MAINE GOLD & SILVER

Description of Work: Appraised & purchased sterling silver from us.

Description of Work: I took in some lose chains & rings to sell. They very carefully untangled my chains, no easy job. Divided into 10k & 14K, when he was done, I had a check in hand for over $2100.-, they were very personable & friendly. I had so much fun, I rethought some saved pieces, went back in today, 10/04/11, and walked out with another check, for just over $1700.-dollars. If there is a downside, it's the fact that they also sell absolutely gorgeous jewelry! They have estate pieces, unique pieces, gold & silver coins, and I could very easily spend the money I've earned on something new!

Description of Work: We went to Maine Gold and Silver to sell off some old silver from several estates.

Description of Work: Went to Maine Gold and Silver to sell my old gold jewelry. The line was almost out the door, but actually went very quickly. They divide your jewelry into piles- 18K, 14K, 10K and unmarked. The unmarked is then tested and added to the appropriate pile. They weigh each pile, and the weight is in "pennyweights". I believe there are 20 pennyweights to an ounce. But pure gold is 24 K, so your gold is a portion of the price per ounce. Also, the company takes a percent. So although the above item (how much did you spend) is at zero, in reality you really are paying 25 to 30% of the value of your gold to the jeweler and refiner for their service. But that is not discussed. They determine your "take", based on a gold "spot price" that was on the sign outside the store and on signs inside the door. They ask you if you are interested in selling and receiving that amount of money. I was,and received a check from them, which is from the same bank I happen to have an account in, so it was treated as cash. They advise you that if you need cash right away, you can go to the TD bank across from the store. Now, the reason I was so happy with this transaction was that it was $1200.00 MORE than the jeweler I had just left. What that jeweler did- was take 46 pennyworth of 14K gold, after his test (he tested 21 pieces) and placed them on the 10K pile. These were gold bangles, gold earrings- literally 20 of the 21 pieces, that I knew were 14K- they were my mothers, and she never bought less than 14K, and they were in my family for years. So, having classified 14K as 10K, he was actually stealing money from me. When I went to Maine Gold and Silver, I put the so called 10K pieces with the 14K pieces and waited to see what would happen. After his test, every single piece except one tiny piece (1.7 pennyweight) was determined to be 14K. The first jeweler told me his take was 30%, but I mentioned that I needed to go at least one more place - it was a lot of money- and he told me that Maine Gold and Silver says they take 25% but he didn't believe them. When I got there and my gold was tested correctly, I really did not ask their percent. So, I do not know. But, I do know they were honest and have made a customer. Unlike the first jeweler- whose store I will never step into again.