Frequently Asked Questions:

How does selling gold work?

Bring in the items you’d like evaluated. We’ll examine, test, and weigh them in front of you, explain what we find, and calculate an offer based on precious-metal content and current market prices. Testing is free, and there is never any obligation to sell.

What karats of gold jewelry do you accept?

We buy most solid-gold jewelry from 8K through 24K, including 9K, 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, and 24K. We also evaluate unmarked and antique pieces that may contain gold.

How do you confirm the karat?

We start with hallmarks when present, but we do not rely on stamps alone. Gold may be tested using professional acid testing and an electronic precious-metal tester. When necessary, we may lightly file or test an inconspicuous area to get beneath plating or surface material. We’ll explain the testing as we go.

What about gold filled and plated jewelry?
We buy jewelry that tests as gold-filled. We do not typically buy plated. It is best to bring it in and we will help you tell the difference!

Does broken gold still have value?

Absolutely. Broken chains, damaged rings, single earrings, bent bracelets, missing clasps, and other damaged pieces can still be valuable because the gold itself retains its precious-metal value.

What counts as scrap gold?

“Scrap gold” simply means gold being valued primarily for its precious-metal content. It can include broken jewelry, outdated pieces, mismatched earrings, damaged settings, dental gold, charms, chains, and other unwanted gold.

Will my jewelry automatically be scrapped?

If a piece is purchased specifically for its precious-metal value, it may eventually be sent for refining. Certain pieces may be resold if they are wearable, vintage, collectible, or otherwise suitable for resale. We evaluate each piece individually.

How is scrap gold priced?

Scrap gold is priced based on its weight, purity (karat), and the current market price of gold. We test and weigh your items in front of you and explain exactly how we calculate our offer.

Will you buy a single earring or a tangled chain?

Absolutely! We buy gold and silver in almost any condition, including single earrings, broken jewelry, tangled chains, and other mismatched pieces.

Should I have my pieces cleaned first?

No need! We buy gold and silver in any condition, so there's no need to clean or polish your items before bringing them in.

What is today's gold price?

Gold and other precious metal prices fluctuate throughout the day. Our offers are based on the current market price, along with your item's purity (karat) and weight. Contact us for an up-to-date quote!

How do you know my jewelry is real silver?

We check for hallmarks and use professional testing methods to verify silver content. All testing is done in front of you, and we explain our findings along the way.

What is silver jewelry worth?

The value of silver jewelry depends on its purity, weight, and the current market price of silver. 

What silver jewelry do you take?

We buy sterling silver jewelry in almost any condition, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and broken or mismatched pieces.

Do you pay more for intact sterling silver jewelry?

Yes! Through December 31, 2026, we're offering 10% more than our standard payout for intact sterling silver jewelry, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and brooches. All offers are based on silver content, weight, and current market prices. Testing is always free.

What diamonds do you buy?

We consider natural diamonds, both loose and set in jewelry, on a case-by-case basis. Bring your pieces in for a free evaluation, and we'll let you know if we can make an offer.

What kinds of diamonds do you turn away?

We generally do not purchase lab-grown diamonds or diamond simulants. We may also pass on very small or heavily damaged natural diamonds. If you're unsure what you have, we're happy to take a look. Testing is always free!

How much do you pay for bullion gold coins?

Our offers are based on the current market price of gold and the coin’s gold content. Because gold prices fluctuate throughout the day, contact us for an up-to-date quote!

Which gold coins do you buy?

We buy a wide variety of gold coins, including American Gold Eagles, Buffalos, Canadian Maple Leafs, British Sovereigns and Britannias, Krugerrands, Chinese Pandas, Mexican Pesos, and pre-1933 U.S. gold coins. Our offers are based on gold content and current market prices. Not sure what you have? Bring it in for a free evaluation!

What do you buy in watches?

We buy watches with solid gold, platinum or sterling silver cases and bands, regardless of brand, age, or working condition. Offers are based on precious metal content. Not sure what you have? Bring it in for free testing!

How do you compare to a pawn shop?

Pawn shops offer loans using your valuables as collateral and may also purchase items outright. Ivy Gold & Silver specializes in directly buying precious metals. Our offers are based on metal content, weight, and current market prices, with testing and weighing done right in front of you.

Why do pawn shops pay less for gold? 

Pawn shops buy and sell a wide range of items, and their offers reflect overhead, resale costs, and profit margins. To cover these costs, they need to buy precious metals at a deep discount. This typically means you receive only 20-55% of your gold's actual melt value.

At Ivy Gold & Silver, precious metals are our specialty and we do not have steep overhead costs. We test and weigh your gold openly, explain its purity and melt value, and make a straightforward offer based on current market prices. 

What if I don't know whether my jewelry is real?

No problem! Bring it in and we'll test it for free. We'll determine whether your jewelry contains gold, silver, or other precious metals and explain our findings.

Do you charge for testing or evaluations?

We do not - its always free.

Do I have to sell after you test my jewelry?

There is absolutely no pressure to sell. 

What if my jewelry is worth more as jewelry than as scrap?

If selling for metal content is not right for you, we can suggest other options with our trusted connections across the Charlottesville Area.

Do I need an appointment?

You do not. We are open for regular hours. Feel free to stop in!

What areas of Virginia do you serve?

Charlottesville, VA

Albemarle County, VA

Greene County, VA

Fluvanna County, VA

Nelson County, VA

Louisa County, VA

Orange County, VA

Buckingham County, VA

Richmond, VA

Madison County, VA

Waynesboro, VA

Augusta County, VA

Staunton, VA

Culpeper, VA