What can I expect when I get to Houston Gold & Silver? What is the Process? How does it work?
Bring in all items you’re interesting in selling. We’ll greet you at the counter and authenticate each item individually. Next we’ll make you a cash offer. The process takes five minutes or less for most transactions. Our facility is extremely safe and secure. High security is a priority and ensures our customers the highest levels of safety. All transaction are highly confidential.
How does Houston Gold & Silver test gold
We use non-invasive XRF testing machines. All items stay within your sight and we do not use scratching stones or acids.
Does Houston Gold & Silver loan on items?
No. Texas law requires a special pawnbrokers license to provide loan services.
How do I know if my gold jewelry is real and not just gold plated?
To avoid costly mistakes, take your items to a qualified dealer. Most dealers will authenticate items at no charge. You should disregard internet advice on how to test your gold at home.
How do I know the karat of my gold?
Most gold jewelry is stamped according to percentage of gold in the jewelry: 10k for 41.7%, 14k for 58.5%, 18k for 75.0%, 22k for 91.6% and 24k is 100% pure gold. To help ensure you receive full value for your items, we use non-invasive precious metals equipment that analyzes gold purity, without damaging coins or jewelry.
Can I test my gold with a magnet?
While may dealers use magnets for initial testing of precious metals, we do not advise consumers to use magnets to test your items. Some parts of gold jewelry are magnetic and both gold and silver are diamagnetic, meaning you may get a slight reaction using a magnet. Please bring in your items for free testing and evaluation. We’re happy to help.
Are there any home tests I can do to tell if my gold is real?
No. To avoid costly mistakes, bring your items to Houston Gold & Silver today for free precious metals authentication.
Is white gold worth the same as yellow gold?
Yes, white gold and yellow gold contain the same amount of gold as a percentage. Most white gold today is coated, or plated, with rhodium. Gold jewelry manufactures used to plated gold with nickel to give it bright silver finish, however nickel can be irritating to the skin and nickel plating is rare these days.
What is the spot price of gold and silver?
The spot price is the price of pure gold and silver traded in electronic or paper form and changes daily. The price of physical coins and bullion sell at a higher price depending on supply and demand. Please visit www.houstongoldandsilver.com or download our iPhone app “Gold Prices” for current spot prices. Spot prices are also displayed at each of our locations.
How can I find out what the price of gold is today?
Houston Gold & Silver offers a free precious metals price app for the iPhone and can be download by searching “Gold Prices” on the app store. You may also call us 281-361-3377 for updated spot prices.
How much is silver silverware worth?
The price of silverware depends on the price of silver the day you decide to sell your silverware. Additionally, a highly-desirable silverware pattern can be worth than just the silver itself.
How much is silver flatware worth?
Sterling silver flatware is valued by weight and maker. Some flatware is best valued for its melt value, while others can be worth much more if from a maker such as George Jensen or Tiffany.
How can tell if my silverware is real silver?
Most sterling flatware will be stamped “sterling”. However, others may be stamped 925, 84 or have the walking lion. In all cases, it is important to rely on the experts at Houston Gold & Silver to authenticate your pieces.
What does 925 mean?
925 means 925 parts of 1000 or 92.5% silver. The remainder is alloyed metals.
What does 10k mean?
10k means 10 karat gold or 41.7% gold with other alloyed metals.
What does 417 mean?
417 means or 41.7% of the item is actual gold (same as 10k).
What does 14k mean?
14k means 14 karat or 58.5% of the item is actual gold.
What does 585 mean?
585 means 58.5% gold (same as 14k).
What does 18k mean?
18k means 18 karat gold, or 75.0% of the item is actual gold.
What does 750 mean?
750 means 75.0% gold (same as 18k)
What does 22k mean?
22k means 22 karat gold, or 91.6% of the item is actual gold.
What does 916 mean?
916 means 91.6% gold (same as 22k)
What is pure gold?
Pure gold is 24 karat gold and can be further refined to 0.99, 0.999, 0.9999 or 0.99999 (finest). Pure gold is very soft and pliable, so most jewelry also contains other metals to provide structure.
Does Houston Gold & Silver buy gold or silver items that are plated?
No.
What is Sterling Silver?
Sterling is an alloy consisting of 92.5% silver and usually copper.