How to Buy Antique Gold

Identify the type of antique gold you wish to purchase. For example, if purchasing antique gold coins, the American Double Eagle coins, struck between 1850 and 1907 in San Francisco, Philadelphia or New Orleans, have a great deal of value. Antique Cannetille jewelry, produced during the late 1800s, had elaborate borders, floral motifs and rose- and mine-cut diamonds.

Visit your local library or bookstore to read reference books on your chosen antique gold collection and view detailed information and photographs. Examples of antique gold reference books include “Antique Jewelry with Prices,” by Doris Jean Snell, “Warman’s Vintage Jewelry: Identification and Price Guide,” by Leigh Leshner, “Standard Catalog of Modern World Gold Coins, 1801-Present,” by Colin Bruce and Thomas Michael and “Gold Coins of the World” by Arthur L. Friedberg and Ira S. Friedburg.

Go to local antique stores, jewelry stores and collector shows and speak with dealers about the antique gold they are selling. Inquire about the history, rarity and condition of the items and make sure the dealer has a satisfaction guarantee or refund policy before buying. Ask for references to other local sources that sell the type of antique gold you are interested in. Collector communities tend to be fairly small, and networking can be a valuable way to discover new items to purchase.

Look at online websites such as Craigslist.org, eBay.com or Bonanzle.com for antique gold items of interest. Read each post carefully and ask the seller for detailed photographs and information about any damage to the item, no matter how small. Check the seller’s references from previous buyers and make sure there is a satisfaction guarantee or refund policy in place. If meeting a buyer locally, always meet in a public place and bring someone with you for added security.

View online retail websites to purchase antique gold, such as The Three Graces.com, Antique Jewelry Mall.com, Atoncer.com and AmerGold.com. Always read the information on the website carefully, particularly sales and refund policies, and don’t be afraid to contact the retailer to ask questions prior to purchase.

Always consider the purity of the gold item you are purchasing, as the gold level plays a large role in determining the value of the piece. Gold purity is measured in terms of karats (K). Pure gold is considered to be 24K, while 12K gold is half gold and half other alloy products. 10K is typically the lowest available gold purity amount in gold jewelry and coins. While some gold items, such as jewelry, may be marked with the purity amount, many antique gold items will not be marked. If the seller does not have gold purity information or proof, you will need to take the gold item to an appraiser to have an acid test performed on the gold to determine the gold purity level of the item.