FAQs
Our focus is currently on 10K - 24K solid gold. For platinum and silver pieces, we work case by case. If you are interested in selling your platinum or silver pieces, please email us and we will be in touch!
Look for a gold stamp by the closure or on the largest part of the item. The stamp will have either a capital "K" to represent the Karat or it will have the gold purity in numeral form. For example: 585 for 14K or 750 for 18K. See chart below for details.
Kat finds 14K stamp on her grandmother's old charm
The word Karat is defined as the measure of the purity of gold with 24K being pure gold. Because gold is a soft metal, gold jewelry is mixed with other alloys to give it integrity for jewelry making purposes and color i.e pink and white gold. Since the alloys are not gold, it reduces the purity and therefore it is marked as such.
- We use traditional gold testing solvents which determine gold purity starting as low as 10K. This process for testing the gold requires testing a sample of the material on a gold testing stone and creating a reaction with different solutions. The solution that does not dissolve the sample signifies that specific gold's karat.
- Once we confirm the karat (purity) of your gold, we will group your pieces and weigh them. The value of your items is determined by the London Fix times the weight of your gold. Ex: If you have 10 grams of 14K and 14K is valued at $30 x gram of scrap, your payout will be $300.00.
- Jewelry that is pre-owned generally will have mountings or soldering that is either a lower karat or not solid gold. Repairs and resizing may also cause different metals to be incorporated. In addition, oxidation from years of love and wear and tear affects the amount of fine metal that is able to be recycled. "Scrapping" is the technical term used to separate gold from the other alloys once it is melted down or "scrapped" for recycling purposes.
- YES. As long as it is gold, we will pay you for your jewelry no matter what condition it is in - old or new.
- We are currently not buying stones. If any of your stones have sentimental value or you feel it has monetary of value, we suggest you taking it to a local jeweler to attempt removal. If you have questions about your stones and stone removal, please send us a separate email so we can address this directly.
- We will email or text you a video of us opening your gold and showing you the inventory of all pieces we receive.
- Because of our limited bandwidth, we will not return any non-precious metals.
- You will be able to choose between PayPal or a check for the full gold value. Or, choose a Cut + Clarity gift card filled with 110% of your gold value.
- No problem! We will organize a shipping label and send the pieces back to you. Please note you will have to cover the cost of shipping.
- Combined, our gold buying team has over 50 years of experience under their belt. Being based in NYC's Historic Diamond District means that we have over a hundred years of experience behind us and in the center of one of the top five jewelry districts in the world with access to sophisticated equipment and processing facilities. We want to ensure you feel comfortable with us buying your gold, which is why we send you videos of us opening your jewelry, and we give you an offer before we sell.
How Ana Used the C+C Gold Buyback Program to Honor Her Mother:
She didn’t want to sell all of her late mother’s pieces, but was unsure what she should recycle and what she should restore. We discussed sentimental vs monetary value via a virtual consult.
Our consulting is always free.
We decided to restore the rings which included her late mother’s antique engagement ring.
While we completed the restoration, she received a $400 check from us for the broken gold we recycled.
THE RESTORED RINGS:
We sourced antique diamonds from the same era as the ring to bring the piece to it’s full glory.
“Being based in NYC’s Historic Diamond District gives us access to over a hundred years of expertise.”
– Mariana Russo Chambers, Cut + Clarity Founder
Her Story
As an immigrant from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cut + Clarity founder Mariana Russo Chambers lives out passion and tradition in every aspect of her life. Growing up, Mariana observed her parents’ hard work and dedication to improving their lives and the world around them. These values have become a driving force in her life and career and are ingrained in the foundation of Cut + Clarity.
Over the last two decades Mariana has created jewelry collections for world-class brands and retailers. In 2017 as her family grew, so did Mariana’s desire to leave her daughter with a legacy she could be proud of. One that showcased her immigrant roots and the value immigrants create in local economies and throughout the country.
Mariana turned her passion to New York City’s Diamond District - 1 of the 5 largest diamond exchanges in the world and the culturally diverse microcosm, upheld by immigrant craftsmen. With love and dedication, Mariana has made it the purpose of Cut + Clarity to lift up the time-honored practices of craftsmanship, artistry and diversity.
INNOVATION
Simply put we’re experts.
Instead of telling you what to buy, our platform allows you to personalize and design your jewelry to create exactly what you want. Using technologies like 3D printing and laser cutting, we create efficiencies and deliver expertly made pieces with zero waste. We bring the custom jewelry experience to you, handmade by industry leaders that have worked for heritage houses like Tiffany, Harry Winston and Cartier.
It’s a beautiful thing.
Instead of telling you what to buy, our platform allows you to personalize and design your jewelry to create exactly what you want. Using technologies like 3D printing and laser cutting, we create efficiencies and deliver expertly made pieces with zero waste. We bring the custom jewelry experience to you, handmade by industry leaders that have worked for heritage houses like Tiffany, Harry Winston and Cartier.
We don’t skimp out on you or our makers.
Each piece we make employs 5 - 8 jewelers in the NYC Diamond District. Our product is made with hundreds of years of combined jewelry expertise and traditions. We have access to not only top jewelers, but also the finest raw materials in the world. This translates to real value for your money and lets you focus on what really matters - recycled gold, ethically sourced stones and supporting the communities that make it happen.
