Two pieces of jewelry that look as alike as two drops of water can be worth anywhere from the same to three times as much. One is 18 karat gold, the other gold plated over brass. To the naked eye, it is impossible to tell them apart. And that is exactly where everything is decided: the value of a piece cannot be seen, it must be appraised.
Do you have at home an inherited ring, an old chain, a piece set with a stone? Before selling it — or simply knowing what it is worth — you need a real evaluation. Not an estimate "by feel", but an analysis based on the metal, its purity, its weight and, where applicable, its stones.
At Jayma Or, this is our daily trade in Dakar. We buy gold every day, broken gold, scrap, coins, and bars; we test and weigh in front of you, we explain the price from A to Z, and we pay cash the same day. Here, in full transparency, is how a real expert works.
In this article, you will discover:
- what an expert really looks at on a piece (and the mistake almost everyone makes);
- how gold, silver, and platinum are evaluated differently;
- the role of precious stones in value — and their limits;
- how to tell a serious expert from an opportunistic buyer.
What an expert really looks at on your jewelry
The most common mistake? Believing that the beauty of a piece makes its resale value. At resale, it is not the style that counts, it is the material. An expert first evaluates three things:
- The nature of the metal. Is it solid gold, plated, silver, platinum? A test determines it with certainty.
- The purity (the karat). 24 karat gold is 99.9% pure. 21 karat gold contains 87.5% gold, 18 karat 75%, 14 karat 58.3%. The higher the fineness, the more the piece is worth.
- The exact weight. Weighed to the gram, and even to the tenth of a gram, on a precision scale.
Then comes the global rate of the day, which sets the value of the gram. The logic is simple: weight × purity × current rate = value of the gold contained. The hallmark (24K, 21K, 18K, 14K or 999, 875, 750, 585) gives a first indication, but only a test confirms the real fineness. To go further, read our articles on the methods for checking gold purity and the different types of gold.
Gold, silver, platinum: three metals, three evaluations
Not all precious metals are equal, and each is evaluated according to its own market logic.
- Gold remains the reference: high value per gram, a global rate tracked daily, constant demand. It is the metal we buy the most in Dakar.
- Silver has a value per gram far below that of gold, but a solid silver piece (925 hallmark) keeps a real resale value. We explain this in our article on reselling silver jewelry in Senegal.
- Platinum is rarer and denser than gold; it requires specific expertise because it is often confused with white gold. See our guide on reselling platinum jewelry.
A simple question to ask yourself: do you really know what metal your piece is made of? Many people discover during the appraisal that their "white gold" is actually rhodium-plated 18 karat gold, or that their chain is plated. That is precisely what the appraisal reveals.
Precious stones: real value and common misconceptions
A stone can elevate a piece, but it complicates the evaluation. A diamond is assessed according to the famous "4 Cs": carat (weight), color, clarity, and cut. Other stones — sapphire, ruby, emerald — depend on their origin, their treatment, and their condition.
Be careful, though, of one stubborn misconception: many stones set on everyday jewelry are synthetic, treated, or of low quality, and add little, if anything, to the resale value. Without a certificate, a stone is traded with caution. In the majority of the jewelry we buy, it is the gold that carries most of the value — and an honest expert will tell you so clearly.
How to recognize a true expert
Anyone can call themselves an "expert". Here are the signs that don't lie:
- They test and weigh in front of you. Nothing is done in the back room, out of your sight.
- They explain their price. Karat + weight + current rate: the calculation must be crystal clear.
- They rely on a public reference. With us, the buyback rate is shown in real time on the home page.
- They don't pressure you. A good appraisal lets you leave to think it over, with no obligation.
Do the test: ask to see the test and the weighing carried out. A serious professional has nothing to hide; an opportunistic buyer does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the appraisal at Jayma Or paid?
No. We provide a free estimate with no obligation, in the shop or remotely by photo via WhatsApp. You leave knowing what your piece is worth, free to sell or not.
Do I need a certificate to have a piece appraised?
It is not required. A certificate (especially for diamonds) helps value a stone, but for gold, the test and the weighing are enough to determine the value. Just bring your piece and an ID.
Do you also buy silver and platinum?
Yes, in addition to gold in all its forms. Each metal is evaluated according to its own rate and purity. Feel free to send us a photo for a first estimate.
My piece is broken or incomplete, does it still have value?
Absolutely. Broken gold, scrap, a single link: it is the amount of precious metal that counts, not the aesthetic condition. See our article on repairing gold jewelry if you are hesitating between repairing and reselling.
How long does an appraisal take?
A few minutes for a simple gold piece. The test and the weighing are quick, and the price is given to you on the spot. If you accept, you are paid cash the same day.
Take action: have your jewelry appraised for free
You now know what a real expert looks at, how each metal is evaluated, and how to spot a serious buyer. The last step: knowing the real value of your jewelry.
Get a free, transparent estimate: send a photo of your jewelry by WhatsApp to +221 78 111 66 87, or make an appointment. We test, weigh, and explain everything in front of you — and pay cash the same day.
Don't let a valuable piece sit in a drawer simply for lack of knowledge. Check the current rate, then write to us: in a few minutes you will know what it is really worth.