12 Aug San Diego Gold Buyers – Sell Gold Jewelry in La Jolla for Cash
If you have gold jewelry to sell in the San Diego area, C. Blackburn Jewelers in La Jolla is one of your best choices for a quick, high-paying deal. We’re a trusted San Diego gold buyer and professional estate jeweler known for paying top dollar.
Not sure what your gold is really worth? No problem. We will evaluate your item to determine if it’s only worth its gold weight (scrap value) or if it should command a premium price as estate jewelry.
We offer a safe, cash-for-gold service and will pay you on the spot. Whether it’s an old gold chain, a vintage ring with diamonds, or even gold coins, we ensure you get the most value possible. (With over 15 years of experience, our owner Carl Blackburn has built a reputation for fairness and high payouts. C. Blackburn Jewelers even holds an A rating with the BBB, so you can feel confident in our professionalism.)
👉 Fast Contact: Ready to find out how much your gold is worth? Call us at 858-251-3006 or text 619-723-8589 with details and photos of your gold for a quick response!
Careful Inspection
I recently sold a lot of fine jewelry that I had inherited from my mother. I chose Carl Blackburn because I wanted the pieces to find new homes, rather than be melted down or taken apart. Carl careful inspected and considered each piece before pricing it. He explained the quality of the gold in each piece, the techniques used to craft the pieces, and what went into his pricing. He appreciated the sentimental value of the items and actually had buyers in mind for several of them. I felt that he gave me a fair price the first time I came in, so I returned with additional items to sell a few weeks later. I’d highly recommend Carl Blackburn for selling and buying estate jewelry.
Why Choose C. Blackburn Jewelers to Sell Your Gold?
When it comes to selling gold in San Diego, you have options – but C. Blackburn Jewelers stands out for good reason. Here are a few key benefits that make us one of the top La Jolla gold buyers and a trusted partner for turning your gold into cash:
✅ Top Cash Payouts: We consistently offer some of the highest prices for gold in San Diego. Many gold buyers or pawn shops might pay only ~55% of the day’s gold market value for your item’s pure gold content. In contrast, we typically pay much more – often around 80-85% of the gold’s market value, or even higher when your jewelry has added value from gemstones or brand/designer appeal. Our offers often beat those from gold refineries and other dealers because we leverage resale markets (not just melt value).
✅ Immediate Payment: Get paid on the spot. Once we agree on a price, you’ll receive immediate payment in cash (or check) before you leave our store. There’s no waiting or mailing your gold off to who-knows-where – you walk out with money in hand. It’s truly a “cash for gold” service that’s fast and hassle-free.
✅ Expert Estate Jewelry Knowledge: We’re not just gold scrappers; we’re professional estate jewelers. This means we recognize when a piece of jewelry is worth more than just its weight in gold. If your item is a beautiful vintage piece or from a luxury brand, we see the collectible or resale value in it. Bottom line: if your gold jewelry can be resold as-is on the estate jewelry market (or in our La Jolla store), we will pay a premium above the melt price. You get rewarded for the true value of your piece, not just the gold content.
✅ 15+ Years of Trust & Experience: C. Blackburn Jewelers has been buying and selling gold in San Diego for over a decade (established over 15 years ago). Our owner, Carl Blackburn, is a second-generation jeweler with deep industry knowledge. We’ve earned the trust of the community (including an A rating from the Better Business Bureau for our business) by providing honest, transparent service. When you work with us, you’re dealing with a local expert who has a long-standing reputation for fairness and professionalism.
✅ Free, No-Obligation Evaluations: Wondering if your gold is real, or what it might be worth? Bring it in for a free testing and appraisal. We will verify the gold’s authenticity and purity at no charge, explain our valuation, and make you a no-obligation cash offer. You are never pressured to accept. If you need time to think it over, that’s completely fine – you can even walk away and come back later. We believe in friendly service, not high-pressure tactics.
✅ Convenient & Secure Location: Our jewelry store is located in the heart of La Jolla, serving customers from all over San Diego County. We operate in a safe, professional setting – far more private and secure than a busy pawn shop or a mail-in service. We work by appointment to give you one-on-one attention in a comfortable environment. Parking is easy, and Carl Blackburn will make you feel welcome. Selling your gold should be a pleasant, stress-free experience, and we strive to make it that way.
