most sellers, they are not a practical solution for where to sell jewelry for scrap.)
Gold King Bullion – Your Best Partner for Selling Scrap Jewelry in Phoenix
When it comes to where to sell jewelry for scrap in the Phoenix metro, Gold King Bullion stands out as a top choice. Gold King Bullion is an Arizona-based precious metals buyer that brings a host of benefits to the table for someone ready to sell:
10 Convenient Arizona Locations: Gold King Bullion isn’t an online mail-in service; it’s a network of ten strategically placed branches across the Phoenix metro area, from Scottsdale and Central Phoenix to Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Peoria, Glendale, Avondale, and even Casa Grande. This wide coverage provides peace of mind when deciding where to sell jewelry for scrap – you can always find a nearby trusted location instead of dealing with far-flung or unknown buyers. Each partner location is inside a reputable local business (often a coin or pawn shop that has partnered with Gold King). That means wherever you are in the Valley, you’re likely just minutes away from a Gold King affiliated store where you can sell your scrap jewelry in person. You get the benefit of a neighborhood location with the consistent policies and expertise of a specialized gold dealer.
In-Person, Same-Day Transactions: Gold King specializes in in-person evaluations and immediate purchases. They do not buy/sell via mail or across state lines – focusing on face-to-face service. Unlike national companies such as APMEX or JM Bullion that operate online nationwide, Gold King is dedicated solely to Arizona customers. This means when you come in, you’re dealing with a local expert who understands the local market and regulations. You can walk into any Gold King location (no appointment needed) and get a professional evaluation on the spot. The process typically takes just a few minutes: they’ll test your items’ purity, weigh them, make you an offer, and if you agree, you get paid on the spot. Most transactions are paid in cash; for very large sales, they can issue a business check or bank wire if preferred. Either way, you leave with payment in hand. There’s no waiting or worrying. This no-nonsense, same-day approach is exactly what many sellers want when determining where to sell jewelry for scrap safely and conveniently.
Live Market Pricing & Transparency: One of Gold King’s core principles is transparency in pricing. They update their buying rates in real time based on the live gold and silver markets. In each store, you’ll find digital screens or signs displaying the current spot prices and exactly how much they pay per gram or ounce for common purities (like 10k, 14k, 18k gold, or sterling silver). They also publish these rates on their website’s scrap gold prices page. This means when you walk in, you already have a solid idea of what your items are worth and what you’ll be offered. There’s no haggling or games – it’s a straightforward formula. For anyone comparing where to sell jewelry for scrap, Gold King’s transparency and real-time pricing remove any doubt. You can literally watch the market price and know you’re getting, say, X% of that, which is far above what many other buyers offer. This open approach lets you sell with confidence, knowing you’re not being lowballed. (As an example, Gold King often pays in the range of 75–85% of spot for scrap gold, depending on the item, which is very competitive. They encourage you to check their prices against other buyers – and many sellers find Gold King beats the competition.)
Professional Testing and Evaluation: When you bring your jewelry or scrap metal to Gold King, they handle it with the professionalism of a laboratory. They use state-of-the-art testing methods to ensure an accurate assessment of your item’s purity. As mentioned, some locations have high-tech XRF analyzers that give a readout of the metal composition without damaging the piece. In other cases, they may perform a quick acid test on a tiny scratch sample or use electronic testers – but always in front of you, so you see what’s happening. Their team is trained to identify hallmarks (karat stamps) and also to spot counterfeit or plated items (so they won’t mistakenly pay for gold that isn’t real). This expertise means you can trust the results. If your item is 14K, you’ll be paid for 14K gold content; if it turns out to be 10K, they’ll explain that too. Everything is done openly and explained. For anyone concerned about fairness when choosing where to sell jewelry for scrap, Gold King’s thorough testing should put you at ease – you won’t have a scenario where someone just eyeballs your piece and makes a random low offer. It’s all data-driven and precise.
