January: The Smartest Month to Turn Unworn Jewelry into Something New
A New Year’s note from Joy Thollot
January has a way of inviting clarity. The holidays are behind us, the calendar feels wide open, and there’s a natural urge to simplify. Clean out a closet. Reorganize a drawer. Let go of things that no longer fit your life.
Every year, I see January bring a steady stream of clients who finally decide to take a look at jewelry they haven’t worn in years. Broken chains. Single earrings. Pieces tied to chapters that have quietly closed. And this year, that instinct couldn’t be better timed.
Gold has climbed to historic highs, now reaching over $5,200 per ounce while I write this. That changes the conversation entirely. Jewelry that’s been sitting in a box may be worth far more than most people realize, and converting it now to cash can be a very smart financial decision.
But timing is only part of the story. How your jewelry is evaluated matters just as much.
Why Accuracy Matters More Than Ever
When gold prices rise, precision becomes critical. A small difference in purity can mean a meaningful difference in your payout. Unfortunately, most gold buyers still rely on traditional acid scratch testing. It’s an old method, and while it can tell you whether something is roughly 10K, 14K, or 18K, it cannot determine the exact gold content.
That means if your piece is actually 14.5K but stamped 14K, or 16K but tested against a 14K standard, you’re often paid less than the gold is truly worth.
That has never sat well with me.
Why We Invested in the Best Technology Available
At Thollot & Co., integrity is not a talking point. It’s the reason we do things differently.
We invested in an ElvaX Jewelry Lab XRF system, which is the most advanced and accurate jewelry-specific XRF analyzer available today. It is laboratory-grade technology, not a handheld scanner, and it allows us to analyze metal to the exact karat.
If a piece is 14.5K, we pay for 14.5K. If it’s 16K, we pay for 16K. Nothing rounded down. Nothing estimated. Every fraction of gold is accounted for.
We were told by Elvatech that we are likely the only retail jeweler in Colorado with this system. It’s a significant investment, but for us, it was an easy decision. If clients are trusting us with their jewelry, we owe them absolute accuracy.
What This Means for You
The benefit is simple and meaningful. You are paid for all of the gold content in your jewelry. Not a close guess. Not a conservative estimate. The exact amount of precious metal your piece contains.
That’s especially important right now, when gold values are so high. Even small differences in purity can add up quickly. Our technology ensures that nothing is left on the table.
More importantly, the process is transparent, calm, and respectful. No scratching. No damaging your jewelry. No pressure. Just precise analysis and an honest conversation about the value of your pieces.
A Thoughtful Way to Start the Year
January is about intention. Letting go of what no longer serves you and making room for what comes next. Cashing in unworn or broken jewelry can fund something meaningful, whether that’s a new piece you’ll actually wear, a trip, an investment, or simply peace of mind.
If you’re considering selling gold, choose a buyer who values accuracy as much as you value your jewelry. We made the decision to invest in the best XRF technology on the market for one reason: so our clients are paid fairly, fully, and with complete confidence.
That’s how it should be. And that’s how we do it.
