If you've been holding onto old gold jewelry — a broken chain, a ring from a past relationship, inherited pieces sitting in a drawer — you might want to pay attention to what's happening in the gold market right now.
Gold prices have surged past $5,000 per ounce in February 2026, reaching record highs that few analysts predicted even a year ago. For residents of Toms River and Ocean County, this means the gold jewelry you've been storing away could be worth significantly more than you think.
Why Are Gold Prices So High?
Several factors have pushed gold to historic levels. Central banks around the world have been aggressively buying gold reserves, with China's central bank purchasing gold for over 15 consecutive months. Economic uncertainty, persistent inflation, and expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts have all driven investors toward gold as a safe haven. Goldman Sachs has set a year-end gold target of $5,400 per ounce, suggesting prices could climb even further.
For perspective, gold was trading around $2,000 per ounce just two years ago. That means the same gold necklace or bracelet sitting in your jewelry box could be worth more than double what it was in 2024.
What Kind of Gold Jewelry Can You Sell?
At Corinne Jewelers, we buy a wide range of gold items — you'd be surprised what qualifies. Here's what we're currently purchasing:
- All karat weights: 10K, 14K, 18K, and 24K gold
- Platinum jewelry of all types
- Natural diamonds of 1 carat or more
- Broken jewelry: Chains with broken clasps, bent rings, single earrings — condition doesn't matter for gold value
- Estate pieces: Inherited jewelry you may not wear
- Gold coins and dental gold
An important note: the value of your gold is based on weight and purity, not appearance. A tangled, broken 14K chain has the same gold value per gram as a pristine one.
How the Process Works
Selling your gold at a trusted jeweler is straightforward, especially when you work with a family business that's been in the community for over 60 years. Here's what to expect when you visit Corinne Jewelers:
- Bring your pieces in. No appointment necessary, though we recommend scheduling one so a specialist is ready for you.
- We test and weigh your gold. Using professional assay methods, we determine the exact karat purity and weight of each item.
- We calculate a fair offer. Your offer is based on the day's gold spot price, the weight, and the purity. We'll explain every step of the calculation so you know exactly how we arrived at the number.
- You decide — no pressure. If you like the offer, you get paid on the spot. If not, you take your jewelry home. There's zero obligation.
Cash or Store Credit: You Choose
We offer immediate cash payment for your gold and precious metals. But here's something worth knowing: if you apply your payout as store credit, we'll give you 20% more than the cash value. This is a popular option for customers who want to turn an old piece into something new — whether that's an upgrade, a custom design, or a completely different style.
Why Sell to a Local Jeweler Instead of Online?
You've probably seen ads for mail-in gold buying services. While they might seem convenient, there are real risks to mailing away your valuables. You lose control of your items, you can't watch the evaluation process, and if you don't accept their offer, you have to wait for your jewelry to be shipped back.
When you sell at Corinne Jewelers, you're sitting across from a GIA-certified expert who evaluates your pieces right in front of you. You get paid the same day. And you're dealing with a business that's been a trusted part of the Toms River community since 1964 — three generations of family expertise and reputation on the line with every transaction.
Thinking about what to do with your payout? Browse 2026's hottest engagement ring trends or learn about natural vs. lab-grown diamonds to find the perfect upgrade.
Don't Wait Too Long
Gold markets are volatile. While the current trend is upward, prices fluctuate daily based on global economic conditions. Today's $5,000-per-ounce gold could be worth more next month — or less. If you have pieces you're not wearing and you've been thinking about selling, now is an exceptionally strong time to get top value.
Ready to find out what your gold is worth? Visit us at 917 North Main Street in Toms River, call (732) 244-4464, or schedule an appointment online. Evaluations are always free and completely no-obligation.
