What to Do With Inherited Gold Jewellery: A Practical Guide

Going through a loved one's belongings is rarely easy. Among the photographs and keepsakes, you may find chains, rings, brooches, watches or a box of old coins. Some pieces will carry sentimental value. Others may not suit your style or your needs, and you may wonder what they are worth and what to do with them.

This guide walks you through the process step by step, so you can make unhurried decisions and avoid common mistakes.

1. Take Your Time Before You Decide

There is no deadline for deciding what to keep and what to sell. Set aside the pieces that hold personal meaning first. Once you've done that, you can look at what remains with a clearer head. A reputable buyer will never pressure you to decide quickly.

2. Gather Everything in One Place

Inherited items are often scattered across drawers, jewellery boxes, coat pockets and safe deposit boxes. Collect everything before you start sorting. Look for:

• Gold chains, rings, bracelets and earrings

• Single earrings and broken or tangled pieces

• Gold watches

• Sterling silver flatware, tea services and candlesticks

• Silver coins, especially Canadian coins minted before 1968 and US coins minted before 1965

Items that look worn or unimportant can still hold real metal value.

3. Sort Before You Sell

A little organizing makes the process easier and helps you recognize a fair offer:

• Group gold by karat where you can

• Separate silver coins from sterling silver pieces

• Set aside watches and anything with gemstones

• Keep any boxes, receipts, paperwork or old appraisals

You don't need to be exact. A professional buyer will test and weigh everything for you.

4. Look for Purity Marks, but Don't Worry If There Are None

Most gold jewellery is stamped with a karat mark such as 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K or 24K, or a number such as 417, 585 or 750. Sterling silver is usually marked 925 or "Sterling."

Older pieces, or pieces from other countries, may have worn or missing stamps. That doesn't mean the item isn't gold or silver. A professional buyer can confirm metal content in front of you using methods such as XRF scanning and acid testing, without damaging your pieces.

5. Don't Clean, Polish or Repair Anything

It's tempting to tidy up old jewellery before selling it. Don't. Gold and silver are valued by metal content and weight, not appearance. A broken chain, a bent ring or a single earring is worth the same by weight as a perfect piece. Polishing or repairing can cost you money without adding to your payout.

6. Know That Value Comes From Metal, Not Style

An outdated design, a missing stone or a damaged clasp usually doesn't change the gold value of a piece. Gold is priced by karat and weight, based on the current spot price. That's why buyers who publish their live buying prices make the process easier. You can estimate what to expect before you book an appointment.

One exception is worth knowing. Some pieces, such as signed designer jewellery or collectible watches, may have value beyond their metal content. If you suspect that, a good buyer will say so and explain your options.

7. Compare Buyers and Ask Questions

Whoever you sell to has a big effect on your payout. Compare two or three buyers, and look beyond the headline number. Ask:

• Do they publish their buying prices?

• Do they weigh and test every item in front of you?

• Do they break the offer down by item, karat and weight?

• Can you say no and walk away with no pressure?

• Are they accredited, with a real office and real reviews?

Be cautious of mail-in programs, pop-up "cash for gold" events and any buyer who gives only a lump-sum number without explaining it.

8. Choose a Face-to-Face Appointment

Selling in person lets you watch the scale, the testing and the calculation. It also gives you space to ask questions about unfamiliar pieces. This matters even more with inherited items, since you may not know their history.

At Five Star Gold Exchange, every appointment is by booking only, with no lineups and no obligation. Your items are weighed and tested in front of you, and if you accept the offer, you're paid the same day by cash or e-transfer. We serve families across the Lower Mainland, including those coming from Burnaby and Port Coquitlam.

9. Bring Valid Photo ID

All sellers must present valid government-issued photo ID and be 18 or older. If you're selling on behalf of someone else, or the pieces came from an estate, bring any paperwork you have and ask about the process when you book.

Quick Checklist for Selling Inherited Gold and Silver

• Set aside pieces you want to keep

• Gather all gold, silver, coins and watches in one place

• Sort by type and karat where you can

• Don't clean, polish or repair

• Check current buying prices

• Compare offers from more than one buyer

• Ask to watch the testing and see how the offer is calculated

• Bring valid photo ID and any paperwork

Take the Next Step With Confidence

Inherited jewellery can feel overwhelming, but the process doesn't have to be. Understand what you have, take your time, and choose a buyer who shows you every step. That way you can honour the past and still make a practical decision for your family.

Have inherited gold or silver you'd like evaluated? Call 604-779-2755 or email info@fsge.ca to book a free, no-obligation appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if inherited jewellery is real gold?

Check for stamps such as 10K, 14K, 18K, 585 or 750. If there are no marks, a professional buyer can test the metal in front of you using XRF scanning and acid testing.

2. Should I clean or repair inherited jewellery before selling?

No. Value is based on metal content and weight, so cleaning or repairing won't increase your payout.

3. Can I sell broken or damaged jewellery?

Yes. Broken chains, bent rings and single earrings are bought based on their gold content.

4. Do you buy silver coins and sterling silver flatware?

Yes. Canadian coins minted before 1968, US coins minted before 1965, and sterling silver items are bought by weight at current silver prices.

5. Do I have to sell everything I bring in?

No. You can get a free evaluation and decide afterwards. There is no obligation to sell.

6. How quickly will I be paid?

Payment is made the same day, by cash or e-transfer, if you accept the offer.

7. Do I need an appointment?

Yes. Five Star Gold Exchange is by appointment only. Call 604-779-2755 or email info@fsge.ca to book.

8. What should I bring?

Bring your items, valid government-issued photo ID, and any paperwork, boxes or appraisals you have.