Gold and Silver Buyers

A diamond is a very rare and extremely solid type of crystal that is formed completely of carbon with a lattice-like molecular structure. 

• Carbon in the Earth’s Mantle

Diamonds are formed in the upper mantle of the Earth, about 100 miles beneath the Earth’s surface. This part of the Earth is composed of molten rock that is put under extreme heat and pressure. Carbon that is located in the Earth’s mantle can be heated to 725˚ Fahrenheit and be put under 435,113 pounds of pressure per square inch, both of which are necessary for the formation of diamonds. Under these conditions, carbon atoms form a structure in which each atom is linked to four other carbon atoms, resulting in an extremely strong lattice formation.

• Kimberlite and Lamproite Pipes

Deep fractures can form in the crust of the earth, allowing magma to create a tunnel called a kimberlite pipe. Diamonds can be pushed to the surface of the Earth through these pipes by rising magma in only a few hours. This causes the diamonds to cool rapidly, locking their molecular structure into place. The diamonds then become trapped in veins of the cooled magma. It is also possible for heated water to push diamonds to the Earth’s surface through a wider type of tunnel called a lamproite pipe.

• Alluvial Diamond Sites

While most diamonds are mined, some diamonds can be found in the beds of rivers. The diamonds in these alluvial sites were brought to the surface of the Earth through a kimberlite or lamproite pipe, but were moved by geological activity, water, or glaciers and eventually washed to new locations by rivers.

Diamonds require very particular conditions to form and reach the surface of the Earth, making them extremely rare. This, combined with the great durability and beauty of diamonds, is what makes diamonds so valuable. At Gold and Silver Buyers, we can appraise your diamond jewelry and pay you an excellent price for your diamonds!

If you’re interested in selling your gold, silver, or platinum, you may be wondering what you should do to prepare your precious metals for sale.  Here are a few tips:

Cleaning Your Precious Metals

Cleaning gold jewelry usually requires nothing more than a bowl of warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush. Gently scrub the jewelry and pat dry with a clean, soft towel. Remember to avoid soaking jewelry that contains gemstones, as water can get behind the jewel and ruin the setting. 

If you’re selling gold or silver coins, however, you shouldn’t try to clean them—this could actually lower the value of the coins, not raise it. Many coin collectors actually value the tarnish that age brings—they call it “patina” and believe that it gives the coin character. Additionally, many amateur coin collectors accidentally devalue their coins during cleaning by making scratches on the metal.

If you’re interested in selling your gold or silver, consult with Gold & Silver Buyers. We offer cash for your gold and silver coins and jewelry. To learn more about our Houston services, call us at (281) 940-7632 today.

Gold and silver are both elements, meaning that even when they are divided down to the atomic level, they still maintain their underlying characteristics. Finding gold and silver is not about finding areas where the substances might form. Instead, mining gold and silver is about finding deposits of an element that already exists:

• Gold

Gold mines are found all over the world, but most have something in common: They’re formed when a liquid gathers a significant amount of gold in one spot.  For example, it’s not at all uncommon to find gold deposits near active volcanoes.

One of the most common forms of gold deposits is called a placer deposit, which occurs when water erodes gold from rock and then carries it to a certain spot within a body of water.  This is part of the reason why gold hunters during the Gold Rush of 1848 panned the rivers for gold: They realized that the waters were washing away a significant amount of the metal.

• Silver

Superheated water moves throughout the earth’s crust and eventually meets up with ocean water.  This cools the water enough so that anything that is solid separates itself out, including silver as well as mixtures of zinc, copper, sulfur, and lead.  Silver is still bound with sulfur when this cooling process occurs, which means that it’s actually black instead of its normal bright color.

Gold and silver are both considered precious metals due to their rarity as well as their aesthetic qualities. If you’re interested in selling your gold or silver to a fair buyer in the Houston area, contact Gold & Silver Buyers.  We specialize in buying gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals, and jewelry. For more information, call (281) 940-7632 today.

