Not all gold buying counters are equal - and the difference can amount to thousands of francs. For the same piece, at the same rate, two counters can offer you very different prices. What sets them apart? Transparency: the way they test, weigh, and explain their price.
| Karat | Purity | Price per gram (spot, USD) | Jayma Or buy-back price |
|---|---|---|---|
| … | |||
Are you thinking of selling your gold and wondering what exactly a "gold buying counter" is, how it works, and how to recognize an honest one? You are in the right place. Understanding the trade is already a way to protect yourself.
At Jayma Or, we run a gold buying counter in Dakar, and the way we operate rests on a single rule: show you everything. Test and weighing in front of you, a price based on the daily world rate shown publicly, cash payment the same day. Here is everything you need to know.
On this page, you will learn:
- what exactly a gold buying counter is;
- how it sets the price of your gold, step by step;
- the signs that distinguish a transparent counter from an opaque buyer;
- why Jayma Or's counter works differently.
What is a gold buying counter?
A gold buying counter is an establishment specialized in buying back gold in all its forms: jewelry, broken gold, scrap, coins, and bars. Unlike a jewelry shop, whose main business is to sell jewelry, the counter is there above all to buy - and to pay a fair price.
This difference changes everything:
- The jeweler often buys back low: buying gold is not their core business, and estimates vary a lot from one shop to the next.
- The specialized counter buys all day long: it has the equipment to test and weigh precisely, and works directly from the daily world rate.
To understand the different ways to resell in Dakar and the one that pays the most, also read our guide: how to resell your jewelry in Dakar.
How a counter sets the price of your gold
A good counter always follows the same logic, simple and verifiable:
- The purity test (the karat). The real gold content of your piece is determined. 24-karat gold is 99.9% pure; 21-karat contains 87.5% gold, 18-karat 75%, and 14-karat 58.3%. The higher the karat, the more the piece is worth.
- The precise weighing. The piece is weighed to the tenth of a gram, on a professional scale. To understand a proper weighing, see how jewelers weigh gold.
- The daily rate. The price of gold changes every day according to the world market. That is what sets the value of one gram.
So the final calculation is: weight x purity x today's per-gram rate = the value of your gold. Nothing mysterious. An honest counter shows you each of these figures. Want a reference? Our daily buy-price is shown in real time on the homepage, karat by karat.
The signs of a transparent counter (and those to avoid)
Before selling, observe. Here is what sets apart a counter worthy of trust:
- It tests and weighs in front of you. Nothing happens in the back room. If your piece is taken out of your sight: be wary.
- It posts its rate. A price announced publicly, karat by karat, is a mark of seriousness.
- It explains its price. You should understand how the amount is reached: karat + weight + rate.
- It pays cash and immediately. No vague promises, no payment "later".
- It verifies your identity. Far from being suspicious, this is a normal, protective practice (why?).
Conversely, steer clear of any counter that refuses to weigh in front of you, stays vague about the rate, or offers a "rough" price without a test. Try it yourself: ask "what rate are you basing this on?" - the quality of the answer will tell you everything.
Why Jayma Or's counter works differently
We are an established gold buying counter in Dakar, and our commitment comes down to one word: transparency.
- Price based on the daily world rate, shown publicly on our homepage.
- Test and weighing in front of you, with the price explained from start to finish.
- Cash payment, the same day - usually within minutes.
- We buy everything: gold jewelry, broken gold, scrap, coins and bars, and we also appraise other precious metals.
- Trusted courier to your home or office if you cannot travel.
- And if you need cash without selling permanently, we offer sale with right of repurchase (remere) and gold safekeeping - you recover your jewelry later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a gold buying counter and a jeweler?
The jeweler sells jewelry; buying gold is not their main business and they often buy back low. The counter is specialized in buying back: it tests, weighs precisely, and works from the daily rate.
Is the price negotiable?
The price rests on objective data: karat, weight, and the daily rate. It is not a matter of haggling, but of a transparent calculation. With us, the price quoted after the test and the weighing is the one you receive.
What can I sell to a gold buying counter?
Any gold item: jewelry, broken gold, scrap, coins, and bars - even damaged or mismatched. It is the amount of gold that counts, not the condition.
Do I need an ID?
Yes, a valid ID is enough. Verifying the seller's identity is a normal practice that secures the transaction for both sides.
Am I paid right away?
Yes. Once the piece is tested, weighed, and the price accepted, you are paid cash the same day, usually within minutes.
Take action: get your gold appraised for free
You now know what a gold buying counter is, how it sets its prices, and how to recognize an honest one. There is just one step left.
Get a free, no-obligation estimate: send a photo of your jewelry over WhatsApp to +221 78 111 66 87, or book an appointment. We test, weigh, and pay cash the same day - and if you would rather not travel, we send a courier to you.
Check the daily rate, then write to us: with a transparent counter, in a few minutes you will know what your gold is really worth.