Understanding the value of your Precious Metals is critical. 

At Lone Star Gold and Silver Buyers, we believe transparency is the foundation of a fair trade.

To get the best value for your items, it helps to understand the "misunderstood" math of the precious metals industry—specifically, the difference between the ounce in your pantry and the ounce used for gold, silver, and platinum.

The Big Confusion: Troy vs. Avoirdupois ("Kitchen Ounces")

Most people are familiar with the Avoirdupois ounce.  If you are measuring flour for a cake, weighing a steak, or checking the mail, you are using what we call "kitchen ounces." However, the global precious metals market operates on an entirely different system: the Troy ounce.

The difference isn't just a naming quirk—it directly affects your payout:

• "Kitchen" (Avoirdupois) Ounce: ~28.35 grams
• Troy Ounce: ~31.10 grams

The Gold Standard Rule: A Troy ounce is roughly 10% heavier than a standard kitchen ounce. If a buyer weighs your gold on a standard scale and calls it an "ounce," you could be losing out on nearly 3 grams of pure value per ounce.

Transparency Through Technology: XRF X-Ray Testing

We don’t just guess the purity of your metal, and we certainly don't rely on outdated, destructive methods. At Lone Star, we use state-of-the-art XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) testing.

Why XRF is Better for You:

• Non-Destructive: Unlike traditional "acid tests," we don’t have to scratch or file your jewelry. Your items stay in the exact same condition they arrived in.
• Scientific Precision: The XRF sends a safe X-ray beam into the metal to read its unique "elemental fingerprint." It tells us exactly how much gold, silver, or platinum is in your piece, down to the second decimal point.
• No "Hallmark" Guesswork: Sometimes jewelry is mis-stamped or not stamped at all. XRF ignores the stamp and tells us the actual truth of the metal's composition.

Why Lone Star Quotes in Grams

While the global market trades in Troy ounces, we provide quotes in grams. Here is why this is the most universal and honest way to do business in the Texas Panhandle:

1. Precision: A gram is a much smaller unit than an ounce. By quoting in grams, we account for every tiny fraction of your weight so nothing is rounded away.
2. No "Ounce Trap": Grams are absolute. There’s no confusing a "Troy gram" with a "Kitchen gram" a gram is a gram—it’s just honest, transparent math. 
3. TRANSPARENCY!

Experience the Lone Star Difference

​At Lone Star Gold and Silver Buyers, we’ve spent years serving the Amarillo community by prioritizing education over sales pitches and smoke and mirrors. We want you to understand exactly what you have and exactly what it’s worth and what we can offer you for it.

Ready to see what your items are worth?

Bring them by our shop. We’ll weigh them right in front of you, perform a professional XRF X-Ray assay to verify purity, and give you a transparent quote in grams based on the current global market.

Lone Star Gold and Silver Buyers

​Your Trusted Amarillo Experts in Precious Metals

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.
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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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
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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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​Connect With the Experts:

• ​Google Reviews: Read our 5-star verified reviews
• ​Facebook: Follow us for market updates
• ​Instagram: See our latest evaluations
• ​X (Twitter): Real-time gold news

Understanding Gold-Filled and Gold-Plated Jewelry — And What We Buy in Amarillo

​By Lone Star Gold and Silver Buyers
Your Trusted Local Gold Buyers in Amarillo, TX

If you’re looking to sell gold jewelry in Amarillo, it’s important to know the difference between gold-filled, gold-plated, and real karat gold jewelry — because not all gold items contain enough gold content to be worthwhile refining or purchasing.

At Lone Star Gold and Silver Buyers, we do not purchase gold-filled or gold-plated jewelry because these items lack sufficient gold content for profitable refining, but we want to help you understand these terms and guide you on what real karat gold we do buy.

What Is Gold-Filled Jewelry?

Gold-filled jewelry consists of a thick layer of real gold mechanically bonded to a base metal, typically brass or copper. It usually contains a minimum of 5% gold by weight, which is much more than gold plating.

• Look for stamps like “1/20 12K GF” or “1/20 14K GF.”
• While gold-filled jewelry looks and wears like real gold, it does not contain enough gold to be worthwhile refining.
• For this reason, we do not purchase gold-filled jewelry.

What Is Gold-Plated Jewelry?

Gold-plated jewelry has a very thin layer of gold electroplated onto a base metal. The gold layer is so thin that it wears off quickly and contains almost no gold content suitable for refining.

