What to Bring When Selling Gold

The one thing you must bring: valid photo ID

A valid, government-issued photo ID is required for any precious metal transaction in Texas — a driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport all work. This isn't optional and isn't specific to any one buyer; it's a standard part of how legitimate precious metals transactions are recorded everywhere. Without it, a sale simply can't be completed, so double-check you have it before you leave home.

Make sure the ID isn't expired and that the name and photo are current — an ID that's hard to read or clearly out of date can slow things down unnecessarily.

Bring everything you're considering selling

There's no need to sort or decide in advance which pieces are worth bringing — a good buyer will happily evaluate an entire jewelry box, a coffee can of loose jewelry, or a full estate collection in one visit. Broken chains, single earrings, tangled necklaces and outdated styles are all worth testing; scrap gold is priced on karat and weight, not on whether the piece is currently wearable or fashionable.

If you're unsure whether something is real gold at all, bring it anyway. Testing takes only a minute per item, and it costs nothing to find out.

Certificates, boxes and papers — if you have them

For diamonds, bring any grading certificate you have; it isn't required, but it speeds up evaluation since the 4Cs are already documented. For luxury watches, the original box, papers and service records (if available) can meaningfully support a higher offer, since they support authenticity and completeness. For coins and bullion, any certification of authenticity or mint packaging is helpful but not mandatory.

None of these documents are deal-breakers if you don't have them. They simply help an evaluation move faster and, in some cases, support a stronger offer for collector or resale-value items. Don't delay a visit just because you can't locate old paperwork.

• Valid, government-issued photo ID (required)
• All items you're considering selling, including broken or mismatched pieces
• Diamond grading certificates, if you have them
• Watch boxes, papers and service history, if available
• Coin or bullion certificates of authenticity, if available
• A rough idea of what you'd like to walk away with (optional, but helps set expectations)

What you don't need to bring or do

You don't need an appointment for most walk-in appraisals, though calling ahead is always fine if you have a large collection or want to check current hours. You don't need to clean or polish your jewelry beforehand — it won't change your offer and risks damaging delicate pieces. You also don't need a prior appraisal or an original receipt for everyday jewelry; those are helpful for context but not required to sell.

If you inherited items and aren't sure of their history, that's completely normal and won't prevent an evaluation. Just bring the items and your ID, and we'll take it from there.

Ready to visit our Houston store

With ID in hand and your items gathered, you're ready. We're located at 6809 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77074, open every day from 10:00 AM to 8:45 PM, with free parking and no appointment necessary for most visits. Every item is tested and weighed in front of you, and if you accept our offer, you're paid in cash on the spot.

Have questions about a specific item before you come in — an odd stamp, a watch you're not sure is authentic, a bag of old coins? Call us at 713-997-0875 and we're happy to talk through it ahead of time.