✅ We Buy More Than Just Gold: While gold is our focus, we also purchase other precious metals and fine jewelry. Have a platinum engagement ring or platinum earrings to sell? We buy those too.
What about gold coins or bullion? Yes – we regularly buy popular gold bullion coins (American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, South African Krugerrands, etc.), gold bars, and ingots. We’ll even consider high-end silver jewelry or flatware, especially pieces from luxury makers like Tiffany & Co. or Cartier. Essentially, if it’s a valuable precious metal item, we can evaluate it and make an offer. (Please note: we do not buy gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry, as those have minimal gold content.)
In short, C. Blackburn Jewelers offers a comprehensive, customer-first gold selling service. We treat you with respect, educate you on your item’s value, and pay highly competitive rates. Our goal is to earn your trust and make you a client for life, so you can always count on us when you need to sell gold jewelry or other precious items in San Diego.
📲 Reach out via our contact form or call 858-251-3006.
For quick inquiries, text a message and photos to 619-723-8589.
What Gold Items Do We Buy?
You might be wondering if your particular item is something we’re interested in. Chances are yes – if it contains gold (or other precious metals), we likely buy it. Here are some common items we purchase for cash:
Gold Jewelry of All Types: This includes gold rings (from wedding bands to class rings), necklaces and chains, bracelets, earrings, pendants, charms, and even gold watches or watch bands. We buy newer pieces, as well as vintage and antique gold jewelry. Even if it’s broken or missing stones, gold is gold – we’ll still buy scrap or broken jewelry for its gold value.
Gold Coins and Bullion: We actively buy gold coins (such as the American Gold Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, South African Krugerrand, Chinese Panda, and other international gold coins). We also buy gold bars and bullion in various weights. If you have gold bullion or coins you want to convert to cash, we can offer highly competitive rates based on current market prices.
Gold Ornaments and Miscellaneous Items: Gold isn’t just found in jewelry and coins. We’ve purchased items like gold medals, nuggets, investment-grade gold, and even high-karat gold decor pieces. If it’s a significant amount of gold, we’re interested. (For example, Asian gold jewelry or 22K/24K gold items from countries like Thailand, India, Vietnam, or China are welcome – we are very familiar with high-purity gold from around the world.)
Platinum Jewelry: While not gold, platinum is a precious metal we buy as well. If you have platinum rings, bracelets, or other platinum jewelry, we can evaluate and purchase them similarly to gold.
Selective Silver Pieces: Sterling silver has a much lower price per ounce than gold. We usually only buy silver in certain forms: silver coins/bullion, and silver jewelry or flatware from famous luxury brands (like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and similar). If you’re not sure, feel free to ask us – we’ll let you know if your silver item is something we can buy.
No collection is too small or too large. Whether you have a single old ring or an entire estate’s worth of gold jewelry, we have the capacity and expertise to handle it. We have helped San Diego residents sell anything from a few grams of scrap gold to multi-item inherited jewelry collections. Every customer gets the same attentive service and fair pricing.
START SELLING YOUR GOLD NOW
📲 Text a message & photos: 619-723-8589 or Send an email with our Contact Form.
Trustworthy
I met Carl Blackburn yesterday to sell some family items. I was pleasantly surprised that I remembered seeing this establishment before. I was referred to him by someone who sold family jewelry to him. Carl is knowledgeable about his craft, taught me about gold pricing (__k/24= % gold) and his background. He is personable, offers fair prices, and trustworthy. I highly recommend him when you are considering selling your jewelry!
See our owner Carl Blackburn above discuss selling gold on KUSI TV.
Our Gold Buying Process: How to Sell Your Gold Step-by-Step
We strive to make selling your gold simple, transparent, and rewarding. Here’s what to expect when you bring your gold to C. Blackburn Jewelers in La Jolla for an evaluation:
1. Schedule a Visit: Start by reaching out to us via phone or text to schedule an appointment. We’ll arrange a convenient time for you to visit our La Jolla store. (Walk-ins are welcome if we’re available, but an appointment ensures you won’t have to wait and that we set aside dedicated time for you.)
2. Expert Evaluation & Testing: When you arrive, we will examine and test your gold items right in front of you. First, we determine the karat (purity) of your gold – this might involve a quick scratch test or use of an electronic gold tester/acid test on a small area, which is safe for your jewelry. We’ll also check for any hallmarks (like “10K”, “14K”, “18K” stamps) and discuss them with you.
