Almost everyone has seen those ads that tell you to sell your jewelry for extra cash. Before you send your valuable items away, do your homework and check out the company. You will probably find many complaints about low appraisals or difficulty getting the gold returned. Local gold buyers in Phoenix are a much more reliable method of selling gold. Use these tips to get the most for your treasures.

Know the Value of Your Piece

If you are just selling gold bars, the value is in the gold. Jewelry may have intrinsic value in the design and history of the piece, in addition to the valuable metal. Make sure you find a buyer who understands this when you are selling your gold. Be realistic, however, because you may only see 70 or 80% of the value when you sell.

Understand Karats

There are many different mixtures of gold and alloys, from 10k and up, with 24k gold being the most pure. Thus, a 14k piece is 14 parts gold to 10 parts other metals. White and yellow gold have no difference in value, just color. The karat weight is what matters. When you sell gold, make sure the buyer separates the pieces out by karats. Weigh each karat count separately and calculate the price based on that figure. Don't let the buyer pay you the same amount for 14k and 18k gold, because 18k gold has more pure gold in it.

Only Use a Reputable Jeweler

Make sure the place where you are selling your gold is registered with the BBB. Check its rating. Ask who does the appraisal of your jewelry and what their background is. Certified gemologists with the GIA have well-established credentials. Gold buyers who have a building and are visible in the community offer the best deals for you. Don't forget to bring your ID. If you aren't asked for it, walk away. Buyers are required by law to ask for it. For more information on selling to gold buyers, call (480) 949-9299 today to speak with the experts at Ralph Mueller and Associates.