Though platinum’s value reached a record high in 2008, it promptly plummeted along with the real estate market.  Although platinum is an extremely rare metal with multiple applications in industry and on the jewelry market, its price remains relatively low.  Take a look below at the volatility of platinum prices and the stability of gold prices to learn more:

• Gold: A Stable Investment

In times of recession, gold is one of the few metals that not only retains its monetary value, but can actually increase in worth.  In times of financial stress, people turn to gold, because they know it will not let them down.  Historically, gold has remained valuable around the world, regardless of the economy. Other precious metals, such as platinum, cannot compete with gold’s rich historical value.

• Platinum: A Fluctuating Value

Ordinarily, platinum is actually more expensive than gold, because platinum is rare and has a number of different industrial applications due to its strength and heat-resistance.  During a recession, however, platinum prices tend to drop—in fact, platinum prices occasionally drop below gold prices, even though platinum is technically more valuable.  This is because platinum simply doesn’t occupy the same space in our psyches that gold does.  Platinum was not discovered by Europeans until the 1700s, while gold has been found all over the world for centuries.  Gold has been prized by virtually every culture that has ever flourished, whereas platinum is a metal that most didn’t even know existed until a few centuries ago. 

Though prices may fluctuate for platinum and remain consistent for gold, selling these precious metals is a great way to make extra money in a tough economy. If you’re interested in selling your gold, silver, or platinum, visit Gold & Silver Buyers.  Located in the Houston area, we act as a jewelry buyer and offer cash for gold.  To learn more about us, call (281) 940-7632 today.

For more information about our recent blog topics, including how gold deposits form and how to clean your jewelry for sale, check out these resources. If you’d like more information, call Gold & Silver Buyers at (281) 940-7632.

• The American Museum of Natural History gives a brief overview of howgold deposits are formed.
  
  
• This article contains a number of tips about how to remove the tarnish from silver.
  
  
• This website explains how silver deposits form.
  
  
• RealSimple.com discusses how to clean gold jewelry at home in preparation for selling it to a gold buyer.

We tend to think of precious metals in terms of jewelry alone, but gold, silver, and platinum can come in many different forms. To learn more about the different forms precious metals can take, read below:

• Bars and Ingots

You aren’t very likely to own bars or ingots of gold, silver, or platinum. Metal in these raw forms is really only useful to people who use it for industrial applications or jewelry, making the average consumer an unlikely owner of bars or ingots. Because it’s much harder for an individual seller to successfully market a bar or ingot of gold, selling directly to a gold buyer is likely your best option.

• Coins

Many countries issue gold and silver bullion coins. These coins have become an excellent way to invest in precious metals. Although coins from the United States remain at the top of the coin collecting market, gold and silver bullion coins from other countries are worth collecting as well.  Many of these coins develop a loyal following that keeps their value high.  The design changes help keep collector interest high, meaning that the coins are always worth more than just their weight in gold or silver.

• Jewelry

Jewelry is the most common form of precious metals for the average consumer. However, it also tends to be metal in its least pure form.  While platinum is strong enough to be made into jewelry on its own, gold and silver are both too soft for that treatment.  Most jewelry is made from gold or silver alloys and then marked to show how much of the precious metal each piece contains.  Gold, for instance, is marked between 10- and 24-karats.  Ten-karat gold is less than 50% gold, while 24-karat gold is pure.  Jewelry that is left unmarked is usually only gold- or silver-plated.

If you’re interested in selling your silver, gold, or platinum in any form, consult with Gold & Silver Buyers.  Located in Houston, we are a great jewelry buyer that offers cash for gold.  For more information about us, call (281) 940-7632 today.

The College of Liberal Arts is sponsoring a fundraiser with Gold and Silver Buyers. Students can sell their gold and silver items for get cash on the spot.

Linda LaCross, 2011 SECC Area Coordinator for the College of Liberal Arts, said the fundraiser is the first time in the University's history a company will be allowed on-campus to conduct their business. Students can sell any kind of gold and silver, including jewelry, charms and coins for market price.