Then we’ll weigh your gold on a calibrated scale in your presence. You’ll see the weight and understand the basic gold value as a starting point for our offer. (Don’t worry if you’re not sure if something is real gold – our testing will verify it.)
3. Consideration of Gemstones: If your gold jewelry includes diamonds or other gemstones, we will examine them as well. Unlike many San Diego gold buyers who might ignore smaller gems, we factor in the value of any diamonds or precious stones in the piece. For example, if you’re selling a gold ring with a diamond or a gold bracelet with sapphire accents, we evaluate those stones and usually add extra value to our offer for them. The only exception might be very tiny chips or low-quality stones that don’t significantly impact the piece’s value.
We’ll be transparent about this during the evaluation.
4. Resale / Collector Value Assessment: Next, we consider whether your item has value beyond just its raw materials. Is it a piece from a renowned designer or luxury brand like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, etc.? Is it a rare antique or vintage piece that collectors might want? If so, we assign a premium value for its desirability.
For instance, a vintage Cartier gold brooch or an antique Victorian gold pendant could be worth more than just the gold weight. Because we have a ready marketplace for estate jewelry and a showroom where we resell unique pieces, we can pay you more for these special items. (Most ordinary gold buyers won’t pay extra for this kind of provenance or craftsmanship, but we do.)
5. Fair Cash Offer (No Pressure): After evaluating the gold content, any gemstones, and any additional resale merits, we calculate a fair cash offer. We’ll explain how we arrived at the number. Then, it’s your decision. We’ll present you with the offer in a relaxed, pressure-free manner.
You are free to ask questions, consider it, or even decline it. You can absolutely walk away if you’re not ready or just wanted to know the value. We understand that selling jewelry can be an emotional decision, and we want you to be comfortable with it.
6. Immediate Payment if You Accept: If you accept our offer, we will pay you immediately. Typically, you will be paid with a certified cashier’s check or bank wire (whichever you prefer). We handle the simple paperwork (in California, selling gold or jewelry secondhand requires a quick ID verification for legal purposes), and you get paid right then and there.
No waiting periods or complicated procedures – it’s a swift transaction.
7. After the Sale – What We Do: This part is more behind-the-scenes (and doesn’t affect what you get paid), but it may interest you. Depending on the item, we’ll either prepare it for resale (if it’s something with estate value) or send it off to be refined (if it was purely scrap). We handle all that after we’ve paid you. We also keep records of the transaction as required by law for secondhand dealers.
Rest assured, your personal information is kept secure and confidential.
Our Promise
Through each step of the process, we prioritize honesty and transparency. We know that selling gold jewelry or heirlooms can feel daunting, so we make sure you understand how we value your items.
We’re happy to answer any questions you have about the process. By the time we make an offer, you’ll have a clear idea of how we arrived at that figure. Our customers often comment on how informative and comfortable the experience is – we want you to feel the same, whether you decide to sell or not.
START SELLING YOUR GOLD NOW
📲 Text a message & photos: 619-723-8589 or Send an email with our Contact Form.
Understanding Gold Purity and Karat Value
“How much is my gold worth?” The answer depends largely on the purity of the gold you have, which is measured in karats. Not everyone is familiar with karat weights and what they mean, so here’s a quick guide:
Gold purity is expressed in karats (K), on a scale of 0 to 24, with 24 karat being pure gold. Pure gold is a soft metal, so it’s often mixed with other metals (alloys) to make it harder for use in jewelry. The common karat ratings you’ll see in jewelry and coins are:
• 24 Karat Gold (24K) – This is 100% pure gold, the highest possible purity. 24K gold has that deep yellow-orange color. It’s very valuable by weight since it’s all gold. However, 24K is also quite soft and malleable, which is why you won’t see 24K gold used for most jewelry that needs to hold up to wear. Pure gold is often used in investment coins, bars, or sometimes in traditional wedding jewelry in parts of Asia and the Middle East. If you have 24K gold (coins or certain gold bullion jewelry), it will fetch a high price due to its purity.
• 22 Karat Gold (22K) – This is 91.67% pure gold (22 out of 24 parts are gold, roughly). The remaining ~8.33% is usually silver, copper, or other metals to strengthen it. 22K gold is common in high-quality jewelry from Asia, India, and the Middle East, where people value near-pure gold for jewelry. It has a rich color and is slightly more durable than 24K. Many gold bullion coins (like some commemoratives or older coins) are made in 22K, as well as fine jewelry in certain cultures.
