How Gold Jewelry Is Valued

If you’re thinking about selling your gold jewelry, understanding how it’s valued is essential. Whether you’re holding onto a family heirloom or a few pieces gathering dust in a drawer, knowing what determines their worth can help you make a confident and informed decision. At Pacific Jewelry & Watches, servicing Los Angeles, CA, we specialize in buying gold and pride ourselves on offering transparent evaluations based on real market value.

What Determines the Value of Gold Jewelry?

Gold isn’t just beautiful—it’s also a tangible asset that carries significant value. Here’s what goes into determining that value:

1. Gold Purity (Karat Weight)

Gold purity is measured in karats (K). The higher the karat, the more gold the piece contains. For example:

  • 24K = 99.9% pure gold
  • 18K = 75% pure gold
  • 14K = 58.5% pure gold
  • 10K = 41.7% pure gold

A professional appraiser will test your jewelry to determine its karat weight. At Pacific Jewelry & Watches, we use non-destructive methods to accurately assess gold content while preserving the integrity of your piece.

Want to know what purity your gold is? Contact Pacific Jewelry & Watches today.

2. Weight of the Gold

Once the purity is determined, the next factor is the weight. The heavier your gold jewelry, the more valuable it is—assuming it’s made from higher karat gold. We weigh your items precisely using certified scales to ensure fair and honest pricing.

3. Current Gold Market Price

The global gold market price plays a major role in determining how much your jewelry is worth. Gold is traded as a commodity, and its price fluctuates daily based on supply, demand, economic conditions, and investor behavior. When gold prices are high, you’ll get more for your items.

At Pacific Jewelry & Watches, we closely monitor the gold market to make sure you get a competitive offer based on the most up-to-date spot price.

4. Condition and Craftsmanship

While most buyers are interested in the raw gold value, some jewelry pieces also carry added value for their design, condition, brand, or historical significance. Designer jewelry, antique items, or pieces with precious stones may be worth more than just their gold content. We always take this into account during evaluations.

Why Sell to Pacific Jewelry & Watches in Los Angeles?

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, CAPacific Jewelry & Watches is known for honest service and top-dollar payouts. Whether you’re selling a single gold chain or an entire estate collection, our gold-buying experts will walk you through the process, answer your questions, and ensure you feel confident about your decision.

  • Competitive offers based on real-time gold prices
  • Accurate testing for gold purity and weight
  • Immediate payments—no waiting
  • Private, secure evaluations in-store

Ready to Find Out What Your Gold Jewelry Is Worth?

Gold prices are still historically strong, making now an excellent time to sell. Visit Pacific Jewelry & Watches in Los Angeles, CA, for a free, no-obligation appraisal. Our friendly team is here to help you get the most value from your gold.

Contact us today or stop by our store to turn your unused gold into cash you can use now.

Pacific Jewelry & Watches – Los Angeles’ trusted gold buyer.

Image courtesy of Canva

Bianca Silva

left us a 5 star review

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Bianca Silva
Rated 5.0
February 3, 2026

We were very happy with the ring appraisal service. I didn’t realize an appointment was required, but they were incredibly attentive and accommodating to both me and my fiancé. The process was smooth, quick, and professional—highly recommend.

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Danelle N.
Rated 5.0
January 27, 2026

We had an excellent experience with Paul at Pacific Jewelry & Watches. He was efficient, kind and honest. I will recommend to everyone I know that this is...

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Geok Wa Yutan
Rated 5.0
January 23, 2026

Paul was very friendly and professional.He examined my items carefully, describing the items and we learned a lot from him being certified gemologist with lots of experience.Highly recommended!

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Thomas M.
Rated 5.0
January 19, 2026

Paul is a very straight up and fair dealer I will be doing much more future business. He prices are competitive and he wants his clients to win just the...

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Tina Segler
Rated 5.0
January 12, 2026

I had a very positive experience with Paul. He appraised two pieces of my jewelry. I had verified values with another appraiser. Paul offered me a much better price and also confirmed a bracelet which I thought was good costume turned out to be gold. I would not hesitate to highly recommend Paul's services in the future.

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Debbie Purcell
Rated 5.0
January 10, 2026

Paul was extremely courteous and helpful. I feel I received a fair and honest appraisal for my miscellaneous jewelry and other items.

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Samantha Gold
Rated 5.0
January 9, 2026

Paul is great! Very friendly and knowledgeable. I was able to bring gold and jewellery I wasn’t using anymore for a fair appraisal. Will definitely use Paul in the future!

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Barbara S.
Rated 5.0
January 7, 2026

Paul was so helpful and clearly gave us good offers. I would definitely recommend. It was hard to sell heirlooms and he couldn't have been nicer.

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Daniel Rodriguez
Rated 5.0
December 30, 2025

I came to sell gold and Paul was great! He is fair, transparent, and fast. I will be back whenever I need to sell jewelry in the future. Thanks Paul!

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Daniel R.
Rated 5.0
December 30, 2025

I came to sell gold and Paul was great! He is fair, transparent, and fast. I will be back whenever I need to sell jewelry in the future. Thanks Paul!

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Leland Felsenthal
Rated 5.0
December 26, 2025

Great prices and honest and straightforward transactions!

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Carol Goodkind
Rated 5.0
December 12, 2025

My meeting with Paul of Pacific Jewelry and Watches could not have been better. I brought in a box of jewelry that I inherited but had no need for. Although the stones weren't real, the gold in some of this was, and I left Paul's office with a considerable amount of money. Paul was very pleasant to do business with, I think primarily due to his strong knowledge base in both metals and gems. He was informative, he explained how his tools worked, and what he was looking for. And in the end I got a bunch of money for stuff that I had no need for. This is a strong recommendation.

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Claire Clayton
Rated 5.0
December 11, 2025

Very quick, kind, and efficient appraisal. Will gladly use Paul for all future appraisal needs

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Aram Minasyan
Rated 5.0
December 5, 2025

Very experienced and knowledgeable expert!!!

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N R
Rated 5.0
November 29, 2025

Very nice guy and is knowledgeable in his profession. Would refer him to a friend and would do business with him again.

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Cayce Cage
Rated 5.0
November 25, 2025

I highly recommend Paul! Over the years he has provided jewelry repair and appraisals for me. He is thorough, professional, knowledgeable, timely and personable. I trust him implicitly.

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Barbara Smith
Rated 5.0
November 23, 2025

Paul is a lovely man who clearly knows his business. He explained everything we needed to know and gave us fair prices for our gold pieces as well as silver. I wouldn’t hesitate for a minute to return.

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Denise Tabor
Rated 5.0
November 8, 2025

Comfortable experience. Felt like family.

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Denise T.
Rated 5.0
November 7, 2025

Very professional. Explained everything. Answered all of my questions easily. A smooth and easy experience.

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Miky Nahm
Rated 5.0
November 5, 2025

Great experience, smooth and helpful, thanks 😊