Gold and silver jewelry make good items to sell, buy, and pawn. Parker Pawn with three locations in Fayetteville, NC accepts yellow gold, sterling silver, silver and gold jewelry, rose gold, silver pieces, gold pieces, accessories paired with precious metals, and other valuables as collateral for fast cash loans.
Purities of Silver
Silver used for jewelry making is typically available in various purities, which are expressed as a decimal value. The most common purities used for jewelry are:
Fine Silver (99.9% pure): Fine silver is the purest form of silver, and it is too soft to be used in most jewelry. It is typically used for making items such as bullion coins and bars.
Sterling Silver (92.5% pure): As mentioned earlier, sterling silver is an alloy that contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% of other metals, usually copper. It is a popular choice for high-quality jewelry because it is durable and resistant to tarnishing.
Argentium Silver (93.5% pure): Argentium silver is a modern alloy that contains 93.5% silver and 6.5% of other metals, including germanium. It is known for its superior tarnish resistance, whiteness, and brightness, and is often used for high-end jewelry.
Coin Silver (90% pure): Coin silver is an alloy that contains 90% silver and 10% copper. It is often used for making vintage and antique jewelry, as well as silverware and other decorative items.
Mexican Silver (95% pure): Mexican silver is an alloy that contains 95% silver and 5% copper. It is often used for making traditional Mexican jewelry, as well as decorative items such as vases and bowls.
Gold Jewelry Purities
Gold jewelry is also available in different purities, which are expressed in karats (abbreviated as “K” or “kt”). The most common gold purities used for jewelry are:
24K Gold (99.9% pure): 24K gold is the purest form of gold and is too soft to be used in most jewelry. It is typically used for making coins, bars, and bullion.
22K Gold (91.6% pure): 22K gold is a popular choice for traditional and high-end jewelry, especially in Asia and the Middle East. It is more durable than 24K gold, but still relatively soft, so it is not recommended for everyday wear.
18K Gold (75% pure): 18K gold is a common purity used in fine jewelry, particularly in engagement rings and other high-end pieces. It is durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear, and has a rich, warm color.
14K Gold (58.3% pure): 14K gold is the most popular purity used for engagement and wedding rings in the United States. It is durable, affordable, and has a rich, warm color that is popular for jewelry.
10K Gold (41.7% pure): 10K gold is the minimum purity required to be considered “real” gold in the United States. It is often used for making affordable, everyday jewelry, as well as for class rings and other commemorative pieces. It is the most durable of the gold purities, but it has a less rich color than higher-karat gold.
How do the pawnbrokers at Parker Pawn know if a gold piece or silver piece is real?
Pawnbrokers are typically experienced in determining the authenticity of silver and gold jewelry. They use visual inspection, acid testing, and electronic testing to determine if the jewelry is real or fake. Here are some common methods used:
-
Visual inspection: Pawnbrokers typically examine the jewelry closely with a magnifying glass to check for any marks or stamps that indicate the purity of the metal. They will also look for signs of wear, discoloration, or damage that might indicate the jewelry is fake.
Acid testing: This is a common method used to determine the purity of gold. The pawnbroker will scratch the jewelry on a stone and apply a drop of acid to the scratch. The acid will react differently depending on the purity of the gold, and the pawnbroker can determine the purity based on the reaction.
-
Electronic testing: Electronic testers use conductivity to determine the purity of the metal. The tester sends an electrical current through the jewelry, and the purity is determined based on how easily the current flows through the metal. This method is fast and non-destructive, making it a popular choice for pawnbrokers.
-
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing: This is a non-destructive method that uses X-rays to determine the chemical composition of the metal. It can accurately determine the purity of the metal, as well as the presence of any other elements or alloys.
Overall, pawnbrokers use a combination of these methods to determine the authenticity of silver and gold jewelry. It is important to note that these methods are not foolproof, and there is always a risk of counterfeit jewelry being passed off as real. Therefore, it’s important to buy jewelry from reputable sources and have it appraised by a professional to ensure its authenticity.
What is Mixed Metal Jewelry?
Mixed metal jewelry is a type of jewelry that combines two or more metals to create unique designs and textures. Here are some common types of mixed metal jewelry:
Bi-metal jewelry: Bi-metal jewelry combines two metals, often gold and silver, to create a contrasting effect. For example, a ring might have a silver band with a gold setting, or a pendant might have a gold border around a silver center.
Tri-metal jewelry: Tri-metal jewelry combines three metals, such as gold, silver, and copper, to create a layered effect. The different metals are often intertwined or woven together to create complex designs and textures.
Mokume-gane jewelry: Mokume-gane is a Japanese metalworking technique that involves layering and manipulating different metals to create a wood-grain pattern. The result is a unique and organic-looking metal that can be used to create rings, pendants, and other jewelry.
Mixed metal wire jewelry: This type of jewelry is made by weaving or braiding together different types of wire, such as gold, silver, and copper. The wire can be twisted, coiled, or wrapped to create intricate designs and textures.
Fused metal jewelry: Fused metal jewelry involves heating and melting different metals together to create a single, solid piece. The resulting metal can be shaped and textured to create unique and sculptural jewelry.
Mixed metal jewelry offers a wide range of creative possibilities, as well as the potential to combine different colors, textures, and finishes to create unique and striking designs.
Also, you can try mixing metals to come up with a unique style. Parker Pawn has gold, silver, and other jewelry at reasonable prices, so you can practice mixing metals. New styles can also include gold and silver jewelry with gemstones to add a pop of color.
Parker Pawn and Jewelry
If you are thinking about laying necklaces, using mixed metal jewelry to create a new style, or want to sell your unused gold and silver jewelry, or use it for a collateral loan, visit Parker Pawn and Jewelry.
They buy gold and silver at all three of their locations. They have a certified goldsmith on staff to help with your transaction. They offer the most % on spot price (market price).
No Deal is Too Big For Parker Pawn and Jewelry. They provide free consultations for the value of your precious metals. The current value of gold is always publicly available, so it is important to educate yourself on how much you can expect for your gold or silver. Knowing the weight of your precious metals and the current market value, you can estimate how much your gold or silver is worth.
It is important to remember that the value of gold is based on its purity. In the simplest of terms, think of 24K gold and look at it as a pizza cut into 24 equal pieces. If you take two pieces away, you are left with 22K gold. If you take 6 pieces away, you are left with 18K gold.
Parker Pawn and Jewelry has a full inventory of luxury items like designer purses, luxury watches, gold bracelets, silver and gold jewelry, and collectibles. Stop in and see them today.