Bottom line: 22K is very high purity and will be valued just a bit under the price of pure gold when you sell it (due to that small alloy content).
• 18 Karat Gold (18K) – 18K gold is 75% pure (18/24 parts gold and 25% alloy). It’s a popular standard for fine jewelry worldwide. In the U.S., 18K is often seen in high-end pieces (like luxurious engagement rings or designer jewelry). It strikes a good balance: high gold content so it’s visibly rich in color and value, but also harder and more durable than 22K or 24K because of the alloy metals.
If you have 18K gold jewelry, it’s quite valuable – both in gold content and often in craftsmanship – and it’s something we definitely pay well for.
• 14 Karat Gold (14K) – 14K gold is 58.33% pure (about 14/24 parts gold, with roughly 41.67% other metals like copper, silver, nickel, zinc in the mix). 14K is the most common gold purity for jewelry in the United States. The majority of everyday gold jewelry (think standard rings, chains, bracelets sold in many retail stores) are 14K because it offers a nice mix of durability, affordability, and gold content.
It has a lighter yellow color than 18K or 22K (due to more alloy), but it’s still obviously gold. When you sell 14K gold, its melt value is lower per gram than 18K or 24K, but since many pieces are 14K, we buy a lot of it and pay according to its gold weight.
Fun fact: White gold and rose gold jewelry in the U.S. is often 14K as well – the difference is just the type of alloys mixed in (more on gold colors later).
• 10 Karat Gold (10K) – 10K gold is 41.67% pure (10/24 parts gold). It’s the lowest purity that can still legally be called “gold” in the U.S. 10K gold has more alloy metals (around 58% other metals) and thus is much harder and less yellow in color (often it’s a pale gold color).
You find 10K mostly in affordable jewelry or pieces where durability is important and cost needs to be kept low. Because it has the least gold content, it’s the least valuable per weight among common jewelry purities.
We do buy 10K gold jewelry as well, but keep in mind a 10K item will fetch significantly less than the same weight of 14K or 18K gold because less than half of it is pure gold.
Karat vs. Value
Generally, the higher the karat, the more pure gold in the item, and thus the more it’s worth per gram/ounce. The trade-off is high-karat items can be softer. Lower karat items have less gold (so each gram is worth less), but the alloys make them more durable. For selling purposes, all karats have value – we will test and weigh any gold from 10K up to 24K and calculate the appropriate price based on purity.
Example: If you have a 14K gold necklace that weighs the same as an 18K gold necklace, the 18K one contains more actual gold (75% vs 58.3%), so it will be worth more melt value. We factor that in when making our offer.
However, remember we don’t just look at purity and weight in isolation. As we mentioned earlier, we pay more than just the raw gold value if your jewelry has diamonds, gemstones, or collectible brand value.
For example, a 14K gold ring from a luxury designer with a nice diamond will get an offer far above the basic gold melt price – because its worth isn’t just in the gold grams. Our goal is to pay you for everything your piece is worth, not only the gold.
This is a key reason sellers prefer us over refinery-type buyers who might ignore those factors.
Gold Price and Market Influence: It’s worth noting that the market price of gold (which fluctuates daily on commodity markets) will influence how much your gold is worth at any given time. We check gold prices regularly. When gold prices are high, you’ll naturally get more cash for the same item than you would when prices are lower. (As of recently, gold prices have been strong – a great time to sell unwanted gold items for a premium.)
We base our calculations on the latest market rates, so you always get a fair, up-to-date valuation.
Tips for Getting the Best Price When Selling Your Gold
We want you to feel confident and informed when you decide to sell gold jewelry or coins in San Diego. Here are some insider tips to ensure you get the most cash for your gold – whether you sell to us or anyone else:
• Know What You Have: Before selling, it helps to know the basics about your gold items. Check for any stamps or markings that indicate karat (e.g., 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K, or sometimes marked as 417, 585, 750, 916, 999 which are purity parts per thousand).
Weighing your gold (in grams) at home can give you a rough idea of the gold weight (a kitchen scale can work for larger pieces; a jeweler’s scale is more precise). Knowing the karat and weight allows you to roughly estimate the melt value by yourself (there are online calculators where you input weight and karat with the current gold price).
