Most people have more sellable gold than they think. A broken chain in a drawer, a single earring, an old class ring, a gold crown from a dental visit years ago: all of it can be turned into cash, as long as it’s real gold.
This guide covers the types of gold you can sell in Los Angeles, how buyers tell solid gold from plated pieces, and what affects the cash you’re offered. If you already know what you have and you’re ready to sell, see our scrap and broken gold buying service.
A quick note: cash for gold offers follow the price of gold, which changes every day. Everything here is a general guide, not a price quote. An in-person evaluation is the only way to know what your gold is worth today.
A Quick Karat Refresher
Before looking at specific items, it helps to know how gold purity is measured. Karat tells you how much of a piece is pure gold. The rest is other metals added for strength and color.
| Karat | Common stamp | Gold content |
|---|---|---|
| 10K | 10K, 417 | 41.7% |
| 14K | 14K, 585 | 58.5% |
| 18K | 18K, 750 | 75% |
| 22K | 22K, 916 | 91.6% |
| 24K | 24K, 999 | 99.9% |
Higher karat means more gold per gram, which means more cash. For a deeper look at how karat and weight translate into value, read What Is My Gold Worth in LA?
Types of Gold You Can Sell for Cash
Gold chains and necklaces
Chains are one of the most common items we buy. Cuban, rope, Figaro, box and franco chains in 10K, 14K or 18K are all valued by their karat and weight. Heavier chains are worth more, and a broken or knotted chain is worth the same as an intact one, because the value is in the gold.
Rings, wedding bands and class rings
Old wedding bands, outgrown rings and class rings are often 10K or 14K gold. Class rings can be surprisingly heavy. If a ring has a diamond or gemstone, the stone is evaluated separately from the gold. See How Much Is My Diamond Worth in Los Angeles? for more.
Broken, bent and single earrings
A single earring, a snapped bracelet or a bent pendant still has full gold value. You don’t need to repair, clean or untangle anything before you sell. That’s exactly what selling scrap gold is for.
White gold and rose gold
White gold and rose gold are real gold mixed with other metals that change the color. A 14K white gold ring contains the same amount of gold as a 14K yellow gold ring, so it’s valued on the same basis: karat and weight.
Dental gold
Gold crowns, caps, bridges and fillings are usually made from a gold alloy and can be sold. Dental gold varies in purity, so it’s tested to confirm its gold content before an offer is made.
Gold watches and watch bands
Solid gold watch cases and bracelets have gold value even if the watch no longer runs. A luxury gold watch may be worth more as a watch than as gold. Read How to Sell a Rolex in Los Angeles before you sell one as scrap.
Gold coins and bars
Gold coins and bars are priced differently from jewelry, and some coins carry collector value above their gold content. See our gold coins and bullion buying service.
Gold-plated and gold-filled items: an honest note
Gold-plated jewelry has only a very thin layer of gold over another metal. Gold-filled pieces (often stamped GF or 1/20 12K) have more gold, but still far less than solid karat gold. These items are usually worth little or nothing as scrap. If you’re not sure what you have, bring it in and we’ll tell you.
How Gold Buyers Test and Weigh Your Gold
A trustworthy cash for gold buyer does two things in front of you: confirms what the metal is, and weighs it accurately.
Checking the karat stamp
Most solid gold jewelry carries a stamp, such as 14K or 585, usually inside a ring band or near a clasp. Stamps are a starting point, not proof. They can wear off, and some costume jewelry carries misleading marks.
Testing the metal
Buyers confirm gold content with testing tools. At LA Gold Buyer Exchange we use non-destructive methods, so your pieces aren’t scratched or damaged during the evaluation. Pieces are sorted by karat so each group is valued correctly.
Weighing on a certified scale
Because gold is priced by weight, an accurate scale matters. In Los Angeles County, the Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures Scale Division routinely inspects and tests commercial weighing devices, including jewelry scales. You can always ask a buyer whether their scale is certified, and you should be able to watch your gold being weighed.
What Affects Your Cash Offer
Several factors determine how much cash you’ll be offered:
- Karat. Higher purity means more gold per gram.
- Weight. Gold is priced by weight, usually in grams or pennyweight.
- The current gold price. Offers are based on the live spot price, which moves every trading day. You can follow it on the Kitco live gold price chart.
- Stones and non-gold parts. Gemstones, steel clasps and springs aren’t gold, so they’re set aside when the gold is weighed. Valuable stones like diamonds are evaluated separately.
- Designer or collectible value. Pieces from well-known designers, or collectible coins, can be worth more than their melt value.
Because the gold price changes daily, the same chain can bring a different offer this week than it did last month. A good buyer will show you how the offer was calculated and that it reflects today’s market.
Tips to Get the Most Cash for Your Gold
- Gather everything. Go through jewelry boxes, drawers and old keepsakes. Small pieces add up.
- Don’t remove stones yourself. You could damage the stone or the gold. Let the buyer evaluate the piece as it is.
- Don’t bother cleaning or repairing. It won’t increase your offer.
- Separate anything that might be valuable as-is. Designer jewelry, luxury watches and collectible coins may be worth more than their gold content.
- Check the gold price before you go. It gives you context for the offer.
- Watch the process. Your gold should be tested and weighed in front of you, with the offer explained.
- Choose the right kind of buyer. Dedicated gold buyers often pay more than pawn shops. Learn why in Pawn Shops vs. Gold Buyers in LA, and compare your options in Where to Sell Scrap Gold for Cash in LA.
- Bring a valid photo ID. A government-issued ID is required to sell gold.
Selling Your Gold at LA Gold Buyer Exchange
LA Gold Buyer Exchange has bought gold in Los Angeles since 2011. Whether you have one broken chain or a box of mixed jewelry, here’s how it works:
- Bring your gold and a photo ID. No cleaning, sorting or repairs needed.
- We sort and identify. Pieces are grouped by karat.
- We test and weigh in front of you. We use non-destructive testing and state-certified scales.
- You get a clear offer. It’s based on today’s gold price, and we explain how we got there.
- Same-day payment. Accept and get paid the same day, or take your gold home with no obligation.
Learn more about our cash for gold service, or visit a location near you, including Pacoima, North Hollywood, Walnut Park and Vermont-Slauson. See all locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell broken gold jewelry?
Yes. Broken, bent, tangled and single pieces are valued by their gold content, just like intact jewelry.
Do you buy dental gold?
Yes. Gold crowns, caps and bridges can be sold. They’re tested to confirm their gold content before an offer is made.
Is white gold worth less than yellow gold?
No. White, yellow and rose gold of the same karat contain the same percentage of gold and are valued on the same basis.
What if my jewelry doesn’t have a karat stamp?
It may still be gold. Stamps wear off over time, especially on older pieces. Testing will confirm the gold content.
Do you buy gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry?
These items contain very little gold and usually have little or no scrap value. Bring them in if you’re unsure, and we’ll identify them for you.
Why did my offer change from last time?
Cash for gold offers are based on the current gold price, which changes every trading day. A higher or lower spot price moves your offer up or down.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk-ins are welcome. Bring your gold and a valid government-issued photo ID.
Turn Your Unwanted Gold Into Cash
Whatever kind of gold you have, LA Gold Buyer Exchange will test it and weigh it in front of you, explain your offer, and pay you the same day if you choose to sell.
Get a free evaluation for your scrap and broken gold or contact us with questions.
Disclaimer: All cash offers depend on current gold market prices, the verified karat and weight of each item, and an in-person evaluation. The information in this article is for general guidance only and is not a price quote or appraisal.