No Hidden Fees, No Pressure Sales: At Gold King Bullion, what you see is what you get. There are no fees for evaluations – they will test and quote your items for free, and you’re not obligated to sell if you don’t like the offer. You won’t encounter any hidden charges (some mail-in services deduct “refining fees” or handling charges from your payout – not the case here). Also, Gold King’s business is buying and selling precious metals, not selling you retail jewelry or upselling you other products. If you’re evaluating where to sell jewelry for scrap, you can walk in without fear of any up-sells or gimmicks – just an honest transaction. The staff aren’t going to pressure you to buy something with your money or “upgrade” to a new piece (a tactic some jewelry stores use). Of course, if you want to reinvest your cash in gold or silver bullion, Gold King can help with that (they have coins and bars for sale). But that’s entirely at your discretion; there’s zero pressure. This straightforward approach means the experience is very customer-friendly – you come in, get treated respectfully, get a fair offer, and you make your decision. If you sell, great – you walk out with cash. If not, they’ll thank you for stopping by. It’s as simple as that.
Local Trust and Longevity: Gold King Bullion has been serving Arizona for nearly two decades. In that time, they’ve built a reputation for fair dealing. They hold an A+ BBB rating, and their customers frequently leave 5-star reviews praising the fair prices and professional service. For example, many reviews mention that Gold King’s offer beat other shops’ quotes, or that the process was quick and transparent. This kind of word-of-mouth is invaluable. When searching for where to sell jewelry for scrap, knowing that a business has deep local roots and a loyal customer base can make you much more comfortable. Gold King isn’t a fly-by-night operation; it’s a trusted part of the Phoenix precious metals community. They’re fully licensed and comply with all state laws (you’ll be asked for ID and a signature for the transaction, as required by law to prevent theft/fraud – a standard practice for any legitimate buyer in Arizona). All of these factors give you confidence that you’re dealing with a reputable, legal, and honest outfit. For Phoenix sellers, the question of where to sell jewelry for scrap is often answered by reputation – and Gold King’s long track record in the Valley speaks for itself.
Unique Tools and Services (XRF & More): Two of Gold King’s busiest locations (Tempe in the East Valley and a West Valley location) feature a high-end Thermo Scientific XRF machine, as noted earlier. This is the same kind of device you’d find in a refinery or assay office. It’s pretty unique to have that level of tech available in a neighborhood shop. The benefit to you is instant, non-destructive testing of items. Let’s say you have a coin that you think is silver or a chain that’s not stamped – the XRF can confirm the metal content on the spot. They also use traditional methods like the touchstone acid test for double verification. Having multiple testing methods in-house means you never have to leave your item or wait for some outside lab result. It’s immediate and accurate. For those concerned about getting the full value of their gold, this capability ensures you’re paid for exactly what you have. If you’ve been wondering where to sell jewelry for scrap without worrying about someone misidentifying your 18K as 14K (it happens in inexperienced hands!), Gold King’s equipment and expertise remove that worry.
Local Focus and No Outsourcing: Because Gold King only operates in Arizona and only does in-person deals, they have a very local-first philosophy. They don’t ship your gold off to some central processing center or anything – they handle everything right here. This means the prices they offer take into account that they have low overhead by leveraging existing local stores. They also don’t have huge advertising budgets or flashy national campaigns to pay for – savings which can be passed to the customer. They’re not competing with national online outfits in the same way; instead, they differentiate by being better for local sellers. This focus can be seen in small touches like Spanish-speaking staff available (if needed) for the local community, or having extended hours to accommodate people after work. It’s a very Arizona-tailored service. When you think about where to sell jewelry for scrap, this local orientation means a more personalized experience compared to dealing with a big impersonal corporation.
Industry Connections: Because Gold King Bullion specializes in bullion and scrap, they have connections with national refiners and wholesale markets. Why does this matter to you? It means they can often pay slightly more because they cut out middlemen. A small jewelry store might have to sell the gold they buy to a refinery or larger dealer, but Gold King is that larger dealer in many cases. They aggregate material from all their locations and deal in bulk, getting better rates from refineries, which allows them to pay you more competitively. Essentially, you’re dealing direct with a top-level buyer rather than an intermediary. This is one reason Gold King can often beat other offers and why so many Phoenix sellers choose them where to sell jewelry for scrap.
