How do I know what my gold is worth before I come in?

Value depends on karat, weight and the live spot price at the moment of sale, so an exact number requires in-person testing. You can get a rough sense by checking for a hallmark stamp and noting the item's approximate weight, but the final figure comes from our free, in-store appraisal.

Do you buy broken or tangled jewelry?

Yes. Scrap gold is valued by karat and weight, so broken chains, single earrings and tangled pieces are worth the same per gram as intact jewelry of the same karat.

Is the appraisal really free?

Yes, every appraisal is free with no obligation to sell. You're welcome to hear our offer and decide it isn't right for you with no pressure either way.

How fast will I get paid?

Testing and weighing typically take just a few minutes per item. If you accept our offer, you're paid in cash on the spot, the same day.

What ID do I need to bring?

A valid, government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID or passport — is required for any precious metal transaction in Texas.

Do you buy gold that isn't jewelry, like dental gold or scrap wire?

Yes, we buy gold in almost any form, including dental gold, scrap findings, broken settings and industrial scrap, as long as it can be tested for karat.

Can I sell gold-plated or gold-filled items?

Gold-plated items generally have too little actual gold content to hold significant scrap value, but we're happy to test any piece to confirm what it actually is before you decide.

Do you buy diamonds without a certificate?

Yes, we evaluate diamonds with or without certification. A certificate can speed up the process since the 4Cs are already documented, but it's not required.

What's the difference between selling to you and pawning my gold?

A pawn loan lends you money against your item as collateral with a repayment deadline and interest; selling to us is a one-time outright purchase with no loan, no interest and no deadline.

Do you buy coins and bullion, or just jewelry?

We buy gold and silver coins, bullion bars and rounds in addition to jewelry, diamonds and luxury watches — evaluated using the same transparent testing and live spot pricing.

What happens if I don't like the offer?

There's no obligation to accept. You're free to walk away with your items and no cost or pressure, whether you decide to sell elsewhere or simply keep them.

Can I sell an inherited item without documentation?

Yes, inherited items without paperwork are common and can still be evaluated and sold. A valid photo ID from you as the seller is what's required, not documentation of the item's history.

Do you buy items from all over the Houston area?

Yes, we serve customers from across Houston and surrounding communities including Bellaire, West University, Memorial, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Cypress, Pasadena, Missouri City and The Woodlands.

Education

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Gold

Whether this is your first time selling gold or your fifth, here are straightforward answers to the questions we hear most often at our Houston store.

Published August 4, 2026 · Gold King, Houston TX

Storefront of a Houston precious metals buyer with customers inside

Everything you need to know before you sell

Selling gold, jewelry, coins or watches for the first time raises a lot of practical questions — how the process works, what to bring, how offers are calculated, and what happens to your items afterward. This hub pulls together the questions we hear most often across every category we buy, from scrap gold to luxury watches to loose diamonds, in one place.

If you don't see your specific question answered below, call us at 713-997-0875 or stop by 6809 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77074, any day between 10:00 AM and 8:45 PM. We're always glad to walk through the details before you decide anything.

Ready to sell? Gold King buys these items in Houston every day — sell gold in Houston, cash for gold in Houston, sell diamonds in Houston, sell luxury watches in Houston and sell coins in Houston. Every appraisal is free, and payment is cash on the spot.

Keep reading

These Gold King guides cover the same subject from different angles:

Selling from outside central Houston? We buy from Houston, Bellaire, West University Place, Memorial, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Cypress, Pasadena, Missouri City and The Woodlands customers every week.

Start at the Gold King homepage for everything we buy, or contact our Houston store for a free appraisal and a same-day cash offer.

Questions about this guide

How do I know what my gold is worth before I come in?: Value depends on karat, weight and the live spot price at the moment of sale, so an exact number requires in-person testing. You can get a rough sense by checking for a hallmark stamp and noting the item's approximate weight, but the final figure comes from our free, in-store appraisal.
Do you buy broken or tangled jewelry?: Yes. Scrap gold is valued by karat and weight, so broken chains, single earrings and tangled pieces are worth the same per gram as intact jewelry of the same karat.
Is the appraisal really free?: Yes, every appraisal is free with no obligation to sell. You're welcome to hear our offer and decide it isn't right for you with no pressure either way.
How fast will I get paid?: Testing and weighing typically take just a few minutes per item. If you accept our offer, you're paid in cash on the spot, the same day.
What ID do I need to bring?: A valid, government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID or passport — is required for any precious metal transaction in Texas.
Do you buy gold that isn't jewelry, like dental gold or scrap wire?: Yes, we buy gold in almost any form, including dental gold, scrap findings, broken settings and industrial scrap, as long as it can be tested for karat.
Can I sell gold-plated or gold-filled items?: Gold-plated items generally have too little actual gold content to hold significant scrap value, but we're happy to test any piece to confirm what it actually is before you decide.
Do you buy diamonds without a certificate?: Yes, we evaluate diamonds with or without certification. A certificate can speed up the process since the 4Cs are already documented, but it's not required.
What's the difference between selling to you and pawning my gold?: A pawn loan lends you money against your item as collateral with a repayment deadline and interest; selling to us is a one-time outright purchase with no loan, no interest and no deadline.
Do you buy coins and bullion, or just jewelry?: We buy gold and silver coins, bullion bars and rounds in addition to jewelry, diamonds and luxury watches — evaluated using the same transparent testing and live spot pricing.
What happens if I don't like the offer?: There's no obligation to accept. You're free to walk away with your items and no cost or pressure, whether you decide to sell elsewhere or simply keep them.
Can I sell an inherited item without documentation?: Yes, inherited items without paperwork are common and can still be evaluated and sold. A valid photo ID from you as the seller is what's required, not documentation of the item's history.
Do you buy items from all over the Houston area?: Yes, we serve customers from across Houston and surrounding communities including Bellaire, West University, Memorial, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Cypress, Pasadena, Missouri City and The Woodlands.

Everything you need to know before you sell

Keep reading

Questions about this guide

Get a free appraisal today