Gold
Sell Scrap and Broken Gold in San Diego
We buy scrap and broken gold at 907 6th Ave in downtown San Diego: tangled chains, single earrings, bent rings, class rings, dental gold and unmarked pieces. Damage does not reduce what the metal is worth. We test the karat and weigh in grams in front of you, against that day’s spot price.
What we look at
Scrap is the simplest thing we buy and the one people most often leave in a drawer, because a broken chain does not feel like it is worth a trip. It usually is. Nothing needs repairing, polishing or untangling first: a repair you pay for almost never earns its cost back on a piece being sold for metal, and cleaning changes nothing about what it weighs.
- The karat stamp, and a test where there is none or the stamp looks wrong
- Stones and any non-gold components, so the weight of the whole object is not confused with gold weight
- Whether a piece is solid or hollow, which changes the weight considerably
- Whether a gold-colored piece is solid gold, gold-filled or plated, because they are not valued the same way
- Weight in grams on a certified scale, with the arithmetic shown
Understand the weight behind your offer
A scale weighs the whole object, including stones and any non-gold parts. We explain the relevant metal weight and purity rather than treat every gram as pure gold. Before calling a piece scrap, we also consider whether its maker, stones or potential resale as jewelry deserve a separate assessment. Our XRF analyzer helps assess precious-metal composition without scratching your jewelry.
What we buy
- Broken and tangled chains
- Clasp damage does not remove the gold content. We assess purity and weight, plus any relevant stone or whole-piece value.
- Single and odd earrings
- A lost pair does not halve the value of the one you still have.
- Class and signet rings
- Usually 10K or 14K, and heavier than people expect.
- Dental gold
- Crowns and bridges, with or without tooth material still attached.
- Bent, worn and unmarked pieces
- Tested rather than guessed at when there is no karat stamp.
and many others
Your item not listed? Don’t worry. We work with far more than we can put on a page. If you are not sure whether we buy what you have, ask us: it takes a minute and the answer is free.
Questions people ask first
Do I need to fix or clean anything first?
No, and we would rather you did not. A repair costs money that a scrap price will not return, and cleaning does not change the weight. Bring it as it is, tangles and all.
How do you handle stones set in scrap?
They are deducted from the weight because they are not gold, and then looked at separately. If a stone is worth something on its own we will tell you rather than quietly keeping it in the melt.
What about pieces with no karat stamp?
We test them. An unmarked piece is very often real, and an old stamp can be wrong in either direction, so testing is routine rather than a sign of suspicion.
Is a small amount worth bringing in?
Yes. There is no minimum. People are regularly surprised by what a single broken chain weighs once it is on the scale.
Do you buy gold-plated or gold-filled pieces as scrap gold?
Gold-plated and gold-filled pieces are not solid gold and are not part of our solid-gold scrap buying list. Markings such as GP, GF, HGE or RGP help identify them. If you are unsure what you have, ask us before making the trip.
Does my gold need a designer brand?
No. Genuine gold can have value without a designer label, a matching pair or a working clasp. We test its purity and weight, and assess any stones or resale value separately.
Should I remove a diamond before selling a broken ring?
Bring the ring intact for initial evaluation. We explain how the stone, setting and metal are being considered before you agree to any removal. You do not need to dismantle jewelry to begin an inquiry.
Can I bring different gold karats together?
Yes. Bring the mixed lot together and keep any known markings or paperwork with the relevant piece. We distinguish the materials rather than assume every item has the same purity. There is no need to repair or polish them first.
Also selling gold jewelry, silver or platinum? We weigh those the same way. Prefer to keep it? Explore a gold collateral loan and review the current loan process and terms.
Free appraisal
Bring it in and we will weigh it.
Weekday walk-ins welcome at 907 6th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101. Saturdays are by appointment only. The owner can sometimes open the store for you, so call ahead and ask.
Reviews
Honest. Genuine. Professional. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, I was very impressed with Kevin’s candor and Janelle’s kindness. There are no pressure tactics, the items are of top-tier quality, and the service is exceptional. I recommend this business to anyone looking for luxury/ designer items and for jewelry buyers/ seller.
View Google profile ↗Such a welcoming environment. Knowledgeable, professional and friendly staff and service . I will continue to use and recommend San Diego Jewelry Buyers for all jewelry needs. You should too! You won’t be disappointed.
View Google profile ↗I had a wonderful experience, Kevin seemed very upfront and knowledgeable about what I was inquiring. The store was easy to access downtown and they even had parking spots for free for customers, which was great and convenient. The store itself was nice looking and professional. The experience itself was no pressure and no hassle. I have no complaints. I would recommend anybody that needed to sell jewelry or gold that they were trying to offload To check them out. Five stars would use again!
View Google profile ↗
Rating and count checked 2026-10-19. See Google for the latest.
- Since
- 2006 · 20 years
- Rating
- A+ BBB Accredited
- Appraisal
- Free, verbal, in person
- Service
- One-on-one with our specialists