What to Expect When You Sell In-Person
If you’ve never sold scrap jewelry before, rest assured the process is simple. You walk in with your items (no appointment needed) and a trained buyer will test each piece’s purity in front of you (using methods like an XRF analyzer or a quick acid scratch test). They’ll weigh your gold or silver on certified scales and then make you an offer based on the live market price and the item’s purity. If you agree, you provide ID (as required by law for precious metal sales) and get paid on the spot (usually cash, or check for large amounts). The entire transaction is typically completed in 10–15 minutes. Gold King even offers private rooms for evaluations at many partner locations, so you can discuss and transact in a discreet, secure setting. It’s a professional, transparent process from start to finish – exactly what you want when choosing where to sell jewelry for scrap.
For Phoenix sellers, it really underscores the importance of knowing where to sell jewelry for scrap to maximize your returns. Ultimately, choosing wisely where to sell jewelry for scrap will ensure you get the best deal and a smooth experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where to sell jewelry for scrap in Phoenix?
A: If you’re searching for where to sell jewelry for scrap in the Phoenix area, the best choice is to go with a local precious metals buyer that offers transparent, market-based pricing. In Phoenix, Gold King Bullion’s 10 convenient locations make it easy to sell your scrap gold or silver in person and get paid on the spot. You avoid the uncertainties of mail-in services and often get a higher payout than at pawn shops or jewelry stores. Essentially, the best place where to sell jewelry for scrap is a reputable local gold buyer like Gold King, who specializes in evaluating and purchasing scrap precious metals under fair, no-nonsense terms. They have the expertise and equipment to test your items and pay you based on live metal prices, ensuring you receive a very competitive offer.
Q: How do I know if my jewelry is worth selling for scrap?
A: Look for hallmarks or stamps on your jewelry that indicate metal content. Common gold marks are “10K”, “14K”, “18K” (or sometimes “417”, “585”, “750” which are the European purity marks). Sterling silver is often marked “925” or “Sterling”. If you see those marks, the item has real precious metal content and does have scrap value. If an item is gold-colored but has no stamp (or says things like “GP” for gold-plated or “GF” for gold-filled), its gold content is minimal or zero – such pieces usually aren’t worth scrapping for gold. As for whether to sell for scrap: if the piece is broken, very worn, or out-of-style (and not from a famous designer), selling for scrap is likely the best way to get its value. However, if you suspect a piece might be collectible or have value above metal content (for example, a vintage luxury-brand item or something with a big diamond), you might want to get a second opinion from a jeweler or appraiser. In summary: if it’s real gold or silver and not something you can resell easily as jewelry, then it’s worth something for scrap. Even a single gold earring or a tangled chain has value by weight. A buyer like Gold King can quickly test items for you – they’ll tell you for free what’s real and what’s not. That knowledge helps you decide what to scrap.
Q: How much money will I get for my scrap gold?
A: The exact amount depends on the weight, purity, and current market price of gold. For example, if you have one troy ounce of pure 24k gold (about 31.1 grams) and gold is around $3,200/oz, its full value is $3,200. But a gold buyer will pay a percentage of that, say 75–85% of spot, to cover their costs and profit. On smaller quantities or lower purities (like 14k jewelry), you might receive a bit less proportionally. The key is that different buyers pay different percentages of spot. So if one place is offering you, say, $500 for a batch of jewelry and another offers $650 for the same batch, the second place is giving a higher percentage of the metal’s value. That’s why it’s wise to get a couple of quotes. That’s why it matters where to sell jewelry for scrap – a top-rated buyer could easily put more money in your pocket than a lowball buyer. Always consider the current gold price and the buyer’s payout rate. You can estimate ahead of time: weigh your item (1 gram = 0.0322 troy oz), determine purity (e.g. 14k is ~58% gold), calculate the pure gold weight, multiply by the gold price, then figure you’ll get perhaps 70–80% of that. This will give you a ballpark. Ultimately, a trusted buyer will offer as much as they can (because they want your repeat business and referrals). Gold King, for instance, prides itself on very competitive payouts, which is why so many sellers choose them.
