Walking into a gold buying event for the first time can feel a little overwhelming — what actually counts as “gold”? Do you need paperwork? Should you clean your jewelry first? Here’s a simple checklist to make sure you leave with every dollar your items are worth.

1. Gold and silver jewelry (broken is fine). Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings — even single earrings, tangled chains, or pieces with missing stones. Buyers evaluate gold by weight and purity, not by how “wearable” it still is. That broken clasp or outdated design in your jewelry box still has real value.

2. Coins and currency. Old coin jars, inherited coin collections, silver dollars, proof sets, foreign currency — bring all of it. Some coins carry collector premiums well above their melt value, and a trained evaluator can spot the difference on the spot.

3. Sterling silver items. Flatware sets, tea services, jewelry, and even damaged or mismatched pieces marked “925” or “sterling” hold value.

4. Watches — working or not. Gold and silver watches, and name-brand watches in general, are worth having evaluated even if they no longer run. Don’t assume a broken watch is worthless.

5. Dental gold. Yes, really. Old dental gold (crowns, bridges) is accepted and evaluated just like any other gold item.

6. A valid government-issued photo ID. Buying events are required to verify identification for every transaction — bring a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.

7. Any items you’re unsure about. This is the big one: don’t pre-judge your own items. Costume jewelry, “junk” drawers, and old collections often contain gold, silver, or collectible pieces people assume are worthless. Bring it all and let a professional evaluator take a look — there’s no obligation to sell.

What NOT to worry about:

• You don’t need to clean or polish your items beforehand.
• You don’t need original boxes, certificates, or receipts (though bring them if you have them — they can help with certain collectibles).
• You don’t need an appointment at the events — just show up during posted hours.

Why bring everything, even if you’re not sure? Evaluations are free and come with zero obligation to sell. The worst outcome is finding out an item isn’t worth much. The best outcome is realizing that drawer of “junk” jewelry is actually worth a few hundred dollars you didn’t know you had.

Ready to find out what your gold, silver, and coins are worth? Check our event schedule to find a Premier Gold, Silver & Coin buying event near you. Bring your items, get a free evaluation, and walk away with a check the same day.