During the months of Sept. and Oct., the company will be at different locations on-campus and donate 20 percent of their profit to the State Employee Charitable Campaign.

"Gold and Silver Buyers is a very reputable firm and only takes 20 percent profit from sellers, whereas other companies take 30-40 percent. Of that 20 percent, they will be giving 20 percent directly to the State Employee Charitable Campaign" LaCross said.

Amelia Culwell, vice president of Gold and Silver Buyers, said the company is glad to be joining with the University to benefit charities stretching across the state.

"Gold & Silver Buyers is so pleased to be involved with SECC fundraising event at Texas A&M," Culwell said. "We are an official sponsor of the University's athletic program and always welcome a chance to give back to the communities we serve."

The SECC began in 1993 when the Texas legislature passed a law that allowed employees to donate to qualifying charities through payroll deduction. The campaign occurs each year and gives the employees of the state the opportunity to give back to charities for different causes. While most funds come from payroll deduction, they are also generated through direct donations, events and fundraisers.

Don Dickenson is senior relationship manager for United Way of Brazos Valley United, the participating charity that serves as the Local Campaign Manager for the Brazos Valley SECC.

"Most importantly, we record and track all donations, maintain a strict accounting of all funds, and distribute those funds according to the donors' wishes." Dickenson said.

He said all donations to the SECC are designated to a specific charity. The charities apply each year and are reviewed by the SECC Local Employee Committee to determine whether they meet all the criteria for participation.

"Each year, hundreds of organizations apply to be included in a directory of charities that is distributed to all state employees," Dickenson said. "Locally, about 30 organizations apply for participation each year.  This year, 24 applications were approved for inclusion in the Brazos Valley directory of charities, while only two were denied."

Dickenson said in the past they've had many successful fundraisers ranging from cupcake wars to concerts, as almost every department at Texas A&M holds a fundraiser to benefit the SECC.

"Texas A&M employees, together with employees from other state agencies such as the Texas Department of Public Policy Safety and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, raised over $700,000 last year," Dickenson said.

Thousands of A&M employees donate portions of their paychecks to several hundred charitable organizations in Texas, which in turn give aid to hundreds of thousands of people in need, Dickenson also said.

"About 65 percent of those donations go to 24 charities in the Brazos Valley alone," Dickenson said. "Times are tough, but everyone who has a job at Texas A&M in these tough times has a unique opportunity to help someone less fortunate, an opportunity to be a champion of service in a place that has a reputation for building champions."

Gold and Silver Buyers dates and locations:

Friday, Oct. 7 and Monday, Oct. 10 in the Anthropology Building

Friday, Oct. 14 and Monday, Oct. 17 in Glasscock

Friday, Oct. 21 and Monday, Oct. 24 in Allen

Friday, Oct. 28 in Coke

Correction: Linda LaCross, 2011 SECC Area Coordinator for the College of Liberal Arts, was misidentified as Liberal Arts Dean in the Sept. 6 publication.

If you’re like a lot of people, then your house is filled with a lot of items you don’t actually use. Many of these belongings you can’t bring yourself to give away because they have some sort of sentimental value but appear worthless to the naked eye. However, here are three unused items you may be surprised to learn can actually be refined:

1.     Broken jewelry

Jewelry is meant to be worn, but just because it breaks does not necessarily mean it’s worthless. Even if your rings, necklaces, or pendants have been broken beyond repair, they’re still made of precious stones and metals and those are valuable no matter what shape they’re in. Take these items in to a precious metal refinery and they’ll gladly pay you a decent price.

2.     Silver flatware

Do you have a set of silver flatware and other dishes you’re simply not using anymore? Polishing silver only to use it once a year can get very tiresome. Scratched or broken, a refinery will gladly take them off your hands.

3.     Old gold/silver watches

If you have an old gold or silver watch from years ago, then sell that to a refinery as well. Maybe you’ve since gotten a new watch, but didn’t see the sense in throwing out the old one because it’s made of a precious metal. Whether or not the watch actually works is irrelevant—much of the time, refineries buy precious metals so they can heat them up and break them down into purer forms.