This baseline knowledge can give you confidence when evaluating offers. (Keep in mind, however, that if your piece has diamonds or is collectible, its true value could be higher than just the gold math.)
• Check Current Gold Prices: Gold prices go up and down daily. Look up the current spot price of gold (per ounce or per gram) on the day you plan to get offers. If the price of gold is particularly high (like near record highs), you might want to take advantage of that market timing – you’ll get more cash now than you would if gold price drops later.
Conversely, if prices recently plunged, you might choose to hold off selling if you can, to potentially get a better price later. A reputable buyer like us will be transparent about the day’s gold price and how it factors into your offer.
• Choose a Reputable Buyer: Do your research on who you sell your gold to. Not all San Diego gold buyers are equal. Ideally, work with a licensed precious metals buyer or jewelry buyer that has a solid reputation. Check reviews, ratings, and credentials. Businesses with a long track record, local presence (storefront), or endorsements (like BBB ratings or industry affiliations) are preferable.
Be cautious of transient “gold buying” events or mail-in services that pop up – many are fine, but others might lowball you or make the process difficult if you decline their offer. A local established buyer (like C. Blackburn Jewelers) will usually give you a fair offer and the chance to discuss it face-to-face.
• Get Multiple Quotes (if you want): It’s not a bad idea to shop around and see what different gold buyers offer for your item. We’re confident in our prices, so we encourage customers to compare.
When doing so, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. One buyer might quote a seemingly higher price but have hidden fees or conditions (or they might lower their offer upon seeing the item’s details). Also, consider the experience: a slightly higher dollar quote isn’t worth it if the buyer is shady or makes you uncomfortable.
Ideally, get 2-3 quotes from reputable places and compare both the numbers and how you were treated. We’re proud that often after shopping around, sellers return to us for the best overall value.
• Mention All Value Factors: When you talk to a San Diego gold buyer, mention any diamonds, gemstones, or designer brands associated with your jewelry. A good buyer will notice those anyway, but it shows you’re informed.
For instance, if your gold bracelet is from Cartier, or your ring has a sapphire in it, make sure that’s clear. These can increase the offer if the buyer knows how to value them (we certainly do). If a potential buyer ignores these and only talks about weight, you may not be getting full value from them.
• Beware of High-Pressure Tactics: Trust your instincts. If a gold buyer or shop makes you feel uneasy – maybe they won’t answer your questions clearly, or they push you to accept an offer quickly “or the price will change” – you have the right to walk away.
Honest San Diego gold buyers will answer questions and give you time to decide. Unfortunately, some less reputable dealers use tactics like confusion or urgency to sway sellers. Don’t fall for it. You can always say, “Thank you, I’ll think about it,” and then leave. It’s your gold; you’re in control of the decision.
• Security and Convenience: Think about the safety of the transaction. Meeting at a physical store (especially a jewelry store with security) is safer than meeting a stranger from Craigslist, for example.
Also, consider the convenience of the location and the method of payment. At C. Blackburn Jewelers, we provide a secure location and immediate cash payment.
If you choose to mail your gold to an online buyer, ensure it’s fully insured and trackable, and understand their return policy if you decline their offer. With us, those worries are off the table – everything is done securely in person.
• Timing – Don’t Hesitate Too Long in a Good Market: If you know you want to sell eventually and gold prices are currently high, it can be a great time to sell. Many people who held off during low price periods were glad to sell when gold spiked. (For example, in 2020-2022 and again in 2024-2025, gold prices surged to record highs, and a lot of smart sellers cashed in during those peaks.)
Of course, no one can predict the market perfectly. The key is, if you’re ready to sell, don’t overthink trying to time the perfect peak – focus on finding a great buyer and a price you’re happy with.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared and can feel confident that you’re getting the best possible deal for your gold in San Diego. We truly want every seller to be knowledgeable and satisfied – it’s part of building trust and strong relationships in our community.
SELL YOUR GOLD IN SAN DIEGO NOW
📲 Text a message & photos: 619-723-8589 or Send an email with our Contact Form.
Now, let’s address some specific common questions we hear from customers about selling gold in San Diego and our services:
Recent Gold Jewelry Buys
Browse a collection of C. Blackburn Jewelers’ recent purchases of gold and diamond jewelry.
