How to Sell Gold Jewellery in the Lower Mainland: What to Know Before You Go
This guide covers what to do before you sell, what to expect at an appointment, and how to tell a fair buyer from one who isn't.
Know What You Have
Start by sorting your items. Look for small stamps on the inside of rings or near the clasp of chains. Marks like 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K tell you the karat, which is the purity of the gold. Higher karats contain more pure gold and are usually worth more per gram.
Don't worry if a piece has no stamp, or the mark has worn away. A reputable buyer can test it for you. Also set aside anything that isn't gold but might be worth something, such as pre-1968 Canadian silver coins, US coins minted before 1965, and sterling silver flatware.
Don't Clean, Repair, or Sort by Value
Broken jewellery is worth the same as intact jewellery when it's sold for its gold content. A snapped chain, a bent ring, or a single earring can all be sold as they are. You don't need to pay for a repair or polish before selling.
Understand How Gold Is Priced
Gold is bought by weight and purity, and the price moves with the market. That's why the same piece can be worth different amounts a month apart. Before you visit any buyer, check whether they publish their buying prices. A buyer who posts current rates openly is telling you how the offer will be calculated. A buyer who won't say until you're sitting across from them is asking you to trust them without any way to check.
It also helps to ask how the buyer weighs and tests your items. The best answer is that they do it in front of you, step by step.
What Happens at a Good Appointment
A proper appointment should feel calm and unhurried. Here's roughly what to expect:
- You book a time. No lineups, no waiting rooms.
- You bring your items. There's no minimum, and evaluating them shouldn't cost you anything.
- They're examined in front of you. Karat markings are checked, and unmarked pieces can be tested with methods like XRF scanning or acid testing.
- You're shown the math. The buyer weighs each category and calculates the offer from their posted prices.
- You decide. There's no obligation to accept. If you do, payment should be same-day.
You'll also need valid government-issued photo ID, and you must be 18 or older. This is a legal requirement for precious metal buyers in Canada, and it protects both sides. Be wary of any buyer who skips it.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Pressure to decide on the spot or claims that the offer expires today
- Vague answers about how the price was worked out
- Items being taken out of your sight to be weighed or tested
- Hidden deductions or fees that appear at the end
- Lowball offers with no explanation
You're allowed to say no, and you're allowed to compare. Getting a second opinion is normal, and a trustworthy buyer will expect it.
Why Location and Convenience Matter
You shouldn't have to sell your gold at a mall kiosk or a pawn counter. A dedicated buyer whose whole business is precious metals is more likely to give you a careful evaluation, a clear explanation, and a fair price. Many people in the Lower Mainland are willing to drive a little farther for that.
If you're in Surrey, you can sell gold in Surrey with a BBB-accredited buyer based in nearby Coquitlam. If you're in Burnaby, you can sell your gold in Burnaby with the same team, who show you the calculation at every appointment.
A Quick Checklist Before You Go
- Gather everything, including broken pieces and unmarked items
- Check for karat stamps, but don't stress if you can't find them
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID
- Look up the buyer's current prices ahead of time
- Book an appointment so you aren't rushed
- Remember you can walk away with no obligation
The Bottom Line
Selling unused gold is simple when you go in informed. Know what you have, check the buyer's published prices, insist on a transparent evaluation, and never feel pressured. Do that, and you'll leave with a fair price and the confidence that you got it.
Ready to find out what your gold is worth? Call 604-779-2755 or email info@fsge.ca to book a free, no-obligation appointment at Five Star Gold Exchange, #230 – 1140 Austin Ave, Coquitlam.

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