If you’ve got a drawer full of precious metal that you’re not using any more, then bring it down to Gold & Silver Buyers. Our dealers are reputable, discreet, and honest and with 75 locations around Houston and the rest of Texas, we’re not hard to find. If you’ve got gold, silver, or platinum, then give us a call at (281) 940-7632 to learn what your items are worth.  

It’s great to be able to realize money from old jewelry that you don’t wear anymore, but the rash of commercials and other advertisements promising quick cash for gold has confused many people’s estimates of the value of their belongings.  Therefore, before going to a jewelry buyer and selling your gold items, consider this guide to what gold karats are and what they mean:

The Karat System

“Karat” is a term that often comes up when discussing jewelry, as it refers to the pureness of gold.  In other words, gold karats refer to the amount of real gold in any given piece of jewelry.  The system works like so:

• 10 karat gold refers to an object that is 41.7% gold.
• 12 karat gold is actually 50% gold.
• 14 karat gold is 58.3% gold.
• 18 karat gold is 75% gold.
• And 24 karat gold is 100% gold.

If My Jewelry Isn’t Pure Gold, Then What Is It?

Jewelry isn’t made from 24 karat gold very often, because while gold has a beautiful depth of color and a high shine, it’s also quite soft.  If you wore it every day, then you would start to deform it quite quickly!  In order to make pieces of jewelry more long-lasting, other harder metals are added to the gold.  The jewelry keeps the color and the shine of gold, but not the malleability.  Therefore, although 24 karat gold jewelry is the most valuable jewelry simply because of its high gold content, 10 karat gold is the strongest for the opposite reason.

Of course, your jewelry is still worth money even if it’s not pure gold, and to find out how much, you need to go to an experienced and trustworthy gold buyer. 

If you’re interested in selling your gold or silver, then you should consult with Gold & Silver Buyers.  Located in Houston, Gold & Silver Buyers is a jewelry buyer that will give you cash for your gold.  To learn more about selling your gold, call (281) 940-7632 today.

Nowadays almost all countries rely on paper money, but who among us hasn’t dreamed of finding a lost pirate ship filled with gold coins?  That childhood fantasy is based upon a long history of fact, as precious metals have been used as currency pretty much since currency came into existence:

In the Beginning, There Was Gold

We don’t know who came up with the idea of currency and we don’t know why they settled upon gold as the common denominator, but the fact of the matter is that we can trace the first wide-scale creation of gold currency back to 640 B.C., when King Croesus began releasing gold coinage.  In fact, the phrase “As rich as Croesus” was popular in the English language as late as the 1800s for that very reason!   It seems as though around the time we stopped doing nothing but bartering, we started using gold in place of chickens and other goods and services—and we just kept going.  Greece and Rome used gold coins, Venice created the gold ducat and England the gold florin (both in 1284), and even the United States got in on the action in 1784. 

And Then There Was Silver

Gold wasn’t the only precious metal that was used as money back in the early days of history, however. Silver also got quite the workout as a less-valuable, but still useful commodity.  In fact, although we often speak of the gold standard, China’s currency was actually on a silver standard during the 1500s.  Silver was a mixed blessing, however. When the Spanish conquered much of central and Latin America, they gained access to high-yield silver mines in both Mexico and Peru.  Instead of being a boon, most historians now believe that the sudden influx of precious metal actually helped trigger a huge wave of inflation and the eventual collapse of the Spanish empire. It also encouraged wide-spread piracy, as Spanish ships routinely sailed with loads of precious silver cargo—providing targets that were simply too tempting to both desperate mutineers and noblemen who sailed under the auspices of their home countries.

What about the value of gold today?  These days, you can get cash for gold by selling your gold and silver to Gold & Silver Buyers in Houston.  At Gold & Silver Buyers, we’re jewelry buyers who provide you with the best prices for your items.  For more information, call (281) 940-7632 today.