Selling Gold in La Jolla – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you pay extra for gold jewelry that has diamonds or gemstones?
A: Yes, in most cases we do. If your gold jewelry is set with diamonds or precious gemstones, our appraisal will include the value of those stones. We’ll either pay you for the stones separately or factor their value into a higher overall price for the piece. For example, a gold ring with a diamond center stone will get an offer reflecting both the gold and the diamond’s value.
The only exceptions are when the stones are very small “melee” diamonds or common stones that don’t add significant value – or if they are imitation gems. If gems are too tiny to recover or of low quality, they might not impact the price much.
We’ll be upfront about it. But rest assured, if your jewelry has real diamond or gemstone value, we will pay extra for it (unlike some buyers who only care about the gold). This is part of why we’re known as top San Diego jewelry buyers for fine pieces.
Q: If I make an appointment to get a quote, am I obligated to sell my gold? What if I change my mind?
A: Absolutely not – you are never obligated to sell your gold jewelry just because you got it appraised. We operate a zero-pressure environment. When you come in, we’ll evaluate your items and make you a cash offer. That offer is good for you to accept or decline as you wish.
You are completely welcome to say, “I’d like to think about it,” and leave with your items – it’s no problem at all. Many clients get quotes from us and then take a day or two to decide or compare with other offers. We encourage you to make the decision you’re comfortable with.
If you do choose to sell on the spot, great – we’ll pay you immediately. If not, we’ll be here if and when you’re ready. Your comfort and satisfaction are our priority.
Q: I’m not sure if my gold is even real. Will you still look at it?
A: Yes! If you’re unsure whether your item is real gold, don’t worry – we do free gold testing. Bring in your jewelry (or coin, or whatever the item is). We have professional tools to test the metal’s authenticity and karat. This is done at no charge.
If the item turns out not to be real gold, we’ll kindly let you know what it is (sometimes items are gold-plated or costume jewelry made of other metals). If it is genuine gold, we’ll tell you the karat purity and what it’s worth, and then make a cash offer as usual. Either way, you gain knowledge about your item. There’s no obligation to sell even after testing.
For those who are curious, we also discuss some simple at-home gold testing methods in our article “How Can I Tell if My Gold Jewelry is Real?” (for example, checking for hallmarks, doing a magnet test, etc.). But you can always just swing by our store for a quick professional test.
SELL YOUR GOLD NOW
📲 Text a message & photos: 619-723-8589 or Send an email with our Contact Form.
Q: Do you buy platinum or silver jewelry, or only gold?
A: We definitely buy platinum jewelry, and we buy certain silver items too. Here are details:
• Platinum: We purchase platinum rings, bracelets, earrings, pendants – basically any fine jewelry made of platinum. Platinum is valuable (often even more per ounce than gold), so if you have an old platinum engagement ring or platinum jewelry you don’t need, we’ll offer a competitive price for it.
• Silver: Our focus is on gold (and platinum), but we will buy silver in some cases. Typically, we’re interested in sterling silver pieces from high-end designers or brands (for example, a Tiffany & Co. silver necklace, or a Cartier sterling bracelet). We also consider sterling silver flatware sets or collectible silver coins.
We do not buy silver-plated items or generic silver jewelry because the value is low. So if you’re not sure about your silver item, you can ask us. For well-known designer silver jewelry or significant silver collections, we’ll be happy to make an offer.
In summary, while gold is our mainstay, we are buyers of other precious metals too. It can be convenient – you can sell your gold and platinum items all in one stop. Feel free to call us about any specific item to see if it’s something we purchase.
Q: Can I sell my gold coins and bullion at your La Jolla store?
A: Yes, absolutely. We buy gold in almost all forms, including gold coins and bullion. Many people in San Diego have gold coins like:
• American Gold Eagles (the popular U.S. gold bullion coin),
• Canadian Gold Maple Leafs,
• South African Krugerrands,
• Australian Kangaroos/Nuggets,
• Chinese Gold Pandas, etc.
We also buy gold bars from recognized mints (Credit Suisse, PAMP, Engelhard, Perth Mint, and others) and gold rounds. When you bring in coins or bullion, we’ll assess their weight and purity (most bullion coins are 22K or 24K pure gold) and offer a price based on the current gold market, plus any premium for that specific coin if it’s sought after.
