The value of gold is climbing every day.  If you've got gold jewelry you never wear or a few broken pieces cluttering your jewelry box, you might be wondering what they'd be worth if you sold them today. 

Gold prices hit an all-time high in 1980 - worth up to $1600 an ounce. The price of gold dropped in the 90's but has been steadily rising ever since.  Currently, gold is now selling around $850 an ounce but has gone as high as $930 an ounce, depending on the market demand that day.

One of the first places many people think to sell their unwanted or broken gold jewelry to is a pawn shop, jeweler or consignment store.  The truth is, each of these types of shops only acts as a middle-man, taking a very hefty chunk out of the total price you'd get for your gold jewelry.

Plus, if you're unhappy with the price you get, good luck getting your gold jewelry back!  These stores move inventory so quickly that it's nearly impossibly to get a fair price (certainly nowhere near the going market value) or get your items returned if you're unhappy with the amount.

No gold buyer will offer you full market value for your gold, however you can still make a considerable amount of money if you shop around and if the gold jewelry you want to sell is valuable enough. Gold is measured in karats.  24 karat gold is pure gold, while the more common gold jewelry standard, 18 karats is 75% pure gold (the other 25% usually being another metal like silver or copper.

When you sell to a pawn shop, consignment store or directly to a jeweler, you may think you're getting the best deal - however they'll take a percentage out for their business, then ship your gold directly on to the refinery where its refined value is then passed on to you - meaning you get far less when everything is said and done.

Through the internet, it's now possible to send your gold (free and insured) directly to the refinery. There are several "cash for gold" websites online, but the majority of them operate no differently than pawnbrokers - taking their cut before passing your goods on to the refinery.

One company, Cash4Gold actually has a refinery on-site, so when you send your unwanted or broken gold to them, they pay you what it's worth once it's refined, without you having to worry about the middleman taking more money out of your pocket. This allows you to deal with a reputable company and get top dollar for your gold jewelry - no questions asked.

Compare that to bringing your jewelry in to a third party and being assaulted by a barrage of questions as to where it came from and why you're selling it. Dealing with a refinery is hassle-free and you'll get the highest possible price for your gold. Plus if you change your mind about selling your jewelry, you can have it sent back to you. The whole process is easy and comfortable.

Visit Cash4Gold for more information on how the refining process works and how to get one of the top prices in the industry for your gold jewelry.