Sell Your Gold, Silver or Platinum in Toronto
Our Evaluation Process
Welcome
When you are ready to sell your gold, silver or platinum jewellery or bullion, drop by our Canada Gold – Toronto Bloorcourt office at a time that works for you. No appointment is necessary, although you are welcome to call ahead if you prefer. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will greet you, answer your questions and guide you through the process quickly and professionally, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable every step of the way.
Assessment
Step 1: Initial Metal Testing
The process begins with a strong earth magnet, used to separate items made of non-precious metals from those that may be gold or silver. Since precious metals are not magnetic, this step quickly identifies pieces for further evaluation.
Step 2: Sorting by Karat and Fineness
Gold purity can be measured in two main ways. Karat expresses purity as a fraction of 24 parts, so 24K is pure gold. Fineness shows purity as parts per 1,000. For example, 585 equals 14K gold and 750 equals 18K.
After we have separated non-precious metals, each item is examined for a purity stamp. Many stamps are easy to spot, like 10K, 14K or 18K, while others appear as three-digit fineness marks. Sometimes markings are tiny, worn or placed in hard-to-see spots such as earring posts or the inside of rings. In those cases, we use a jeweller’s loupe with 20x magnification to locate them.
A stamp is a helpful indicator but not proof on its own. It is not unusual to find items stamped as solid gold that are actually plated. For full transparency, we group stamped pieces together on our sorting grid so you can see the process. Items without markings, or those over 18K that require verification, are set aside for testing.
Coins or bars from trusted sources may skip validation at the discretion of the buyer.
Karat Validation
To verify the purity of your gold, we use non-destructive tests that may include an acid scratch test, specific gravity measurement or X-ray fluorescence scan. Each method offers a precise way to confirm karat value without harming your items. We invite you to watch as our team completes the process, explaining each step clearly and answering your questions so you feel confident in the results and hopefully learn something new!
Acid Scratch Test
One of the most common ways to confirm gold purity is the acid scratch test. We begin by gently rubbing the item against a smooth touchstone, leaving a faint mark on the stone rather than the jewellery. This mark is compared to a reference sample, allowing us to see how the metal reacts. In many cases, this is the only test required.
If an item is unstamped, we start with 10K acid and compare it to a known gold sample of the same karat. A bright, solid mark that does not fade suggests the item meets the 10K standard. If the mark fades, we return the piece since we cannot buy unmarked items that fail the test. If it passes, we repeat the process with stronger acids to determine the highest karat it meets.
When an item is stamped, we test it directly at its stated karat rather than starting from 10K. If the reaction matches our reference, we purchase it at that karat. If the result is close, we give the benefit of the doubt, but if it clearly fails, we continue testing to establish its actual purity. This step-by-step approach ensures accuracy and protects both the seller and the buyer.
Specific Gravity Test
The specific gravity test confirms gold purity by comparing the density of your item to the known density of pure gold. It is a non-destructive method, so your jewellery or bullion is never harmed in the process, giving you complete peace of mind.
We weigh the item once on a standard scale, then again while it is submerged in water. The difference between these measurements reveals the item’s density. Because gold is one of the densest elements, this test can tell us whether a piece is solid gold, gold plated or an alloy of a different purity.
Specific gravity testing is especially accurate for solid coins, bars and heavy chains. Items with stones, hollow sections or small gaps may trap air bubbles, so our team takes extra care to get precise results. This method is often used alongside other tests to confirm karat and ensure that every valuation we provide is both accurate and transparent
X-Ray Fluorescence Testing (XRF)
When visual inspection and scratch testing do not provide a clear answer, we may use X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing to confirm results. This advanced, non-destructive method uses a state-of-the-art machine to analyze an item’s metal composition with remarkable accuracy. The device works by measuring the intensity of generated X-rays through wavelength dispersion analysis, which allows us to determine exactly what metals are present.
XRF testing is especially useful for small or intricate items such as fine chains, small earrings or dental gold where other testing methods may be challenging. Once the scan is complete, we generate a detailed report showing the exact percentages of gold content as well as other metals like copper, silver or zinc. We only proceed with this method when needed and always explain the process beforehand so you know exactly how your items are being evaluated.
Step 3: Weighing
Once your items are fully sorted, we weigh them on a regularly calibrated, high-precision scale. You are welcome to watch the process and even request a quick re-calibration for peace of mind. The scale measures in grams, showing the true weight of your items. Typically, we weigh pieces of the same karat together, but we can also weigh items individually. If pieces contain stones or other inserts, we estimate and subtract their weight. For example, a 1-carat diamond weighs about 0.2 grams, so four small 1/10-carat stones would subtract about 0.08 grams from the total.
Step 4: Quoting
Your payout is based on the purity, weight and the current market price of gold, silver or other metals. We provide a clear, upfront quote with no pressure to sell. Particular items may require a final test to confirm authenticity, which can involve cutting into the piece. We will always ask your permission first.
Purchase
Testing and estimates are always free, and payment is made on the spot by cash or cheque.
Thank You for Your Business
We appreciate the opportunity to earn your trust and hope this guide has made the selling process clear and straightforward. You are always welcome to compare offers from other buyers. We believe you will find Canada Gold – Toronto to be among the most transparent and fair in the industry, offering competitive payouts for gold, silver, and other valuables. Visit us anytime to experience the difference.