Important: We don’t cherry-pick your coins or try to underpay. We’re very transparent – if a coin has additional collectible value (for example, a rare year or mint mark), we’ll let you know. But for standard bullion coins, the value is mostly in their gold content, and we pay accordingly at competitive rates.
Many customers come to us to liquidate investment gold because we make it easy and immediate, as opposed to dealing with mail-in bullion services or online marketplaces.
Q: Do San Diego gold refineries or pawn shops pay the most for gold? I heard refineries might give more.
A: Not necessarily. It’s a common assumption that a gold refinery (a place that melts and processes gold) might pay more since they handle the raw gold directly. However, in practice that’s not always true for the individual seller.
Many small businesses that call themselves “gold refineries” are essentially doing the same thing any gold buyer does – buying to resell or melt, often without offering any more to the customer.
In fact, some refineries, pawn shops, or mall kiosks might offer only the bare minimum scrap price (sometimes as low as ~50% of the day’s gold value) because they primarily care about melting the gold for profit.
At C. Blackburn Jewelers, we operate differently:
• We consider resale value for jewelry (not just melt value), which allows us to pay more for many items.
• Even for scrap gold that will be melted, we strive to pay a higher percentage of the gold’s market value than typical buyers. (Our philosophy, as our owner Carl Blackburn has shared in media interviews, is to pay closer to 90% of the gold’s value to the client, whereas many others pay around 60-70%. This can vary by item and market conditions, but we always aim to be very competitive.)
Carl Blackburn has been buying all kinds of gold — from broken scrap gold and gold dental pieces to gold bullion and large estate jewelry collections—for over 15 years. Over that time, he’s built a reputation for higher payouts. We often hear from customers that our offer beat other buyers, including so-called refineries.
And because we run a lean, locally owned operation (with a resale outlet for estate jewelry), we can often out-pay large corporate gold buyers who have higher overhead or strict formulas.
OUR ADVICE: feel free to compare. Get a quote from us and then, if you want, check another gold buyer or two. We’re confident that our combination of high offers and honest service will win your business. It’s not just about who pays the most (though we aim for that) – it’s also about trust.
We want you to feel 100% comfortable, which is why we explain our offer in detail. If a refinery or any San Diego gold buyer is giving you vague answers or seems to lowball you, be cautious. We’ll be here with a strong offer and transparent process whenever you’re ready.
SELL YOUR GOLD IN SAN DIEGO TODAY
📲 Text a message & photos: 619-723-8589 or Send an email with our Contact Form.
Q: Will you pay more for antique or vintage gold jewelry?
A: Yes, we often do pay more for antique, vintage, or estate gold jewelry. Here’s why: such pieces can carry historic, artistic, or collectible value beyond just the gold weight. For example, an Edwardian era gold brooch or an Art Deco gold filigree ring might be very desirable to collectors or buyers of estate jewelry.
We have knowledge of the estate and antique jewelry market, and we have customers who love buying these unique pieces. So, if your item is something we believe we can resell as a piece of antique or vintage jewelry, we’ll certainly offer a premium price for it (above the melt value of the gold).
In our La Jolla jewelry store, we proudly showcase some vintage and antique jewelry for sale, which we’ve acquired from sellers like you. That means we’re motivated to purchase such items at a fair price – it’s a win-win: you get more cash, and we get beautiful inventory with a story.
Always let us know if you suspect your gold jewelry might be old or rare; we’ll give you an honest assessment. And if it’s truly just scrap, we’ll tell you that too.
Integrity is key for us. But many customers are pleasantly surprised when a piece they thought was just “old jewelry” turns out to be worth a premium because of its age or maker.
Q: Does the color of gold (yellow, white, rose, green) affect its value when selling?
A: For the basic gold value, the color does not matter. Gold color – whether it’s yellow, white, rose (pink), or even greenish – is determined by the type of alloy metals mixed with the gold, not the gold content itself. So, 14K white gold and 14K yellow gold both contain 58.3% gold, for example, and we value them the same for their gold weight. When we melt or sell the gold, it’s the purity and weight that count, not the hue.
However, there are a couple of nuances:
• Designer or Antique Appeal: If you have a piece of a certain color that is sought after (say, a vintage rose gold jewelry piece, or a rare green gold antique), its color might make it more unique on the resale market. In those cases, the premium comes from the design or rarity, not the metal color per se.
