What I Learned When I Tried to Sell My Gold Recently, I decided to sell a box of gold items that had been collecting dust in a drawer. The trouble was, I didn’t know much about gold. To do my due diligence, I visited three local gold buyers, each with the exact same box of jewelry. They tested and weighed everything, separating real gold from costume and plated pieces. Two buyers, Purity Diamonds Jewellery (24 First Ave.) and Antiques on the Side (791 Talbot St.), offered me almost identical amounts. The third dealer, however, came in more than $1,300 lower. That experience highlighted the importance of shopping around. To better understand what sellers should watch for, I spoke with Mason Myrick, owner of Purity Diamonds Jewellery. Mason has been in business for five years, and as a jeweller and goldsmith, he not only buys unwanted jewelry but also refines gold to create new pieces. He says people come in for many reasons, estate cleanouts, broken jewelry, divorce or items they no longer wear. “A lot of people don’t really know how much money it’s actually worth,” Mason explained. “My job is to test it, tell them what they have, and pay them fairly.” The first thing Mason stresses is the importance of dealing with someone reputable. “The best thing to do is go to someone reputable who will actually tell you what the gold is and what the market value is. That way you can make an informed decision to sell, or not.”, Prices can also vary more than people expect. Gold is purchased by weight and purity, measured in karats. “Pure gold, 24 karat, is worth the most. Ten karat, for example, is only 41.7% gold, while 18 karat is 75%. That difference affects how much you’ll be paid.” Transparency is also important. A trustworthy buyer will test and weigh the items in front of you. If a piece contains stones, Mason removes them and returns them to the customer. “It’s about being clear so people know exactly what they’re getting paid for.” He also cautions against giving away gold unknowingly. Many people donate or sell pieces at garage sales without realizing their true value. “I’ve had clients buy something for fifty cents at a garage sale, and I paid them $600 for it. Knowing what you have is key.” In the end, Mason says it doesn’t hurt to ask. “Even if you don’t sell, it’s good to know the value. That way you won’t make the mistake of letting it go for far less than it’s worth.”
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Hometown St. Thomas • October 2025 • Page 15
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