• Usually marked “GP”, “gold plated,” or simply no karat stamp.
• Because of the minimal gold content, gold-plated jewelry is not purchased by Lone Star Gold and Silver Buyers.

What Real Gold Jewelry Do We Buy?

At Lone Star Gold and Silver Buyers in Amarillo, we buy:

• Solid karat gold jewelry including 10K, 14K, 18K, and higher karats
• Gold coins, bars, and bullion
• Silver, platinum, and palladium items
• Scrap gold and dental gold
• Scrap Silver and Sterling Silver

These items contain sufficient precious metal content to be worthwhile refining and provide true value to our customers.

Why It Matters to Amarillo Sellers

Knowing what types of gold jewelry contain enough gold for refining can save you time and help you make the best selling decisions.

• Avoid wasting time bringing in gold-filled or gold-plated pieces that don’t have enough gold content to be refined profitably.
• Bring your solid karat gold jewelry to us for a free, no-pressure evaluation.
• Trust that we use accurate, non-destructive testing to determine purity and offer competitive cash prices.

Visit Lone Star Gold and Silver Buyers in Amarillo Today

Our licensed, trustworthy precious metals experts provide a safe, transparent, and private experience for all your selling needs.

• Free quotes with no obligation
• Immediate payment for your gold, silver, platinum and palladium
• Honest offers based on real karat purity and current market prices

Contact us:
📞 806-670-5499
🌐 https://www.lonestargoldandsilverbuyers.com

Understanding Gold Purity – A Simple Guide from Your Trusted Amarillo Gold Buyers

If you’re thinking about selling your gold jewelry, coins, or scrap gold in Amarillo, it’s important to understand what your items are really made of.

At Lone Star Gold and Silver Buyers (www.lonestargoldandsilverbuyers.com), we make the process simple, honest, and educational — so you never feel left in the dark.

Here’s what you should know about gold purity, karats, and how it affects the value of your gold.

What Does “Karat” Mean?

Since ancient times, gold purity has been measured in karats (K). Pure gold is 24K, meaning all 24 parts are gold. Lower karats mean the gold is mixed with other metals for added strength.

Common gold purities include:

• 24K – 100% pure gold
• 22K – 91.6% gold
• 18K – 75% gold
• 14K – 58.3% gold
• 10K – 41.7% gold (the legal minimum to be called “gold” in the U.S.)

So if you bring in a 14K gold necklace, it contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals like silver or copper.

What Is “Fineness” in Gold?

In addition to karats, gold purity may also be expressed as fineness, which shows the amount of pure gold in parts per thousand.

Here’s how it matches up:

• .999 = 99.9% pure gold (24K)
• .916 = 91.6% (22K)
• .750 = 75% (18K)
• .585 = 58.5% (14K)
• .417 = 41.7% (10K)

For example, a ring marked .583 has 583 parts gold and 417 parts other metals — the same as 14K gold.

U.S. Law and Gold Purity (What You Need to Know)

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that all jewelry sold in the U.S. as gold must include a correct karat or fineness stamp. These stamps are meant to give consumers confidence when buying or selling gold.

However — and this is important — not all stamps are legitimate.

Fake or counterfeit jewelry is sometimes stamped with markings like “14K” or “18K” even though it contains little to no real gold. These pieces may be plated, filled, or entirely base metal, but are made to fool the untrained eye.

At Lone Star Gold and Silver Buyers (www.lonestargoldandsilverbuyers.com), we thoroughly test every item in front of you, using professional tools that detect real gold content. We’ll show you exactly what your item is made of — and explain your offer clearly, with no pressure to sell.

Why Purity Matters When Selling Gold

The value of your gold depends heavily on its purity. The higher the karat (or fineness), the more gold it contains — and the more it's worth.

That’s why it’s important to work with experienced, local gold buyers who are licensed, honest, and upfront about the testing and pricing process.

Sell with Confidence in Amarillo

At Lone Star Gold and Silver Buyers (www.lonestargoldandsilverbuyers.com), we are proud to be trusted Amarillo Gold Buyers, Jewelry Buyers, and Scrap Gold Buyers offering:

✅ Free, no-pressure evaluations
✅ Accurate testing done in front of you
✅ A safe and secure office — not a pawn shop
✅ Full compliance with Texas state laws and regulations

We purchase all types of gold and silver items, including:

• Gold & Silver Jewelry
• Scrap Gold, broken pieces, and dental gold
• Gold and Silver Coins (U.S. & foreign)
• Gold and Silver Bullion (bars and rounds)

Get Started Today

If you're ready to find out what your gold is really worth, contact us or visit our Amarillo office today:
🔗 Website: www.lonestargoldandsilverbuyers.com
📍 Address: 13480 FM 2590, Unit A, Amarillo, TX 79119
📞 Phone: 806-513-2765

We’re here to offer honest answers, fair prices, and a gold selling experience that’s completely opposite of what you’d expect from a pawn shop.

