Read This First: How to Make Sure You’re Paid Fairly for Your Gold & Silver

At Twin Falls Gold & Silver, we believe customers deserve to understand how gold and silver are valued—so they can make informed decisions and avoid being shorted when selling precious metals. Not all buyers use the same methods, and small differences in how items are weighed or evaluated can mean a big difference in your payout. Here’s what to know before you sell:

Grams vs. Pennyweight — Know the Difference

In the precious-metals industry, small quantities can be weighed using grams (g) or pennyweight (dwt). These are not the same measurement.

There is a significant difference between the two, and confusing them—intentionally or not—can result in you being paid far less than your items are worth.

Some buyers may quote a price “per gram” but actually weigh your items in pennyweight, or vice versa. That mismatch can quietly reduce your payout. At Twin Falls Gold & Silver, we weigh and price using grams—clearly and consistently—and we’re happy to show you the scale so you can see exactly how your items are being measured.

Our scales are certified and regularly calibrated for accuracy. We use grams because they’re easy to understand and widely used—many people even have a kitchen scale at home that measures in grams. If a buyer is operating honestly, they should have no problem showing you how your items are weighed.

(For reference: one troy ounce equals 31.103 grams.)

Coins Set in Jewelry (Bezels) — Don’t Get Undervalued

If you have a gold coin set in a pendant (bezel) or ring, the coin itself is often a higher karat gold than typical jewelry. Many gold coins are 22K, while most jewelry is 14K. That difference matters—higher karat gold contains more pure gold and is worth more.

A proper evaluation separates the value of the bezel (the jewelry setting) from the coin or bar inside it, because they can be different purities. If a buyer simply weighs the entire piece and treats it all as 14K, you may be underpaid for the higher-karat gold coin or bar.

At Twin Falls Gold & Silver, we identify the coin or bar correctly and calculate each part separately when needed—so you’re paid for what you actually have, at its true value.