If you are ready to sell gold, silver, or platinum for cash, Clark Pawners & Jewelers in Lincoln Park has been buying precious metals from Chicago neighbors for years. Walk in with what you have, sit at the counter with one of our jewelers, and leave with a written cash offer the same day. The evaluation is free, the math is shown, and there is no obligation to sell.
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What we buy
We buy precious metals across all three categories: gold, silver, and platinum.
Gold: chains, rings, bracelets, pendants, charms, and earrings in 10k, 14k, 18k, 22k, and 24k. Gold coins and bullion. Broken pieces and single earrings.
Silver: sterling silver jewelry (.925), fine silver pieces (.999), coin silver (around .900), silver flatware and serving pieces, and silver coins.
Platinum: platinum rings and settings, pendants, and bracelets, usually marked 850, 900, or 950.
If your piece does not fit one of these categories, bring it in. The evaluation is free, and there is no obligation to sell.
How an evaluation works
Walk in any time during business hours. The evaluation happens at our counter, in front of you, and the piece never leaves your sight.
For every metal we follow the same process. We test the piece for purity, we weigh it, and we quote against current market pricing. For higher purity items like 24k gold or bullion coins the math is straightforward. For mixed pieces like a sterling ring with a small diamond, we explain each part of the offer separately.
When the evaluation is done the offer is written down. You decide whether to accept, walk away, or come back later. We do not pressure, and we do not talk a piece down to lower the offer.
Selling gold in Chicago
Gold is one of the most common categories we see. Most of what walks through our door is jewelry: chains, rings, charms, and pendants in 10k, 14k, and 18k. We also see scrap from broken pieces, gold coins, and occasional bullion.
The offer on a gold piece comes from three numbers: the karat (10k through 24k), the weight, and the gold market the day you visit. Higher karat means a higher percentage of pure gold by weight, which means a higher offer for the same gram count. Stones add value when they are diamonds or significant gemstones. Smaller or damaged stones are part of the offer but do not subtract from it.
For a deeper look at current gold scrap pricing in Chicago, see our current scrap gold pricing guide.
Gold coins and bullion are evaluated against the gold market, with a small adjustment when collector or numismatic value applies. Common one ounce coins and bullion rounds usually follow predictable pricing. Older or rare coins may be worth more than the metal weight, so bring them in for an in person review.
Solid gold watch cases are evaluated like any other gold piece, by purity and weight. Selling a complete luxury watch as a timepiece is a different conversation that we handle in person.
Selling silver in Chicago
Silver follows the same logic as gold, scaled to the silver market. The three purities we see most often are sterling (.925), fine silver (.999), and coin silver (around .900).
Sterling silver jewelry is the most common. Rings, bracelets, pendants, signed pieces from major makers, broken chains, single earrings, and clasps all get the same evaluation: purity, weight, and market price the day you visit.
Silver flatware and serving pieces are welcome. Solid sterling flatware is purchased for the silver content. Silver plated flatware is a different conversation; if you are not sure which yours is, our flatware value guide covers how to tell the difference before you visit.
Silver coins, including U.S. silver coins minted before 1965 such as quarters, half dollars, and dollars, plus silver bullion rounds, are evaluated against the silver spot market.
If you are not sure whether a piece is real silver or plated, how to tell real silver walks through simple tests you can run at home before your visit.
Selling platinum in Chicago
Platinum jewelry is usually marked 850, 900, or 950 to indicate purity. The offer follows the same purity, weight, and market formula as gold and silver.
We buy platinum rings, settings, pendants, and bracelets. Platinum engagement ring settings often have a diamond center stone; both components are evaluated and the offer is itemized so you can see what each piece is worth.
If you are not sure whether a ring is platinum or white gold, the marking will usually tell you. PLAT, PT950, or 950 indicates platinum. A 10k, 14k, or 18k stamp with a white finish is gold.
Broken, mismatched, and scrap pieces
Do not throw broken pieces away. Single earrings, snapped chains, bent rings, settings with missing stones, and scrap karat gold all have real value when the metal is gold, silver, or platinum. Bring the broken pile with the rest of your visit, and we will separate scrap from intact pieces during the evaluation.
Sell vs pawn for precious metals
Selling and pawning are two different transactions. When you sell, the metal becomes ours and you walk out with cash. When you pawn, the metal is collateral on a short term loan, and you can redeem it later. Selling pays more on day one because there is no risk. Pawning lets you keep the piece if you redeem inside the loan window.
Most people who walk in already know which one they want. If you are not sure, our decision guide on pawn vs sell covers the trade offs. For a broader view of selling jewelry alongside metals, see the full guide to selling jewelry in Chicago.
Visiting our Lincoln Park shop
- Address: 2626 N Clark, Chicago, IL 60614
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- What to bring: the items themselves, any certificates or original packaging if you have them, and a government issued photo ID
- Walk in policy: no appointment needed. If you have a large collection or a full estate, calling ahead helps us set time aside.
Walk in to our Lincoln Park shop, no appointment needed.
Frequently asked questions
How do you decide what to pay for gold?
The offer is based on the karat (10k through 24k), the weight in grams, and the current gold market the day you visit. Higher karat and heavier weight produce a higher offer for the same item. We show the math at the counter.
Do you buy silver flatware or only silver jewelry?
Both. Solid sterling silver flatware (marked .925 or STERLING) is purchased for the silver content. Silver plated flatware is a different conversation; bring it in and we will tell you what it is and what the offer would be.
How is platinum valued differently from white gold?
Platinum is a denser metal and is usually worth more per gram than 14k or 18k white gold. The marking on the piece is the fastest way to tell which you have. We test every piece in person to confirm.
Do you buy gold and silver coins?
Yes. We buy gold coins, bullion, silver coins, and silver bullion rounds. U.S. silver coins minted before 1965 may also have silver value. Rare or numismatic coins may be worth more than the metal weight, so bring them in for an in person review.
What should I bring to my visit?
The items themselves, any certificates or original packaging you have, and a government issued photo ID. Certificates are not required but they help when the piece is from a major designer or has unusual marks.
When you are ready to sell gold, silver, or platinum in Chicago, walk in to our Lincoln Park shop or stop by during business hours. The evaluation is free and there is no pressure to sell.
