Turn Old Jewellery Into Cash, The Gold Refining Process Explained

In today’s tough economic climate, many South Africans are taking a fresh look at the assets they already own, and few assets hold long-term value quite like gold. With gold now trading at some of the highest prices in history, refining or repurposing old jewellery has become one of the smartest and most profitable ways to unlock cash or create something new without spending extra.

At Jax Goldsmith, we meet customers every week who bring us:

• Broken chains

• Single earrings

• Outdated jewellery

• Inherited items they will never wear

  
  

Instead of letting these pieces sit in a drawer, they choose to refine them, either turning their gold into a brand new custom piece, or receiving a cash payout based on the real value of their metal.

Refining gold is not only financially smart, it is also sustainable. You are giving new life to the gold you already own and reducing the need for new mining.

Our Gold Refining Process:

Simple, Honest and Transparent

We believe customers deserve to know exactly what happens to their gold.

Here is how the process works from start to finish.

Step 1: Consultation and Inspection

When you bring your gold to us, we begin with a warm consultation where we:

• Examine each piece in front of you

• Check hallmarks where visible

• Assess gemstones, solder points and workmanship

• Identify any non-gold components

This helps us estimate how much of the item is pure gold and what results you can expect once refining is complete.

Everything happens in your presence. Nothing disappears into a back room.

👉 Book a free inspection: https://www.jaxgoldsmith.co.za/contact-us

Step 2: Weighing and Recording

Your items are weighed on a calibrated jeweller’s scale, and each piece is:

• Logged

• Photographed

• Recorded by weight and karat

  
  

This documentation protects both you and us and keeps the process completely transparent.

Step 3: Preparing Your Gold for Refining

Before your jewellery can be refined, we prepare each piece by:

• Removing all stones, you keep every stone

• Cutting away steel clasps or springs

• Removing soldered sections where necessary

• Separating different karats and colours

  
  

This ensures accuracy and consistency throughout the refining process.

Step 4: Melting and Purification at Our Trusted Refinery

Your gold is sent to our trusted refinery where it is melted under high, controlled heat. During this process, impurities rise to the surface and are removed.

Once complete, we receive an official refining report showing:

• The final purity

• The refined weight

  
  

These values are far more accurate than relying on old hallmarks or jewellery that has been repaired many times.

Step 5: Calculating Your Final Gold Value

Your payout is calculated based on:

• The final refined weight

• The confirmed purity

• The current daily gold price

  
  

This means you receive a payout based on real market value, not guesswork.

Step 6: Refining and Handling Deductions

Refining gold involves specialised labour, testing and material costs. Instead of charging a flat fee, we use a simple and fair refining and handling deduction which we explain clearly upfront.

You will always see:

• The refining fee

• The handling fee

• The net gold value

• The final payout

  
  

No hidden costs, no surprises.

Step 7: Choose Cash or Turn Your Gold Into Something New

Once the refining is complete, you can choose:

Option 1: Cash Payout

Receive a secure payout based on the refined value of your gold.

Option 2: Create a New Custom Jewellery Piece

Many customers choose to use their refined gold to create something meaningful, such as:

• A new ring

• A custom pendant

• Wedding bands

• Matching sets

• Heirloom redesigns

Using your own refined gold usually reduces the overall cost and preserves sentimental value.

👉 Our custom jewellery process: https://www.jaxgoldsmith.co.za/custom-jewellery

Why Customers Trust Jax Goldsmith

• Master goldsmith on site

• Transparent, honest process

• Fair pricing with no hidden charges

• Fast turnaround times

• Careful handling of sentimental pieces

• Ability to redesign or repurpose almost anything

  
  

In a market where many buyers aim to pay as little as possible for second hand gold, we take a different approach, one based on integrity, transparency and craftsmanship.

Ready to Refine Your Gold?

Whether you want to turn old jewellery into cash or create a meaningful new piece, our refining process ensures maximum value and complete peace of mind.

👉 Visit our website: https://www.jaxgoldsmith.co.za

👉 Book a consultation: https://www.jaxgoldsmith.co.za/contact-us

Your gold already has value, we simply help you unlock it.