: Scratching the gold on a testing stone and applying acid. If the mark remains, it matches that karat level.
: Most pawn shops expect you to negotiate; bringing certificates of authenticity or appraisals can help you secure a higher offer. Do Pawn Shops Buy Gold? A Guide for First-Time Sellers
: To confirm the stamp is accurate, shops use: how do pawn shops buy gold
: Brokers look for hallmarks (stamps like 10K, 14K, or 18K) that indicate the gold's purity.
: Since gold is non-magnetic, a strong magnet is used to quickly rule out many fakes. : Scratching the gold on a testing stone and applying acid
: Gold is weighed using precise digital scales, often measured in grams or troy ounces (31.1 grams).
Pawn shops do not pay the full market price because they must cover overhead, storage, and the risk of gold prices dropping. Do Pawn Shops Buy Gold
: High-end shops use X-ray fluorescence machines for a non-destructive, precise reading of the metal's composition.