What do you all do with the jewelry you find?

I'm relatively new to the hobby, about 6 months in...

So far I've amassed about 20 or so rings and other random earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Most are probably total junk, costume jewelry, kids rings etc.

No gold ones so far (except couple fakeos or low carat / plated) but have about 5-8 that are stamped 925 or sterling silver. Again probably not worth anything but really have no idea. I've heard of people melting them down for the silver but not sure that's worth it??

My question is what do ya'll do with the jewelry you find?
- Sell them somewhere? (Jewler? Pawn shop? Ebay?)
- Melt em down?
- Clean em? (how?)
- Throw em in a bin and add em to the collection?
- Give em away?

Simple answer is I guess I need to learn more about jewelry because I know close to nothing.

But any discussion on this topic would be much appreciated.

- Thanks,
NightHawk
Junk rings (if they clean up well) go on a display of black velvet-like cloth and are priced at $3 each or Two-for-$5 at the neighborhood tag sale. The real stuff goes to a jeweler for weight minus stones which you always sell separately (unless the ring or bracelet is over 1.5ct). Stack your silver. Throw it all in a shoe box and hold it. When you have enough weight melt it and hold it.
 

I'm relatively new to the hobby, about 6 months in...

So far I've amassed about 20 or so rings and other random earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Most are probably total junk, costume jewelry, kids rings etc.

No gold ones so far (except couple fakeos or low carat / plated) but have about 5-8 that are stamped 925 or sterling silver. Again probably not worth anything but really have no idea. I've heard of people melting them down for the silver but not sure that's worth it??

My question is what do ya'll do with the jewelry you find?
- Sell them somewhere? (Jewler? Pawn shop? Ebay?)
- Melt em down?
- Clean em? (how?)
- Throw em in a bin and add em to the collection?
- Give em away?

Simple answer is I guess I need to learn more about jewelry because I know close to nothing.

But any discussion on this topic would be much appreciated.

- Thanks,
NightHawk
I also hunt for jewelry, especially vintage finds. I collect and keep the good pieces, silver and gold that are broken and need repairs I sell to a jewelry store for the current price of gold and silver. Some pieces are genuine gemstones so I try to have them appraised. You could also sell on eBay, set up a store on Etsy etc. This is a terrific place as the members are so awesome with information and idea's. Good Luck!
 

I have been advertising the more attractive of my finds on the local CL for a while and got excited a couple of weeks ago when I sold my first .925 ring. Someone, somewhere told me about Midwest Refining. I have researched their website and am preparing to send them a batch of .925 and gold items for them to melt and pay me for.
 

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