I sell through ARA, though they went through some recent changes, that lead me to believe the payouts aren't "quite" as good. I'm still getting about 90%, though so it's better than in town.
The 90% is after shipping costs, and according to my own estimates of the gold.
Unless gold is "plumb" it can be down 1/2 carat and still be legal. For example, 13.5K gold can be called 14K. Its rare for it to be more, but I've found that most of my gold unless it reads 14KP, for example (indicating plumb), then it's slightly less than 14K. I just calculate 13.5. From there, you calculate the estimated payout and then 98% of that (for ARA refinery).
Thus, if you look up 14K gold spot, and weigh accordingly, you'll never get 100% of what you're looking at. You'll get less, because it's 13.5K.
That SHOULD be what you get, but it never is. It's always light, since the changeover. I lose about another 1/4 carat or part of the weight (up to a GRAM) in loss, especially if there is stone removal (where they use an acid, but don't precipitate so well).
To do the ARA, just hit their website,
www.aragold.com and fill out both the order form, and the new client form (you'll have to use your SSN for the EID).
Ship them both in the first time (in an insured package). It's not really worth it for one ring.. But I usually send an ounce or more in at a time.
If you go to send, and you want some help the first time, PM me, and I'll send you my cell #.
Cheers!
Skippy
