Antique and Old Gold: How to Evaluate Heirloom Jewellery
Most families have a box of old gold: pieces from a grandmother's wedding, jewellery no one wears any more, or items whose history has been forgotten. Before deciding what to do with them, it helps to understand what they are worth. This guide explains how to evaluate old and heirloom jewellery, and how to decide whether to keep, remake or exchange it.
Purity testing
Many older pieces were made before hallmarking became common, so their purity may not be marked or verified. A jeweller can test purity in several ways:
- XRF (X-ray fluorescence) testing: a non-destructive test that measures the metal's composition quickly and accurately. It is widely used and does not damage the piece.
- Touchstone testing: a traditional method where the gold is rubbed on a stone and compared with reference samples.
- Fire assay: the most precise method, but it requires melting a small sample, so it is used mainly when gold is being refined.
Older jewellery was often made in 22K, but purity can vary. Knowing the actual purity helps you understand its true gold value. See 22K vs 18K vs 14K Gold.
Stone value
If an old piece includes stones, they need to be assessed separately:
- Identify the stones: are they natural diamonds, polki, gemstones, pearls or imitations?
- Assess quality: colour, clarity, size and condition.
- Check for damage: chips, cracks and wear can reduce value.
- Consider certification for valuable stones.
Old pieces sometimes contain stones of real quality, such as natural pearls or fine polki. Read Uncut Diamonds (Polki) and Understanding Gemstone Quality.
Craftsmanship value
Some heirloom jewellery has value beyond its materials:
- Traditional handwork, such as fine nakshi, jadau or meenakari, that is rarely made today. See Meenakari and Nakshi Work.
- Historical or regional styles that reflect a particular era or community.
- Condition and completeness, such as a full matching set.
- Family significance, which no valuation can capture.
When gold is melted, craftsmanship value is lost. For pieces with fine or rare handwork, consider carefully before melting.
Remake, keep or exchange
Keep it as it is if:
- the piece has strong family or sentimental value,
- it has fine or rare craftsmanship,
- it can still be worn, perhaps after cleaning or repair.
Remake it if:
- you love the gold's history but not the design,
- the piece is damaged beyond simple repair,
- you want something you will actually wear. Read Heirloom Remaking.
Exchange it if:
- the piece has no particular meaning to your family,
- you would rather put its value toward something new. See Exchanging Old Gold and Gold Buyback and Exchange Policies.
For a formal valuation, such as for insurance or division among family members, read Jewellery Valuation and Appraisal.
At Tibarumal & Sons Jewellers, Shaikpet, we can assess your old gold and talk through the options, with no obligation.
Visit Tibarumal & Sons Jewellers, Shaikpet
Tibarumal & Sons Jewellers
Shop No. 102, 8-1-299/121, RP Business Park, Al Hamra Colony, Shaikpet, Hyderabad 500008
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 8:30pm
Phone: +91 88855 00805
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