Behind the Loupe: Should I Sell My Gold?

Is Now a Good Time to Sell My Gold?

Wondering if you should sell your gold right now? You're not alone. With gold prices climbing and dipping almost daily, it’s natural to ask whether it’s the right time to cash in. Below are a few frequently asked questions I hear as a Certified Appraiser and Private Jeweler, especially when gold is in the news.

What is the current price of gold?

Gold prices fluctuate throughout the day based on global market trends. To see the live price of gold, here are a few reputable sites to check:

• Kitco Gold Price Chart

• Monex Live Gold Spot Prices

• GoldPrice.org – 24-Hour Chart

These sites show you real-time pricing and historical charts so you can track when gold is high or low.

How do I know if it’s a good time to sell my gold?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but here are some key things to think about:

• Are prices higher than when you bought it?

• Do you need the cash now, or are you waiting for the market to rise even more?

• Is your jewelry broken or outdated, and not sentimental?

Keep in mind: selling when the market is up usually means getting more for your metal.

What does “spot price” mean?

The “spot price” is the current market price per ounce of gold. Jewelers, refineries, and pawn shops base their offers on this number—but they don’t pay 100% of it.

How much do jewelers or pawn shops pay for gold?

Great question—and one you should absolutely ask.
Be sure to ask: “What percentage of the spot price do you pay?”

This is one of the most important questions to ask when shopping around. Many places offer between 40% and 65% of spot, depending on overhead, condition, and how urgently they want your gold.

What do you pay for gold, Shelly?

At Devine & Co., I offer 70% of the current spot price for scrap gold. I believe in transparency, education, and fair market offers. I'm happy to weigh your items in front of you and explain how your payout is calculated.

What types of gold do you buy?

I buy:

• Scrap gold (including broken chains and single earrings)

• Gold coins

• Old engagement rings

• Estate and vintage jewelry

• Dental gold

Not sure if it’s real? I can test it for you.

Should I clean my gold before selling it?

No need! The gold will likely be melted down, so condition doesn’t affect value unless it’s a designer piece or has collectible value. If you’re unsure, I’ll let you know if it’s worth appraising instead of scrapping.

Do you do house calls or private appointments?

Yes—I offer private appointments by request throughout the Central Coast and also have an office in Carmel-by-the-Sea. You can reach out to set up a time that works for you.

Final Tip: Do your homework.

Before you sell your gold:

• Check the current spot price

• Get at least 2-3 quotes

• Ask what percentage of spot they pay

Feel free to reach out if you have questions or want to schedule a private gold consultation. I'm here to help—no pressure, just honest answers.