High gold prices have made unwanted jewelry more valuable, and more people like Ginny Loparo are converting their necklaces, charms, and bracelets into quick cash.
Loparo has bought many pieces from jeweler Barry Giegler. Today she's back, not to buy, but to sell.
"I have some pieces that are very outdated," Loparo said.
If you've never sold your gold before, one of the first things a jeweler will do is perform an acid test. On this day, Ginny's gold is all 14 karat. But jewelers like Giegler will buy all gold.
"Whether it's 10k, dental gold, 14k, 18k," Giegler said.
Giegler weighs the jewelry, checks the latest wholesale gold price and gives Loparo his offer.
"Based on what you have here, I'm going to write you a check for $603," Giegler said.
There is some old gold that people shouldn't sell.
"Keep it if it means something to you," Giegler said. "If you have no sentimental attachment to it, why keep it in the drawer? Reinvest it in a trip for yourself, clothing or a TV set."
If your gold jewelry has jewels mounted in it, jewelers will remove the stones and give them back to you so you can just sell the gold.
Some additional advice: You might want to shop around with dealers because you may be able to get a better price with one over another. Consider going to an appraiser so you know what your gem is worth from the start.
WKYC-TV