Some buyers advertise extraordinary rates to attract customers, then understate the weight of their items when making an offer.

Florida law requires business buying and selling precious metals by weight to use "legal for trade" scales, and to register those scales with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for inspection.

Legal for trade scales undergo stringent testing, and must meet certification standards of the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP). They provide the highest level of reliability and accuracy.

If a buyer misidentifies the purity of one or more of your items, you could receive significantly less. For example, "18 karat" gold jewelry contains nearly twice as much pure gold as "10 karat" gold jewelry.

While having your items examined, don't hesitate to inquire about the methods and procedures used to determine their metal content. We employ a combination of XRF analysis, resistivity testing, chemical testing, visual inspection, and other techniques to help accurately determine the content of each item.

To learn more about metal content and common markings, check out our purity chart. Purity Chart

Some precious metals buyers ask to take your items to another area or complete the testing process out of your sight. Whenever possible, examination and testing of your items should occur in your full view.

Our process enables you to remain with your items and directly witness all testing and weighing. Even in cases where we must drill, cut, or perform other destructive testing, we do this in your presence. For gold grain and certain other items, we may require off-site assay or analysis prior to purchase.

If you've received an offer but aren't ready to sell, reputable precious metals buyers won't be afraid to clearly state their offer in writing.

Due to the volatility of the gold and silver markets, a buyer may only be able to guarantee an offer for a limited time, or only while gold or silver are within a given price range.

A meaningful written offer should include the metal type, content, and weight of your items, along with the current market price of gold or silver. If a buyer refuses to extend any details of their offer in writing, it's best to check elsewhere.