Is Your Gold Fake?

Many times people will bring in heavy gold chains, usually marked 14K, to sell at Atlanta Gold and Silver. Even with a mark, we always test the metals in one or two ways to ensure its authenticity.  First, we do a scratch test with acids for the various Karats.  However, sometimes this may not be fool-proof method, especially when their is heavy metal plating involved. Second, we put the jewelry in our x-ray machine and it gives us a full report of the metal composition.

Here's the bad news...sometimes a chain or piece of jewelry that someone has purchased is not what it appears to be.  Just like counterfeit Louis Vuitton or Gucci handbags, jewelry counterfeiting with hallmarks is a serious problem.  We always feel badly when we have to tell our customer that we can't buy the piece from them, especially when they tell us how much they originally paid for the item.

So, we always try to tell our clients to be very wary before purchasing jewelry (precious jewelry such as gold, silver and diamonds) from an unauthorized source or person via eBay, craigslist or even a flea market.  Many times if a deal is too good to be true, it generally is.  Not to say that you won't find some hidden treasures around town, but when you are investing in something like gold to resell, make sure to look for a few factors. 

- Is it magnetic?  Magnets, unlike acid testing, are an easy thing to bring around with you.  They are also the easiest way to rule out fake metals (ones that are not pure gold or sterling).  If the piece is drawn to the magnet (and it says 14k or even 18k), it is fake. 

-The hallmark: Look closely at the Hallmark on the item and where it is placed. If it looks like the mark is cut off or says something else, that is also a tell tale sign to walk away. 

It's fake!  How do we know?  The acid test created a green color. 

-Another easy way to spot a fake is to look closely at the metal. This is especially true when it comes to used jewelry such as pendants and rings that are marked 14k. If closely and see peeling of any sort, like the gold is fading off, then it is not correctly marked. 

In this industry sometimes, taking risks can end up making you a fortune, but beware because there are a lot of counterfeit pieces of jewelry floating around. 

That's What We Call a Rock

During a recent Christie's New York  Spring  auction sale, a diamond, called the Princie Diamond was sold for more than $39.3 million dollars this past week. The diamond is a 34.65 carat fancy intense pink cushion-cut diamond.

This price is a new record for Christies for any price of a jewel every sold. To read more about the origin and the history of this diamond, click here.

But that wasn't the only diamond that seemed to draw big buyers in at the auction. Here is a roundup of some of the other impressive jewelry sales. 

 

• A diamond ring by Harry Winston sold for $3.3 million. The ring was set with a marquise-cut diamond, weighing approximately 23.30 carats, flanked on either side by a tapered baguette-cut diamond and mounted in platinum (source: Christie's)

•  A three strand natural pearl necklace sold for $1.1 million 
  
• An 11.39 D Color internally flawless Emerald Cut Diamond fetched  $1.3 million

• A Harry Winston Diamond and Emerald Necklace was sold for $1.2 million
  

The auction took place in New York on April 16th.  Apparently, diamonds were the star of the show.  For more about the auction, visit www.christies.com

Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Still Sell Your Gold and Silver

Even though gold prices have dropped, that does not mean you should not sell your unwanted jewelry and gold.  Here are 3 top reasons why it's still okay to cash in your silver gold and platinum when the prices are low.

1. SPRING CLEANING. If you have items that are gold or silver or old diamonds just sitting and collecting dust, why not sell? 
2. YOU STILL MAKE MONEY. Just because the prices of the metals are not sky high, does not mean you can't make money. In fact, there is still a lot of money to be made from your unwanted scrap metals.




3. BUY NEW and trade old. Buy that new piece of jewelry you deserve.  Out with the old and in with the new.


To find out more about how to sell your silver and gold, click here.

Sell Your Diamonds

Whether you have a piece of jewelry with no sentimental value, or a something that is not your style, or if you just need the money, Atlanta Gold & Silver not only pays for your gold, we pay you for your diamonds.

We understand, however, that parting with your precious stones can sometimes be a difficult choice.  We want to make sure you that you are ready to sell and happy with what we give you.  Here are a few reasons, why you should sell your diamonds to Atlanta Gold and Silver.  Loose stones, round cut, pear, emerald, marquis, brilliant and more. We buy diamonds.

Whether you sell to us or choose somewhere else, here are some tips to keep in mind before you sell your diamonds.

• Find a place you trust. This will make the process much easier and fast.  You don't want to regret your decision to sell moments after the transaction.  
• Be realistic but have a price in mind. Unfortunately, it may be almost impossible to sell your diamond for what you or someone else originally paid for it.  But, if you do know a little bit about the stone (is it GIA-certified, what is the cut, color, clarity and carat weight), you will be in a much better position. 
• Make sure you want to sell this piece.  Sometimes our clients decide that they the sentimental value exceeds the amount of money we can pay them. That is okay!   You have no obligations to us or to any other place. 
• When it comes to the value of diamonds, there are many factors a diamond buyer must consider before setting a purchase price. Aside from the size, color, cut, clarity and shape of the diamond, the value depends on the economy and the marketplace. As with gold prices, supply and demand of diamonds fluctuates. 

Call us today to find out more about selling your diamonds for cash in Atlanta.