If you've spent any time scrolling through social media or browsing the internet lately, you've likely come across ads screaming “We Buy Gold!” — and for good reason. As gold prices continue to rise, more people are looking to cash in.

Unfortunately, that also means a rise in gold buying scams and shady offers, especially when it comes to precious metals such as jewelry, coins, and bullion.

Before you hand over your valuables, take a minute to learn how to protect yourself and make sure you’re getting a fair deal from a reputable Amarillo gold and silver buyer.

1. Avoid Mail-In Gold Services Unless It's Your Only Option

Mail-in gold services promise top dollar, but the moment you drop your jewelry in the mail, you lose control of the transaction. If you're unhappy with their payout, getting your gold back can be complicated — or impossible.
Even if a company advertises that they pay more than local buyers, don’t be so quick to believe it. In most cases, you’ll get a much better offer by working with a trusted, local gold and silver coin exchange in Amarillo.

2. Work With a Trusted Local Dealer in Amarillo

Find a reliable gold buyer near you — ideally one with a physical office, positive reviews, and clear policies.
You can confirm their reputation by checking with the local Better Business Bureau (BBB). as well as local review sites such as Google, Facebook, Yelp, NextDoor, Angi, etc.

Just as importantly, make sure the dealer is registered and in full compliance with the State of Texas and all applicable laws. This protects you as a seller and ensures you’re dealing with a legitimate, accountable business.

At Lone Star Gold and Silver Buyers, we’re not only a trusted local gold and silver coin exchange, but also fully registered and compliant with Texas state regulations. Our clients choose us because we offer a safe, secure, no-pressure experience — completely opposite of what you might expect at a pawn shop or coin shop.

3. Go In Person If You Can

Selling your gold and silver in person gives you the upper hand. Nothing gets “lost in the mail,” and you can watch the entire process unfold in real time. You’re also free to decline any offer that doesn’t meet your expectations.

Very important: your items should never leave your sight during any part of the evaluation. You should be able to see the weighing, testing, and quoting process clearly. If a buyer tries to take your items to a back room or out of view, that’s a red flag — don’t proceed.

If you’re unable to visit a local Amarillo gold buyer yourself, ask a trusted friend or family member to go in your place — just be sure they’re informed about what you’re selling and what price range you're expecting.

4. Create an Inventory List Before You Sell

Make a list of gold and silver jewelry, bullion, coins  or scrap gold you plan to sell. Review it out loud when you meet with the buyer. This shows that you’re aware of exactly what you brought — and it discourages anyone from trying to shortchange or misplace a piece.

If you’re selling coins, bars, or multiple small items, this step is especially important. It also helps the transaction feel more professional.  You can also take inventory by weight in grams. 

5. Bring a Small Gram Scale

You can find a digital gram scale online for just a few dollars. While most pocket-sized or consumer-grade scales aren’t exact or legal for trade, they’ll give you a solid estimate and help you feel more informed before getting an offer.

Weigh your items ahead of time and take your scale with you. If a buyer quotes you a weight that’s drastically different, pull out your scale and compare. Always ask to see the weight reading on their scale directly, especially when dealing with gold and silver bullion or heavier pieces. Important to note any business engaging in the purchase of Crafted Precious Metals must ALSO have their scales licensed with the Texas Dept. of Agriculture.

Final Thoughts

Not all Amarillo gold buyers are created equal. The next time you see a “We Buy Gold” ad pop up in your feed, make sure it’s from a local, trusted gold and silver dealer — preferably one with experience, transparency, and a secure environment.

At Lone Star Gold and Silver Buyers, we make it easy to sell your gold and silver coins, jewelry, scrap gold and silver, bullion, and more — without the pressure, gimmicks, or uncertainty of mail-in services or pawn shops. Come visit our Amarillo office and see why we’re a top-rated choice in the Texas Panhandle for those looking to sell gold and silver locally.

13480 FM 2590 (SONCY)
UNIT A
AMARILLO TX 79119

​806-670-5499