Q: Do gold buyers take silver jewelry and other metals too?
A: Yes – precious metal buyers like Gold King deal in gold, silver, platinum, and even palladium. You can absolutely bring in sterling silver jewelry, flatware, or coins to the same place. Silver doesn’t reach the high dollar amounts of gold (silver is about $33/oz in mid-2025 according to Kitco, versus gold’s ~$3,200/oz), but it’s still money in your pocket for something you might otherwise not use. Most gold buyers will buy silver items as long as they are genuine (e.g. marked “925” or “Sterling”). In fact, Gold King Bullion purchases a lot of silver – from old silverware sets to pre-1965 US silver coins (which are 90% silver) to silver jewelry. They will also buy platinum jewelry or coins (platinum is more rare in jewelry but some rings are platinum), as well as gold or silver bars and coins. In short, when it comes to where to sell jewelry for scrap – be it gold or silver – a dedicated precious metals dealer like Gold King will handle it all. You don’t need separate places for different metals. Just note that silver is much less dense in value, so you need more weight of it to equal the same money as gold. But a good buyer will make an offer on whatever quantity you have, even a handful of silver earrings or a broken chain.
Q: What about gemstones in my jewelry?
A: Typically, when you sell for scrap, gemstones are not factored into the price (except possibly big diamonds). Most scrap buyers are only interested in the metal, not the stones, unless the stone is something very valuable on its own. What happens is if you have small diamonds or gems in a piece, the buyer will remove them (they’ll usually give them back to you if you want, or they may have them sent off for industrial reuse if very small). If you have a larger diamond (say over half a carat) or a high-quality gemstone, you might get a separate offer for it or the buyer might recommend you sell it to a gemstone/jewelry specialist. Gold King’s focus is on gold and silver, but they can advise you. For example, if you bring in a diamond ring, they can pay you for the gold and possibly help with the diamond by referring you to a partner or buying it if they have the capability. But generally, expect that the offer you get is for the metal only. This is important to remember when choosing where to sell jewelry for scrap – if you have a piece with significant gemstones, ask the buyer what their policy is. At Gold King, if the stones are not something they can resell, they’ll return them to you. So you won’t lose them. This is actually a nice feature: you could then sell the stone elsewhere or keep it. Always remove or point out any valuable gem before scrapping jewelry, so you can make an informed decision about it.
Q: Can I sell other gold or silver items as scrap (like coins or dental gold)?
A: Yes. “Jewelry for scrap” is just one category. Precious metal buyers will also buy scrap gold or silver in almost any form. This includes gold or silver coins (common bullion coins or old coins that are only worth their metal), silverware/flatware (real sterling sets or pieces), gold dental work (like old gold crowns or bridgework – it sounds funny, but those often contain high-purity gold and are absolutely worth money), gold nuggets or flakes (if you’re a prospector or inherited some raw gold), and more. The process is the same: the item is tested for purity and weighed, then you’re offered a price based on the metal content. So even if it’s not “jewelry,” you can bring it to the same place you’d bring jewelry. Gold King Bullion, for example, buys coins and bullion daily, as well as odd items like gold medals, antique silver serving pieces, etc. It’s all converted to its metal value. One note: If you suspect a coin or item might have collector value beyond the metal (for instance, a rare coin), mention it. A good buyer will either recognize it or suggest a numismatic evaluation. Otherwise, common gold/silver items are treated as scrap. The advantage of a place like Gold King is they have knowledge of bullion and coins, so you’ll get proper value whether it’s scrap or a common Gold Eagle coin or a Mexican 50 peso gold coin, etc.