I have done this in the past couple of years. My advice is to check around at both local pawnbrokers, and local gold buyers. It was my experience that different brokers offered different prices. If you are selling diamonds, it is wise to know what quality they are, before you go to sell them, as their color, and clairty greatly affect their value. Gold prices vary slightly if it is 10kt, 14kt, or 18kt gold. I would suggest going to established gold buyers, or pawn shops. I have never mailed off any jewelry, but have sold alot in recent years. Do not rush at the first offer, until you have checked around a bit first. Many people sell on ebay, but I did not want the hassle, I preferred to just have cash in hand, but money can be made on ebay, and you can have a reserve price that must be met before you have to sell your things. GOOD LUCK

Last night hubby and I were looking for more scrap gold. I got out a box of trinkets that was left in our house when we bought it. I thought it was just full of costume jewelry from the 50's - 70's. Lo and behold! We found a 1911 Indian Head $2.50 gold coin. It can be worth $350 to $25,000+ depending on condition.

Internet research and examination with a jewelers loupe last night indicates the coin may be uncirculated or mint condition. We plan to get the coin graded this weekend.

wwooot wooot windfalls are always nice huh?/???

In addition to the coin, we also found about 65 grams of 14K gold scrap. That's about $1,700, depending on the broker's percentage.

OMG Scarlet! My heart skipped a beat when I saw your great find. I know that with the financial plan you've set for yourself, you're going to put this $$ to the best possible use.

That said, I really hope the value is high enough that you can address debt, savings AND a splurge for you and the family!

Congrats on the great windfall.

Actually, we are going to "splurge" with this. My hubby and I are getting our civil marriage sanctified in the Catholic Church, I received my annulment about a month ago. Plus hubby couldn't afford any engagement ring when he proposed. SO....we decided to sell all our old wedding bands (he was married twice, me once before), our mismatched current bands and other scrap gold to finance a new matching pair of wedding bands and an engagement/10 yr anniversary ring. And we will have money left over for savings.

Although I know a true financial freedom fighter would put all of the proceeds to debt reduction or savings, we feel that we are getting something to commemorate our marriage while not increasing our debt. A win-win situation. (and that engagement ring is beautiful - 3 emerald cut garnets!)

Scarlet, those splurges sound like an investment in your future ;-) Congratulations!! May you have a long and incredibly happy life together.

And that ring sounds gorgeous ;-) I DO love garnets.

Need to Reboot,

Thank you. ;)

We ordered our rings last night. The wedding bands should be here by the end of the week. I have to wait until the 19th for my engagement ring. Boo.

And we did all this without incurring one red cent! And I didn't touch the savings.

To Scarlet Angel, I think your "splurge" is wonderful. So happy that you are able to have your marriage sanctified, and you both deserve rings to have as a symbol of your committment to each other. GOOD FOR YOU!!!

Your ring does sound lovely, I like how many people are choosing gemstones over diamonds. If you are so inclined, I would LOVE to see a picture of your rings. I am and have always been a jewelry lover.

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH!!!

Dreamsicle, This is the link to my ring.

http://www.gemvara.com/jewelry/blaze-ring/emerald-red-garnet-14k-yellow-gold-ring-with-red-garnet/4qf4q

Scarlet Angel, I love Gemvara, they have thee most beautiful pieces of jewelry. Your new ring is GORGEOUS, I bet you are very excited. I am excited for you, and your husband.