Precious Metals
Karat & Weight
Inspect hallmark stamps: 10K (41.7%), 14K (58.5%), 18K (75%), 24K (99.9%), or 925 Sterling. Precious scrap is weighed in troy ounces or pennyweights (DWT).
Prepare for an appraisal
Bring clear item information to the professional you choose.
Keep the evidence
- Photograph the item, markings and condition.
- Record the maker, model and any provenance you can support.
- Prepare questions about inspection, fees and the basis of valuation.
Live market comparisons and automatic valuations are not connected here. No estimate or loan offer is generated.
Prepare item detailsCollateral triage guide
Pawnshops and antique appraisers evaluate four physical dimensions when valuing collateral:
Horology & Watches
Reference & Papers
Identify case reference and serial numbers. Original box, guarantee papers, and service records significantly improve trade valuation.
Diamonds & Gems
The 4 C's
Carat weight, Color grade, Clarity, and Cut quality. Independent laboratory certificates (GIA, AGS, IGI) substantiate appraisal accuracy.
Electronics & Audio
Testing & Reset
Ensure lithium batteries hold charge, factory user locks are removed, and original power adapters or cables are included.
Having these specifics organized before you visit reduces counter appraisal time and avoids undervaluation.
Hallmark inspection loupe
Touch historical hallmarks to inspect alloy stamps under simulated 10x jeweler magnification.
British Lion Passant
Sterling Standard · London Assay
King Henry VIII established the lion passant guardant in 1544 as the official English statutory warranty certifying .925 fine sterling silver.
Pawnbroker Triage: Look for the raised paw and crown. Sharp strike edges indicate authentic stamped metal rather than cast counterfeit replication.
Precious metal converter
Calculate fine metal weight across standard jewelry hallmarking standards and weight units (Grams, Pennyweight DWT, and Troy Ounces):
Gross Weight
15.00 g / 9.65 DWT / 0.48 ozt
Net Fine Pure Metal
8.78 g (0.28 ozt pure)
Foundry melt calculator
Calculate scrap metal yield, melt loss, and pure casting bullion weight.
Crucible Status
Induction Furnace Ready (1,064°C)
Gross Scrap Melted
50.00 g
Slag / Alloy Loss
20.75 g
Recovered Pure Bullion
29.25 g (0.94 ozt)
Casting Ingot Bar
32 × 18 × 2.6 mm
Acoustic resonance test
Two illustration tones. A real ring test depends on the coin.
Press to hear two synthesized tones (Web Audio). They illustrate the idea; they test nothing.
Counter staff sometimes listen to how a coin rings. Size, thickness and alloy all change the sound, so only a qualified tester can judge a piece.
Specific gravity test
Calculate hydrostatic water displacement density to identify authentic gemstone and metal families.
Pawnbrokers and gemologists use Archimedes' hydrostatic balance principle (weight in air vs weight submerged in distilled water):
Specific Gravity (SG)
3.52
Diagnostic Material Family
Diamond (SG 3.52)
Tools of the counter
Drawings of the tools a counter uses to look closely.
10x Triplet Jeweler Loupe
Achromatic 21mm triplet optical glass in brass swing shell for hallmark inspection and diamond clarity grading.
Illustration · not an assay
Electronic Thermal Gem Tester
Micro-probe thermal conductivity analyzer distinguishing diamond, moissanite, and simulants on an 8-stage LED meter.
Illustration · not an assay
Cast-Iron Vault Safe
Reinforced Victorian floor safe with external brass hinges, 4-spoke tumbler, and fire-resistant dual plate walls.
Illustration · not an assay
Lydian Acid Touchstone
Natural black Lydian jasper slate slab with nitric acid streak testing calibrated for 10K, 14K, 18K, and 22K karat purity.
Illustration · not an assay
Neodymium Testing Wand
High-gauss rare-earth magnetic testing wand instantly identifying ferrous steel cores concealed inside plated jewelry.
Illustration · not an assay
Medici Three Golden Spheres
The universal 3-ball pawnbroking trade emblem forged in solid brass and suspended from hand-hammered wrought iron.
Illustration · not an assay
Ornate Brass Cash Register
Mechanical filigree scrollwork counter register with pop-up denomination flags, marble shelf, and physical receipt lock.
Illustration · not an assay
Find your next stop
Directory records are source-backed information, not endorsements or verified appraisal services. Confirm expertise and scope directly.