Sell Your Gold, Silver or Platinum in Mississauga
Our Evaluation Process
What Happens When You Bring Your Items In?
At Canada Gold – Mississauga, we want you to feel informed and confident when selling your valuables. Here is how we make that happen.
There is no need for an appointment. Simply drop by when it works for you. Our team will greet you, explain the process and answer any questions you may have. If there is a short wait, we will keep you updated and make sure you are seen as soon as possible.
Step One: What Are We Looking At?
The first thing we do is identify what your items are made of. We start with a magnet test. Gold and silver are not magnetic, so this quick step helps us separate out any items that do not need further testing.
Next, we look for purity stamps on each item. These might be marked as karats like 10K, 14K or 18K, or with numeric stamps like 375, 585 or 750. These marks tell us how much pure gold or silver is in each piece. If we cannot see a stamp right away, we use a jeweller’s loupe to check the finer details such as clasps, interiors of rings or earring posts.
Step Two: Testing for Purity
Once we have sorted your items by stamp, we run a few simple tests to confirm their purity. These tests are non-invasive and are done right in front of you.
Acid Scratch Test
We gently rub the item or items on a testing stone, leaving a faint streak of metal. We apply different acid solutions designed to identify karat weight to the mark on the stone, never the jewellery itself. These solutions help us verify the karat weight as they are each uniquely designed to respond only if the karat weight of the mark on the stone meets the criteria of that specific acidic solution.
As an example, for gold we begin with a combined acidic solution designed to identify and validate gold to a purity of10 karats, which is the minimum karat weight we will purchase. Each acidic solution we apply to the test reveals it has either met or failed to meet the criteria for karat weight (purity). If the mark on the stone meets the 10 karat weight test, we move to 14, then on to 18 karat, 22 karat and 24 karat if merited. If (again as an example), the mark passes the 18 karat test but fails the 22 karat test, we know the gold is 18 karat.
For some items, particularly those with two types of precious metals such as some pieces of jewelry, we may decide to use additional testing methods if the acid scratch test is inclusive or incapable of determining the karat weight accurately.
Specific Gravity Machine
This test checks how dense an item is. The simplified version of this testing process is that we weigh the item in air and again in water to calculate and the comparison of the weight over the two mediums yields the item’s density. The density of the item allows us to calculate the precious metal content of the item.
Density testing is ideal for heavy bullion, gold chains or items that are less delicate, such as certain types of jewelry (particularly diamond or gemstone laden jewelry – for which we will utilize alternative testing methods. It’s an exceptional method for easily determining if items are gold or simply gold plated, which will be evident with a density testing weight measurement.
The testing process will not hurt or harm any precious metals, gemstones, settings, etc. The testing medium is distilled water only with no additional chemicals added. We want our customers to rest assured that none of our testing methods will damage their items. If they choose to sell to us once they receive their offer, great. If not, their valuables will be just as valuable as when they walked into our Mississauga store.
X-Ray Fluorescence Testing (XRF)
If we still need more precise details, we may use an XRF scanner. This equipment gives us a detailed breakdown of the metal content without damaging your item. It is especially helpful for delicate pieces or items with unclear markings.
All of our testing methods are highly accurate and usually we can determine the precious metal content of items with scratch testing alone or in combination with Specific Gravity Testing. However, the XRF testing is somewhat of a “final word” if other testing methods yield inconclusive results.
Our machinery will provide a comprehensive report of the metal content of the items tested and all testing is done in the customer’s presence. We want our customers to be confident in our ability to accurately validate their items, whether with the X-Ray Flourescence Machine or any other testing method we utilize.
We will explain each step as we go, so you always know what is happening and why.
Step Three: Weighing
After testing, we weigh your items on a high-accuracy scale. You are welcome to watch the process, and if you prefer, we can weigh each piece separately so you can see individual amounts.
Step Four: The Offer
Your quote is based on three things:
- The purity of the metal
- The exact weight of your items
- The current live market rate
We will provide you with a clear and straightforward offer. There is no obligation to sell. You can choose to sell all, some or none of your items. If further testing is needed, such as cutting an item to check for heavy plating, we will explain why and only proceed with your consent.
If You Choose to Sell
If you accept our offer, we process your payment immediately. There are no hidden fees or deductions. Payments can be made in cash when available or by cheque, depending on the size of the transaction.
Why Trust Canada Gold – Mississauga?
We believe that selling your valuables should never be rushed or unclear. That is why we offer free evaluations, transparent testing and fair offers every time. Many of our customers return or recommend us because they know we value honesty and respect above all else.
If you have items to sell, give us a call at (289) 980-4653 or visit Canada Gold – Mississauga at 8 Thomas Street. We are here to help you understand the true value of what you have.