FAQs - Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I have something that I might want to sell. What should I do?
A: Bring it in! It's impossible for us to be specific about most items without seeing them in person. Don't clean it! Believe me, we'll be able to see right through the dirt and, for some items, cleaning will take away from the value. If you have a written appraisal or an original sales receipt, it might help to bring that with you. Once we see your merchandise, we can discuss how you can get the most money for it: sale or auction consignment (see our consignment policies). We hope to see you soon!

Q: What do you pay for gold?
A: We buy gold (silver and platinum, too) based on its resale value, not simply its scrap value. You certainly wouldn't sell your old car as scrap metal, would you? Why should you sell your old jewelry that way? We pay more for undamaged, resalable jewelry. And, we pay even more for antique and collectible pieces. We're also aggressive buyers of gold, silver and platinum bullion, numismatics and scrap/broken jewelry. We'll pay you cash today but, if you're not in a hurry, we offer several ways for you to get even more! So, don't sell your jewelry or coins to anyone else before you see our quote! We'll make you an offer in writing so you can compare it to our competitors'. It's free and without obligation.

Q. Someone told me that you're not really jewelers. Is that correct?
A. Yes, that's correct... and we're proud of it! We're jewelry traders: knowledgeable dealers of gold, silver and platinum in all forms, offering most of the same merchandise you'll find in jewelry stores. If you want something that we don't have, we'll go get it for you. And, we present a lively market for estate jewelry. Remember: jewelry isn't an investment; it's for fun and, maybe, a little flash. Why should you pay "keystone" (double, or even triple cost) at a regular jewelry store?!? Check out "What's It Worth" in our Library to learn how jewelry is priced.

Q. How do I know that I can trust you with my valuables?
A. We'll always provide you with detailed receipts for any merchandise that you leave with us for any reason, so you'll always have a clear paper trail of your transaction. We are members of the Better Business Bureau, the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and the American Numismatic Association, so you'll always have a higher authority to appeal to if you feel that we treated you unfairly. Our auction is conducted under guidelines prescribed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (LIC #16604 and #16643): you can reach them at (800) 803-9202. Your merchandise is fully insured at all times while it's in our care and, at your request, we will be happy to provide you with business and personal references.

Q. Why does your store look so empty sometimes?
A. We aren't jewelers or antique dealers, and we certainly don't run a museum! We're jewelry traders and auctioneers. Our job is to buy and sell merchandise in a knowledgeable and ethical manner, but only at true market prices. If certain merchandise isn't selling, we drop our prices or auction it off... period! Then, we're ready to start all over again. That's why our store will look different every time you come in! Don't see what you want? Let us know! We'll go get it for you!

Q. Are purchases of precious metals exempt from Texas Sales and Use Tax?
A. Purchases of gold, silver and platinum bullion or coins totaling $1,000 or more in a single transaction are exempt from Texas Sales and Use Tax. Numismatics (collectable coins) are also included in this category. However, all sales of jewelry, antiques, other collectibles, and general merchandise are taxable unless you present us with your valid Texas Sales and Use Tax Resale Certificate or Texas Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certification before or at the time of purchase. The current tax rate for our location is 8.125%.

Q: When I buy bullion, do you report it to the government?
A: No. However, the Patriot Act requires us to file IRS Form 8300 whenever anybody pays us more than $10,000 in cash for any reason. "Cash" includes a cashier's check or a money order, but not a personal check or a bank wire. For more information, click on the link provided above in this FAQ.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept for purchases of bullion?
A: For bullion purchases, we accept cash or bank wire. We cannot accept personal checks, cashier's checks, or credit cards for bullion purchases. Bullion purchased by bank wire will be held until funds are irrevocably credited to our account. There is a $10 fee for bank wires.


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