We might pay more because it’s a designer piece or an antique piece, not simply because it’s rose gold. For modern items being sold for scrap, color makes no difference.
• Trends: Rose gold jewelry has been very popular in recent years, but again, when you sell it as gold, it’s still usually melted or valued for content unless it’s a brand-name or stylish piece someone would buy pre-owned.
So, if you’re selling a plain white gold chain vs. a yellow gold chain of the same karat and weight, expect the same price. Gold is gold. The key factors remain karat, weight, and overall piece desirability.
If you’re curious about why gold comes in different colors and some history behind it, we have an article on our site called “The History of Rose Gold Jewelry” that dives into that topic. But in terms of cash in your pocket, yellow, white, or rose gold are equal given the same purity and weight. Sell without worry – your 18K rose gold ring will fetch the same as an 18K yellow gold ring of identical weight.
Q: Do you buy gold-filled or gold-plated jewelry?
A: Unfortunately, no. Gold-filled and gold-plated items are not solid gold – they only have a very thin layer of gold on the surface or a gold layer bonded over base metal. The amount of actual gold in plated or filled jewelry is typically negligible, so such pieces do not have significant melt value.
For that reason, we do not purchase gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry. This is standard across the industry; you’ll find that reputable gold buyers only buy items that are solid 10K, 14K, 18K, etc., or coins that are gold. If you’re not sure if something is gold-filled/plated vs. solid, we can test it and tell you.
Common marks for gold-filled might be “1/20 12K GF” or for plated “GP” or “HGE”. If you see those, it’s likely not solid gold. The exception might be certain vintage gold-filled items that have some collector value, but that’s more of a niche antique market – generally not what gold buyers deal with.
Q: I have some gold jewelry from Asia (Thailand, India, Vietnam, China, etc.). Do you buy Asian gold?
A: Absolutely! We have many customers from various cultural backgrounds who bring in gold jewelry or gold assets from Asia and other parts of the world. We are very familiar with Asian gold items:
• In many Asian countries, the standard gold purity is very high – often 22K or 23K (Thailand’s traditional “Baht gold” is about 96.5% pure which is roughly 23K, and Chinese or Vietnamese 24K jewelry is common too). These pieces are usually more pure than typical Western jewelry, and we know how to test and value them accurately.
• We understand the styles and context of these pieces. Whether it’s a Thai gold necklace, Indian gold bangles from a wedding, 24K Chinese zodiac coins, or Vietnamese gold tael bars – we will happily evaluate and purchase them. High-karat gold is often softer and very yellow in color; some buyers unfamiliar with it might shy away or underpay.
Not us – we appreciate its purity and pay accordingly (in fact, such items often fetch great prices because of the high gold content).
We even wrote a blog post called “Sell My Asian Gold” discussing this topic, because we’ve become a go-to San Diego gold buyer for customers with gold from overseas.
So yes, bring in your 22K/24K gold from Thailand, Vietnam, India, China, the Middle East, etc. We have experience with international gold and will make sure you get a fair deal.
Q: Besides buying, do you also sell pre-owned gold jewelry at your store?
A: Yes, we do! C. Blackburn Jewelers isn’t just a place to sell gold – we’re also a boutique for pre-owned, vintage, and antique jewelry (as well as fine watches and diamonds). We have a constantly rotating inventory of previously-loved gold jewelry for sale.
This includes everything from classic diamond engagement rings to unique estate pieces you won’t find in modern retail stores. Many customers who sell to us later come back to buy a special item, or vice versa.
Our selection changes weekly, since we’re always buying new pieces. If you walk into our La Jolla store, you might find:
• Vintage gold rings with character,
• Delicate antique gold necklaces,
• Modern pre-owned luxury brand pieces (like a Cartier gold love bracelet, for example),
• Gold earrings and pendants of various eras.
If you’re ever interested in purchasing pre-owned gold jewelry, feel free to give us a call (858-251-3006) and ask what’s currently in our showcases. We can let you know if we have something you’re looking for.
Many people enjoy getting a great deal on beautiful gold jewelry from us – often at a fraction of the price of new retail, but with equal beauty and quality. It’s part of the cycle: someone sells their piece to us, and another customer gets to give that piece a second life.
That said, our primary business on this page is buying gold from you, so let’s get you the cash you need for your gold!
SELL GOLD QUICKLY & SAFELY
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