To look for hallmarks or signs of "wear-through" where base metal shows under gold plating. 3. Where to Source Scrap
These have very little gold and are generally not worth buying for scrap profit unless you have massive quantities.
Example: If gold is $2,000/oz, a 14k ring weighing 5 grams is worth roughly $194 in pure gold content.
(Spot Price / 31.1) x (Karat Purity / 24) = Value per Gram .
This is the most profitable route. Refiners melt the metal down and typically pay 90%–98% of the melt value. They usually require a minimum weight (e.g., 2–5 ounces) to do business.
A stone and various acids (10k, 14k, 18k, 22k) to check for reactions.
Scour listings for "broken jewelry" or "old charms."
To make money, you typically aim to buy at 60%–80% of that melt value. 2. Essential Testing Kit
To look for hallmarks or signs of "wear-through" where base metal shows under gold plating. 3. Where to Source Scrap
These have very little gold and are generally not worth buying for scrap profit unless you have massive quantities.
Example: If gold is $2,000/oz, a 14k ring weighing 5 grams is worth roughly $194 in pure gold content.
(Spot Price / 31.1) x (Karat Purity / 24) = Value per Gram .
This is the most profitable route. Refiners melt the metal down and typically pay 90%–98% of the melt value. They usually require a minimum weight (e.g., 2–5 ounces) to do business.
A stone and various acids (10k, 14k, 18k, 22k) to check for reactions.
Scour listings for "broken jewelry" or "old charms."
To make money, you typically aim to buy at 60%–80% of that melt value. 2. Essential Testing Kit