Do you have old jewelry that you know you won’t wear again? There’s no reason to hold on to valuables that just take up space when you can earn quick, easy money from them. If you’re a newcomer to selling gold jewelry, never sell your gold to the first buyer you come across — do your research beforehand to find the best places that buy gold and get the best return on your belongings.

Here are some easy tips to help you learn how to sell gold jewelry to the best places that buy gold:

Find an appraiser: Places that buy gold are notorious for giving underhanded estimates on how much your gold is actually worth so they won’t have to pay you as much. By visiting an independent appraiser, you’ll be able to get a good idea of how much money places that buy gold should be giving you.

Check their licensing: The best places that buy gold should have licensing in your state. In addition to this, it’s also a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau’s website to see if any complaints have been filed against them by other gold sellers.

Don’t sell to online buyers: You’ve probably heard that online buyers will pay more than stores with a physical store location. While this is true in some cases, the risks of selling gold online far outweigh the benefits. Many people have sent their gold through the mail only to never see their gold or a check in return. The best places that buy gold are still those that do business in an actual store. Great references here.