Jewellery - how to find out if it is gold or not

Buddy251000

theoretica said:

Buddy251000 said:

Hi, 

New to posting but a long time lurker so please go easy on me if this isn't the right thread or a new thread needs starting.

Can I just ask MalMonroe, roughly how much did it cost you to get valuations? 

My situation is that I have inherited a good number of 9ct gold rings, I am fairly certain that they are 9ct gold as I have managed to borrow a detailed microscope and the rings are all hallmarked as 375 with the other relevant assay hallmarks etc. Some of the rings are simply entirely gold rings but most of them have precious stones on the faces of the rings but I have no idea what the stones are, some appear to be black so assume are onyx and some are white stones that could be diamond or cubic zirconia. 

None of the rings fit me and have no sentimental value so I am looking to sell them. 

I know based on weight what the gold is worth based on scrap value (used Hatton Gardens website to value) but I have no idea whether the rings themselves with the various precious stones are actually more valuable and worth considerably more as they are than just scrap value of the gold. 

I am based in the west midlands and tried to find someone to value the jewellery but my issue is the two places I have contacted so far said that they charge £50 - £65 value fee per item respectively. I have no issue in paying someone to value but I wondered if this was a reasonable a price per ring? It seems that these fees are worth it if you are aware something is high value but given mine may not be it seems a bit steep and a bit of a risk. 

My issue is that each rings scrap gold value is only slightly more than the valuation amount and if the stones are worthless then The valuation fee is essentially going to cost me the same as what the scrap value is which potentially could make the valuation pointless. 

I was wondering if anyone knew of any cheaper ways in which to get jewellery valued that wont surpass the potential price of the rings themselves. 

Again apologies if this isn't the right place to ask and thank you for any responses.  

I think you may be asking the wrong question - you don't need a 'valuation' - formal paperwork for insurance or other similar purposes.  What you want is to ask if they would be interested in making you an offer to buy, and if it might be above the gold alone value.  There should be no charge if they do make you an offer.

Thank you so much for this. It sounds so simple when you say it like that, I really hadn't thought about it that way. Really appreciate your response.