How to Sell Your Old Gold Jewelry

Maybe your jewelry no longer fits your style, or it’s been sitting untouched in a drawer for years. If you’re ready to part with old gold jewelry, you have several options—and understanding how the process works will help you get the best outcome.

Your Options for Selling Old Jewelry

You generally have a few practical choices:

• Sell it to a jewelry store or gold buyer – Many jewelers purchase gold directly.

• Trade it in toward a new piece – Some jewelers offer better value if you apply your old jewelry toward a new purchase.

• Repurpose it – Melt it down, redesign it, or even turn it into something creative (wall art optional).

How Much Is Old Jewelry Worth?

Much like a new car loses value once driven off the lot, jewelry typically loses value the moment it leaves the store. Retail prices include significant markup to cover overhead costs such as rent, staff, marketing, and display inventory.

When you sell your jewelry back, the buyer is usually evaluating it as gold, not as finished jewelry.

Key factors that affect value include:

• Gold karat (10K, 14K, 18K, etc.)

• Weight

• Current gold market price

If your jewelry contains diamonds or gemstones, they are typically valued at wholesale prices, which are much lower than retail.

As a general rule, local jewelry stores may offer around 15–30% of the original retail price, depending on market conditions and the piece itself.

Why Trading In May Be a Better Option

Instead of accepting a cash payout, you may get more value by trading your old jewelry toward a new piece. Jewelers are often more flexible with trade-ins because they’re making a new sale.

This option can make sense if:

• You’re planning to buy new jewelry anyway

• You prefer upgrading rather than cashing out

• You want to avoid taking a steep loss

Set Realistic Expectations

It’s important to approach the process with realistic expectations. Sentimental value does not translate into resale value, and even fine jewelry is usually worth less on the secondary market.

The key is understanding your goals:

• Cash now

• Credit toward something new

• Repurposing or redesign

Final Thoughts

Selling old gold jewelry doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose to sell, trade, or redesign, knowing how jewelers assess value puts you in control of the decision.

With the right expectations and a little negotiation, you can turn unused jewelry into something valuable—on your terms.