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Selling gold shouldn’t be confusing, but for many, it still is. Most pawn shops and legit kiosks want to help you, but rely on either sight, scratch, or dye tests to calculate gold purity, and you end up getting significantly underpaid (which just gets worse when grams equal hundreds of dollars).
Here in Palo Alto, we use XRF (x-ray fluorescence) testing, which, in seconds, will tell you what your scrap gold is worth at a lab-grade level. On average, sellers using XRF testing will see 5–15% more, as we are measuring actual metal, not making assumptions. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how Pacific Precious Metals ensures you get top dollar with science-backed testing, live pricing, and a transparent gold-selling process.
Understanding Spot Price vs. “Cash for Gold” Offers
Before you go on Google and type out “sell gold near me”, it is important to know the actual worth of your gold. Spot price is the total value of pure gold for an ounce at the market price. However, most jewelry is not 24k, meaning that the amount that you will be paid will be based on melt value, the actual gold content without any impurities.
In the Bay Area, most buyers are paying 70%-90% of melt value, depending on the piece, purity of gold, and level of testing. Many dealers with unused tools or estimating purity tend to low-ball you to cover their risk. With XRF testing, that risk is eliminated, and generally, your payout is higher.
Beware of the hidden fees, though; some businesses deduct fees for refining, handling, and packaging from the auction due to a lot of variation, especially with mail-in cash for gold. Ask to know your total payout after recovering all of your direct costs.
The XRF Advantage: Science-Backed Pricing
With an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) instrument, you can get precise measurements of the metal composition of your jewelry, karat by karat, without causing any harm. The instrument penetrates the jewelry’s surface to discern gold, silver, and other metals, and delivers a complete, thorough reading in seconds. This is leaps and bounds beyond scratch tests and wild guesses.
Let’s say you have two bracelets: one has a stamp declaring it to be “14K,” and the other is gold-plated brass. They may be indistinguishable to the naked eye, but the XRF gun will show you the real one immediately. Here, 58.5% content in gold versus close to zero in the plated bracelet. No assumptions to be made. No value lost.
And when you worry as to how to sell gold near me, worry not, because we’ve always got you covered. The XRF scan is free and is conducted on the spot. Thankfully, you won’t have any surprises at the payout, and you also won't feel pressured into accepting a lowball offer based on guesswork or old technology.
Pacific Precious Metals: Step-by-Step Selling Process
Now we understand that the process of selling gold might seem a little daunting for many of us. Don’t you worry! We’ve got you covered and have divided the process into four easy steps, through which you can get the most and not feel confused about getting the worth of your gold.
Step 1: Book or Walk In
If you want to book ahead or just walk in, we can accommodate you easily. You'll be meeting with a certified appraiser, not a sales clerk, who will walk you through the evaluation process. We have several Bay Area locations, so you're unlikely to have to wait long. These include Fremont, Palo Alto, Sausalito, and Walnut Creek. For those searching to sell gold near me, convenience comes to you the moment you show up.
Step 2: Free XRF Scan
We perform a non-destructive XRF test right there in front of you. In about two minutes, you will have a detailed purity breakdown. By using an XRF, we take most of the guesswork out, and you'll know exactly what you are getting, crystal clear. It's free, quick, and much more precise than the acid tests or visual inspections done at a typical cash for gold shop.
Step 3: Instant Quote
After your purity is confirmed, we will determine your quote using a live spot-price feed. You will see the math for yourself. While selling gold jewellery or coins, this step generally ensures that the price you receive is the current day’s live spot price. Straightforward, transparent, and takes less than 5 minutes.
Step 4: Cash or Wire Payment
Whether you want instant cash, bank wire, or even to apply your payout to other metals in-store, that's up to you. No consignment period, no third-party delay, and no one trying to pressure you into selling when you're not ready to. We believe in honest and immediate payment because when you’re ready to sell, you should not have to wait to do so.
What We Buy?
We don't just purchase jewelry. Whether you're doing a drawer cleaning session or cashing in a long-time investment, we have clear pricing for a vast range of gold items. And yes, tested on the spot, and paid out the same day too.
- Gold Jewelry (10K – 24K, broken chains, etc.): From engagement rings to tangled bracelets, we pay based on melt value, not the condition.
- Gold Coins (American Eagles, Krugerrands, pre-1933 U.S. gold): We purchase investment-grade coins and pay comparable rates. Check out our buy-back premiums for Gold Eagles.
- Gold Bars (1g to 1kg, any refinery): We accept all recognized bars, including Valcambi, PAMP, Perth Mint, etc. See our listings of gold bars for further info and to compare prices.
- Bullion Scrap: Any gold-bearing item you get to us, we test with our XRF system and give you the exact worth that you deserve for your goods.
Tax & ID Rules in California
When you sell gold jewelry, coins, and scrap in California, state secondhand dealer laws require a valid government-issued ID and a thoroughly completed Form JUS-123. This is to create a legal record of these transactions to protect both the seller and the buyer.
The good news? There is no 7-day hold on bullion having more than 90% purity rate. This means that your American Eagles, gold bars, and most coins will need no holding period, and you can be paid the same day, maybe even on your first visit.
For complete legal information, please review the California DOJ’s Secondhand Dealer Guide. We are licensed and comply with each step, so you can sell without wondering and have complete assurance that there will be no legal surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the best gold near me rate?
Check the real-time spot prices. Ask for an XRF purity test. Do not work with any buyers who charge melt and refining fees.
Will polishing my jewelry increase its value?
No. It will not change the gold content. It may also damage vintage and other delicate pieces. Leave it as-is to preserve its value.
Do I need my original coin capsules or assay cards?
Not really. We pay you for the metal content of your items; Assa cards are not necessary, but are a good addition.
Can I sell inherited gold without receipts?
Yes. As long as you have a valid ID and your items are not stolen, we don't require receipts for a sale.
Sell Your Gold At Pacific Precious Metals, Palo Alto
While selling gold, precision equals payout.
With our XRF-based testing, live spot prices, and certified staff, ensure you never leave money on the table - even if you’re bringing in broken chains or gold investment-grade bullion.
Ready to sell gold for some cash? Stop by our showroom in Palo Alto today. No appointment needed, and the process from purity checking to cash takes under 15 minutes.
