Jewelry Refining

Refining is one way to capture the dollar value of old jewelry. It should be considered only after the owner has determined there are no other options available to sell for more dollars. Most jewelry is made of precious metals and alloys. Alloys provide color and strength to jewelry. The refining process separates the precious metals from the alloys. Here are examples. 14k gold contain about 58.5% pure 24k gold and 41.5% alloy. The refining process separates the gold, determines its weight and then determines its value on a day to day basis. 18k gold contains 75% gold and 25% alloy. Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy. An iridium-platinum wedding band contains about 90% pure platinum and 10% iridium alloy.

While most jewelry made around the world is stamped with a metal identification, it is impossible to know the accuracy of the stamping until the piece is refined. For most jewelry manufactured in the United States, the stamp is accurate. However, even in America, there are exceptions. These include counterfeit stamps as well as stamps that indicate a certain karat content, like 14k, but when refined, the amount of pure gold turns out to be 12 karat.

Tom Tivol has been refining jewelry for the public since the beginning of his practice. The most important feature of Tom’s refinery service is his transparency with his client. There is only one way to be 100% certain of the value of precious metals contained within jewelry, and that is to take the jewelry to a credible refinery and receive a written statement from the refinery as to its content and value. The refinery must comply with the strict rules and regulations promulgated under federal law.

After giving his clients a detailed receipt, Tom refines the jewelry within 24 hours. He then presents a copy of the refinery report to his client. The report lists the breakdown of precious metals obtained through the process, the refinery fee and finally what the refinery is paying for those metals. Tom then provides a check to his clients for the amount paid by the refinery less a small fee for his service. Unlike most jewelers and gold buying businesses, Tom’s fee is not based on a percentage of the refined value of his clients’ old jewelry. Instead, Tom charges a simple appraisal fee, regardless of the number of pieces and or their refined value.