Our clients ask

What kinds of items do you evaluate?

We are happy to help you determine the value of any of the following items:

gold and silver coins
gold jewelry, including broken items
gold watch works
sterling silver jewelry
sterling silver flatware
sterling silver trays, tea sets, candlesticks, and other tableware
other gold and sterling silver decorative pieces

What items don’t you evaluate or purchase?

We regret we cannot evaluate or purchase pewter, pearls, gold filled, gold plate, silver plate, Mexican silver, or costume jewelry.

What about gold jewelry with stones?

The stones are not considered part of your valuation because we only process precious metals. The stones will be removed by the refiner and disposed of separately. If you believe the stones are valuable, you may wish to have them removed before you sell or donate your precious metals.

How do you determine the value of gold and silver?

Each item is scanned with a ThermoFisher Scientific Niton XL2 XRF Analyzer to determine the metal composition and then sorted for purity. After sorting, items are carefully weighed in grams and recorded. Daily spot market prices for gold and silver are determined by the London Fix and Harman & Harman, respectively. Once we have the purity, gram weight, and spot market price, we can calculate the value of your gold or silver items.

How will I know I received a fair price?

Each shipment received in our secure laboratory is opened on camera and photographed. After processing, you will receive a detailed valuation receipt that documents the type and purity of each precious metal, the weight in grams, and the spot market price on the date received. UCJ is committed to full transparency in the valuation process.

How long does it take for me to receive my payout?

UCJ processes shipments daily. Turnaround time depends on current volume; however, it typically takes approximately five business days for payouts to be disbursed.

Do you guarantee the highest payout?

Yes. Our process is fully transparent. Don’t fall prey to advertising that manipulates payout statistics by mixing terms like “dwt” (pennyweight), etc. Spot market prices for precious metals are quoted per troy ounce, and scrap metals are weighed in grams. One (1) troy ounce = 31.1035 grams. Your valuation receipt will document both the market price per troy ounce and the weight in grams for each type of precious metal.

What is a “troy ounce”?

When buying and selling precious metals, a “troy ounce” is the standard unit of measure. One (1) troy ounce = 31.1035 grams. A troy ounce is slightly heavier than a standard ounce.

What happens if I send you gold filled or gold plated jewelry by mistake?

During processing, we’ll determine whether items are gold or not. Your detailed valuation receipt will tell you the amount of gold in your items. We cannot return unacceptable items (e.g., gold filled, gold plate, silver plate, pewter, etc.), but if it can be sold for something we will include that in your receipt as well.

Can I donate my precious metals?

Yes, absolutely! UCJ partners with Jewelry For Good, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps charities fundraise through donations of unwanted or unused precious metals. You can donate your items to Jewelry For Good and request the value of your donation, after processing, be sent to the recognized U.S. charity of your choice.

If I donate my precious metals through Jewelry For Good, how much of a tax deduction can I get?

You will receive a donation receipt for 100% of the market value of the gold, sterling silver, or platinum you donate. Your personal deductibility may vary; please consult with a tax accountant.

What happens to the precious metals?

UCJ sorts and bundles precious metals for the refining process. We partner with the largest regional refiner on the east coast for recycling scrap precious metals in the most environmentally responsible way.

Can I sell directly to a refiner?

No. Scrap metal refiners only handle large bulk shipments of precious metals that have already been sorted by a processing facility. This is the service that UCJ provides.

Is it safe to send in my valuables?

Yes! Our secure laboratory facilities are alarmed, guarded, and monitored by extensive surveillance equipment 24/7.

Is it safe to ship gold and other precious metals?

Yes, if you follow these steps:

Request a prepaid FedEx shipping label from UCJ
Package your items securely in FedEx branded boxes or packaging
Call FedEx for pickup or take your package to a FedEx drop-off center.
Make sure you get a FedEx receipt for your package.

If you follow the above procedure, your shipment is insured by FedEx for up to $1,000.

If you do not follow the steps listed above, neither FedEx nor UCJ can be held liable for any losses you may incur.

Your items may also be insured for up to $25,000. You must call us first at (855) 332-5333, and receive written approval from UCJ and follow all the instructions and procedures prior to shipment of your items.

Is my shipment insured?

Items shipped in FedEx branded packaging, using a prepaid FedEx shipping label provided by UCJ, and secured by a FedEx receipt with tracking number are insured by FedEx for up to $1,000.

What happens if my shipment is lost?

If you believe your items have been lost or damaged, you must file a claim with FedEx. To file a claim you must have your FedEx receipt and tracking number. Contact FedEx.