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From bullion bars and sovereign coins to jewelry and collectible pieces, the “999” stamp appears throughout the precious metals market as a hallmark of extremely high gold purity. For anyone with a gold piece stamped “999,” this guide explains what that marking actually means, how much 999 gold is worth, how to determine its authenticity,…

Some links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning The Alloy Market may earn a commission at no additional cost to the buyer. Twenty years ago, many people may have balked at the idea of buying fine jewelry online. Today, however, purchasing jewelry online has become commonplace. What once felt unsafe or untrustworthy is…

Gold jewelry comes in many forms, but necklaces and 14K gold chains are among the most common pieces that everyday people own, which also makes them among the most commonly sold. Whatever the reason, many sellers still walk into the process without a clear idea of what their chain should realistically be worth, let alone…

Five-gram gold items are among the most common pieces sold by individuals. Despite their prevalence, there remains a significant gap between those who receive surprisingly strong payouts and those who unknowingly accept only a fraction of what their gold is actually worth. For the most part, that difference comes down to one thing: knowing the…

If someone picks up a piece of jewelry with the number 375 stamped on the inside, they have found something that most Americans have never seen before. What is 375 gold? In the US, gold is measured by karats, so numbers such as 10K, 14K, and 18K indicate the karat content of gold jewelry. Other…

Most jewelry loses its shine within a year or two. Fine jewelry doesn’t. Solid gold, platinum, and sterling silver pieces can stay in rotation for years and still resell for meaningful cash later. This guide explains what fine jewelry is, how it differs from demi-fine, fashion, and pre-loved estate pieces, and why the distinction matters…

Anyone who’s shopped for a gold necklace or ring lately has likely experienced sticker shock. The number on the tag often bears little resemblance to the spot price (live trading price of raw gold). That disconnect can be confusing, especially for first-time buyers trying to figure out what’s fair.​ Why is gold jewelry expensive? It’s…

Buying gold jewelry today is very different from what it was 20 years ago. Back then, most towns had a few trusted private jewelers and a handful of chain stores at the local mall to choose from. Today, shoppers have more options than ever, which can make the process feel overwhelming. Before deciding on the…

As gold prices reach historic highs, many retirees are looking to their jewelry boxes to boost their savings, selling old items to reinvest the proceeds elsewhere. At the same time, many flock to gold during times of economic uncertainty as a hedge against inflation. It is no wonder that gold has become a primary target…

Those who own a ring most likely find it’s made of 14K gold. It’s the most common choice for everyday jewelry: strong enough to wear daily but still valuable enough to contain real gold. Naturally, it’s no surprise that it’s the most common type of ring people send in when they decide to sell. So…