When you decide to turn your jewelry, coins, or scrap into cash for gold, you aren't just looking for a high payout—you’re looking for a legal, compliant, secure and private transaction. Unfortunately, not every gold exchange in Amarillo plays by the rules.
In the Texas Panhandle, a few traditional shops in run-down areas may offer a quick price at a retail counter full of other customers, but are they operating legally? At Lone Star Gold and Silver Buyers, we believe transparency is the foundation of trust. Here are the three essential Texas state licenses every reputable buyer of crafted precious metals in Texas must maintain.
1. OCCC Registration for Crafted Precious Metals
Under the Texas Occupations Code, any business that buys "crafted precious metals" (like jewelry, silverware, or gold scrap) must be registered with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC).
2. Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Scale Registration
In Texas, any scale used for a "Legal for Trade" transaction—especially for high-value items like gold and silver—must be registered with the Texas Department of Agriculture.
3. Texas Dept. of Health (DSHS) XRF Licensing
Modern gold buying relies on X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology to determine the exact purity of an item without using damaging acids. Because these machines emit ionizing radiation, they must be licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Don’t Risk Your Valuables at an Unregistered Counter
Selling your gold should be a professional experience, not a gamble in a less secure part of town or with potential buyers not following any of the laws regarding being a Precious Metals Dealer. Before you sell, ask to see their OCCC registration, their TDA scale sticker, and their DSHS radiation license. If they can’t produce them, you may want to reconsider who you are doing business with. As of the writing of this blog, no other buyer in town is registered with the State as they should be with regards to Precious Metals Registration, Scale Registration or XRF Registration and Licensing.
Experience the difference that our professional, licensed service makes. Visit our secure, private office at 13480 FM 2590 (Soncy Rd) for a one-on-one evaluation of your gold coins and bullion, scrap gold, gold jewelry, dental gold and other Precious Metal valuables.
Connect With the Experts:
In the Texas Panhandle, a few traditional shops in run-down areas may offer a quick price at a retail counter full of other customers, but are they operating legally? At Lone Star Gold and Silver Buyers, we believe transparency is the foundation of trust. Here are the three essential Texas state licenses every reputable buyer of crafted precious metals in Texas must maintain.
1. OCCC Registration for Crafted Precious Metals
Under the Texas Occupations Code, any business that buys "crafted precious metals" (like jewelry, silverware, or gold scrap) must be registered with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC).
- Why it matters: This registration requires dealers to follow strict record-keeping and "holding" laws. These laws are designed to prevent the sale of stolen goods and to protect the consumer.
- The Lone Star Difference: We are a fully registered, lawful and compliant jewelry and gold exchange in Amarillo, Texas. We follow every state mandate to ensure your transaction is 100% legitimate.
2. Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Scale Registration
In Texas, any scale used for a "Legal for Trade" transaction—especially for high-value items like gold and silver—must be registered with the Texas Department of Agriculture.
- Why it matters: An unregistered scale is an unverified scale. If a scale isn't calibrated and inspected by the TDA, it could be "off" by a fraction of a gram. In a high-karat gold transaction, that tiny error could cost you hundreds of dollars.
- The Lone Star Difference: Our precision scales are registered, inspected, and calibrated to meet the highest state standards. When we weigh your item, you see the exact weight on a certified device.
3. Texas Dept. of Health (DSHS) XRF Licensing
Modern gold buying relies on X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology to determine the exact purity of an item without using damaging acids. Because these machines emit ionizing radiation, they must be licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
- Why it matters: Operating an XRF without a state-issued Certificate of Registration is a serious safety violation. A licensed operator is trained in radiation safety and equipment maintenance, ensuring both the staff and the customer are protected.
- The Lone Star Difference: As the leading jewelry authority in Amarillo, our state-of-the-art XRF technology is fully licensed and operated under strict safety protocols.
Don’t Risk Your Valuables at an Unregistered Counter
Selling your gold should be a professional experience, not a gamble in a less secure part of town or with potential buyers not following any of the laws regarding being a Precious Metals Dealer. Before you sell, ask to see their OCCC registration, their TDA scale sticker, and their DSHS radiation license. If they can’t produce them, you may want to reconsider who you are doing business with. As of the writing of this blog, no other buyer in town is registered with the State as they should be with regards to Precious Metals Registration, Scale Registration or XRF Registration and Licensing.
Experience the difference that our professional, licensed service makes. Visit our secure, private office at 13480 FM 2590 (Soncy Rd) for a one-on-one evaluation of your gold coins and bullion, scrap gold, gold jewelry, dental gold and other Precious Metal valuables.
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