The value of silver jewelry in Dakar often surprises those looking to sell: silver has real value, but it is in no way comparable to that of gold. Per gram, gold is worth far more than silver. Understanding this will spare you a big disappointment — and help you sell at a fair price.
Do you have a silver ring, a chain, a bracelet, or inherited flatware? These items do resell, but their value is calculated differently from gold. It depends mainly on two simple things: the weight and the fineness of the silver (925 or 800).
At Jayma Or, we are first and foremost buyers of gold and jewelry in Dakar; we weigh and test in front of you, and we pay cash, the same day. In this article, we explain transparently how the value of silver jewelry is assessed — and how to sell it without being cheated.
In this guide, you will learn:
- why silver is worth far less than gold per gram;
- what the 925 and 800 fineness marks mean — and how to spot them;
- how the value of your silver jewelry is actually calculated;
- how to sell it in Dakar, simply and safely.
Why Silver Is Worth Far Less Than Gold
The first thing to understand, and the most common expectation to correct: silver and gold are two very different precious metals in value. On the world market, the gram of gold trades at a level with no comparison to the gram of silver. In practical terms, for equal weight, a piece of gold jewelry is worth vastly more than a piece of silver jewelry.
This does not mean silver is worth nothing: it has a real, calculable value. But you need to approach the sale with realistic expectations. A heavy silver bracelet will be worth only a fraction of what the same bracelet would be worth in gold.
The common mistake? Confusing the price paid in a jewelry store (which includes the workmanship, the design, and the margin) with the resale value of the metal. As with gold, when you resell, only the metal actually contained in the piece counts. This principle is the same as for the value of your gold jewelry.
925 Silver, 800 Silver: Understanding the Fineness
Silver jewelry is almost never pure silver: it is too soft. It is alloyed with other metals, and the proportion of pure silver is called the fineness. The two most common are:
- 925 silver (known as "sterling silver"): 92.5% pure silver. This is the standard for quality jewelry.
- 800 silver: 80% pure silver. Often used for antique silverware and certain flatware.
The higher the fineness, the more silver the piece contains — and the more it is worth. To spot it yourself, look for a small hallmark: 925 or 800, sometimes alongside a maker's mark. On a silver ring, it is on the inside of the band; on a chain, near the clasp.
Be careful: many "silver-colored" items are not silver at all (steel, silver-plated metal, plating). A simple test tells the difference — and only solid silver has a buyback value.
How the Value of Your Silver Jewelry Is Calculated
The logic is the same as for gold, with its own reference points. The value rests on:
- The exact weight, measured to the gram on a precise scale, in front of you.
- The fineness (925 or 800), which gives the proportion of pure silver.
- The world market rate for silver, which changes every day, like that of gold.
The formula is therefore: weight × fineness × the day's price per gram of silver = the value of your silver. Since the rate moves, the final price is confirmed after testing and weighing. A silver ring, for example, weighs little: its buyback value remains modest, which is normal and honest to know before you come in.
Try it: roughly weigh your piece and find its fineness. You will already have an idea of the order of magnitude — far more realistic than an estimate "by eye."
How to Sell Your Silver Jewelry in Dakar
Selling silver in Dakar is straightforward, provided you go to the right party and follow a few rules:
- Gather your silver items: rings, chains, bracelets, but also silverware and flatware marked 925 or 800.
- Identify the fineness marks and set aside items that are merely plated or silver-plated metal.
- Insist on a transparent estimate: testing and weighing in front of you, with the price explained (weight + fineness + rate).
- Sell in a professional, established setting that pays cash and securely, rather than to a stranger you happen to meet.
To go further, read our dedicated guide: selling silver jewelry in Senegal. And if you also have gold jewelry, our full method is explained in how to sell my jewelry in Dakar.
Cannot come in person? We can send a trusted courier to your home or office to carry out the transaction completely safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a silver ring worth in Dakar?
It depends on its weight and its fineness (925 or 800). Since a silver ring is light, its buyback value remains modest — far below that of a gold ring. The exact price is confirmed after testing and weighing, according to the day's rate.
Do you buy silver jewelry?
Yes, we assess and buy solid silver jewelry (925 and 800), as well as marked silverware. Bring your pieces: we test and weigh them in front of you, then we explain the price.
How do I know if my piece is real silver?
Look for a 925 or 800 hallmark. In the absence of a mark, a simple test distinguishes solid silver from a plated or silver-plated item, which has no buyback value.
Does silver sell as well as gold?
Silver has real value, but far lower than gold per gram. If you have the choice, selling gold pays much more. We advise you honestly based on what you bring.
Do I need an ID to sell silver?
Yes. As with gold, we verify the seller's identity: it is a normal and protective practice that secures the transaction for both parties.
Take Action: Get Your Silver Jewelry Appraised
You now know how the value of silver is calculated, what the 925 and 800 fineness marks mean, and why gold remains far more precious per gram. All that is left is to get your pieces appraised.
Get a free estimate, no obligation: send a photo of your silver jewelry by WhatsApp to +221 78 111 66 87, or make an appointment. We test, weigh, and pay cash the same day — and if you prefer not to come in, we send a courier to you.
Check the day's rate on our home page, then write to us: you will know in a few minutes what your jewelry is really worth, in silver as in gold.