* Prices calculated on this form are subject to change based on market and spot price fluctuation. To get a current quote and lock in prices please call a Provident Metals representative toll free at 877-429-8790.

• What is the difference between an avoirdupois (AV Ounce) and a troy ounce?

  Avoir dupois is a standard ounce used in our everyday lives here in the U.S. Most precious metals are measured in Troy ounces, but occasionally other metals will be in avoirdupois (avdp). This is how copper is typically sold. An AVDP ounce is slightly lighter than Troy ounce.
  1 AVDP ounce = 0.9114 Troy ounces.

• Are knife blades sterling silver also?

  Typically knife blades are not sterling silver but stainless steel. The stainless steel portion will usually run into the handle, where a thin layer of sterling silver will be wrapped around that stainless steel. As a rule of thumb, about 10% of a knife is actually sterling silver.

• My knife is really heavy. Is it all silver?

  Most likely only a portion of the handle is silver. Blades are typically stainless steel with a portion of that running into the handle. This is why knives are typically heavier than other pieces. As a rule of thumb, about 10% of a knife is actually sterling silver.

• What sterling silver items are filled with anything besides silver?

  Many sterling silver items are weighted for added durability and balance. This is often the case with candle holders, goblets, and other serving items that need the extra weight towards the bottom due to their height. The weighted material is usually some form of plaster or cement, and that portion will be covered by a thin layer of sterling silver.

• Why is sterling silver called sterling silver?

  This is a continual debate and many theories exist. The most widely accepted comes from the Oxford English Dictionary, which states the most plausible etymology is derivation from a late Old English steorling (with (or like) a "little star"), as some early Norman pennies were imprinted with a small star.

• What's the difference between sterling silver and any other type of silver?

  Sterling silver is composed of .925 (92.5%) pure silver. Other variations in purity exist, with the most common being 75%, 80% and 99.9%.

• What is the purity of sterling silver, US coins and 999 silver rounds?

  Sterling Silver is composed of 92.5 percent pure silver. Us coins dated 1964 and earlier (dimes, quarters, halves, dollars) are compose of 90% pure silver. A round or bar marked “.999 Fine Silver” is composed of 99.9% pure silver.

• I don't see anything that says 10k, 14k, 18k, etc. Could it be gold?

  Some jewelry is not properly marked and may still be gold. We are able to test for purity and authenticity.

• What does .417, .585, .750 mean?

  .417 is a percentage which means 10k or 41.7% pure gold. .585 is 14k or 58.5% pure. .750 is 18k or 75% pure.

• What is white gold made out of?

  White gold is composed of both gold and an alloy of other white metals, usually silver, palladium, manganese or nickel. A 14k piece of white gold will be composed of 14 parts gold and 10 parts alloy. An 18k piece will be composed of 18 parts gold and 6 parts alloy.

• What is rose gold made out of?

  Rose gold is gold with copper as the alloy. The most common rose gold is 75% gold and 25% copper. As rose gold is an alloy, there is no such thing as “pure “ rose gold.

• I see 1/20 12k. What does that mean?

  This means your item is plated with 12k gold. 12 karat is 50% pure gold, but as a plating over other metals, most refiners cannot extract such a small amount without losing a majority of it. We are not currently purchasing gold plated items.

• How do I test my scrap gold and silver?

  There are kits available for testing gold purity. These are available on our Precious Metals Testing Kit page

• Will you send me back my stones?

  It is best to have your stones removed before sending us your scrap metal. If you would like us to remove them for you and have them sent back, a onetime charge of $69.95 will be charged.