Sometimes you need a little extra cash. Unexpected bills, tuition for school or simply an item you would like to purchase can sometimes require money that you may not have on hand. Wondering how you can come up with it, you remember those old pieces of jewelry that you haven't worn or even looked at for years. Selling them seems like an easy endeavor, but Ralph Muller and Associates would like to give you a little more information before you start selling jewelry.

There are several aspects a gemologist uses to determine the price of a piece of jewelry. The purity of the metal, the cut, clarity and weight of diamonds and precious stones, and if the piece has been graded and certified by an inspection from a certified laboratory.

Gold and Precious Metals

Gold and other precious metals are graded by purity and measured in carats. The higher the carat, the less impurities the piece contains. A 12 carat gold piece will price lower than a 24 carat piece. The purity of your piece can be measured with a scratch test or an acid test. Once the purity is determined the value of the piece can be calculated. Gold is measured in troy ounces and the the price of gold varies from day to day according to the stock market.

Diamonds and Precious Stones

If you are selling a diamond or precious stone, remember the 4 C's: color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Even though many diamonds appear colorless, most have hints of color. The less color detected, the more value a diamond has unless it is a true colored diamond. Stones such as rubies or emeralds have a variety of color ranges; certain colors are more valuable than others. Clarity refers to the lack of blemishes or imperfections that might only be detected by a gemologist. Diamonds and precious stones can be cut in a variety of ways such as square, marquise and princess. The more flawless the cut the higher the grade. Lastly, the weight of the diamond or stone helps in determining the pricing. Heavier weights are more valuable.

The certified gemologists at Ralph Muller and Associates will grade your pieces using a variety of techniques to ensure you get the best quote for your jewelry. For more information on selling jewelry contact Ralph Muller today!