In the realm of precious metals, gold certainly takes center stage. But silver’s unique traits and wide range of uses are well worth exploring too. While silver and gold share a lot of common ground – they’re both valuable commodities, often used in jewelry, and were big players in the history of currency – they also have many contrasts. So what are the major differences between gold and silver, not just chemically, but in how they’re used around the world? Silver and Gold’s Similarities Despite their differences, gold and silver hold a few noteworthy similarities. For example, both silver and ..read more

Repairing  teeth with metal crowns is one of the most common procedures in dentistry. Did you know that dental crowns often contain valuable precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium? If you have a dental crown in your mouth, it may be worth something. If you ever have a dental crown removed, you should consider asking the dentist to return it. Although this may seem like an odd request, it’s actually quite practical. These seemingly worthless objects can contain significant value! Dentists are typically obligated to return a patient’s dental crown upon request. Although ..read more

As with any commodity, the precious metal value in dental scrap is constantly fluctuating. But all in all, the value remains consistently high. And lately, gold has reached record highs ($2,184 per ounce as of March 2024). So, what’s the best place to sell dental gold? Selling dental scrap to a reputable precious metal refinery will guarantee the highest payouts! Many of the alloys used to make dental fabrications contain gold or other precious metals like silver, platinum, or palladium. Precious metal refineries help dentists, dental assistants, DSOs, and dental laboratories sell their unused ..read more

We’re precious metal experts here at Garfield Refining, working with gold on the daily. After more than a century in the business, we inevitably grew curious about the etymology of the word “gold.” As one of the most revered elements in human history, we figured “gold” must have some interesting origins. So how did gold get its name? The term “gold” is derived from Old English and Germanic origins. The German Gothic language expressed gold as “gulþa” which later evolved into “geolu” in Old English. Then in the twelfth century, Middle English brought the modern word “gold” into existence. Gold ..read more

The United States Bullion Depository, commonly known as Fort Knox, is considered to be one of the most secure places on earth. Fort Knox is one of the largest gold repositories in the world, housing an estimated 147.3 million ounces of the United States’ gold reserves. According to the U.S. Mint, that’s about half of the U.S. Treasury’s stored gold. No wonder so many Americans are fascinated by Fort Knox. Keep reading for more on the history behind this intriguing landmark! When was Fort Knox Built? The U.S. Mint established the Fort Knox Bullion Depository in 1936 to keep up with the country ..read more

The concept of dental crowns dates all the way back to the ancient Romans, and using crowns for tooth repair remains one of the most common dental procedures today. In fact, single crown placement is the most common restorative procedure performed by dentists in the United States! Dental crowns have many uses, such as restoring the shape, size, strength and/or appearance of a tooth. Crowns can support dental bridges, repair broken teeth, and protect weak or damaged teeth – especially after procedures like root canals. Dental technology has made tremendous advancements over the years. Many of t ..read more

Gold has been around since the dawn of time, playing a major role in shaping human civilizations and economies worldwide. Historians generally agree that gold was one of the first metals to be discovered and used by humans, along with silver and copper. Hieroglyphs describing gold have been found from as early as 2600 BC. We know that gold was discovered thousands of years ago, but it’s hard for historians to pinpoint the discovery to one specific civilization or point in time. It likely occurred simultaneously in several different parts of the world. The mining and use of gold can be traced b ..read more

Have you ever considered investing in gold bullion? As you may know, gold holds timeless value and can be a great addition to your portfolio. Read on to learn about different types of bullion and the pros and cons of each. We also have some pro tips for when you’re ready to sell. Investing in Bullion Gold has been acherished commodity since ancient times, thanks to its intrinsic value and limited supply. This precious metal has long been renowned as a hedge against inflation and a safe haven during times of economic uncertainty. Historically, precious metals like gold and silver have retained ..read more

Chances are you’ve heard the term “14 karat gold” in reference to gold jewelry. But what exactly is 14 karat gold? How can you tell if your jewelry is 14 karat gold? How much is it worth, and are certain types of 14k jewelry more valuable than others? Let’s find out. Karats and Purity First thing’s first – a quick rundown on karats. A karat is a unit of measurement used to indicate the amount of gold in an item, often abbreviated as “k” or “kt.” Pure gold is 24 karats, or 24 parts gold out of a total of 24 parts. Lower karat numbers mean that an item has a lower proportion of gold, with the r ..read more

As a precious metals refiner, our clients often ask us about best practices for when someone inherits gold, silver, or other precious metals. In fact, so many people have asked what to do with gold or silver coins, bullion, or even old dental gold that we decided a blog post was in order.  Read on to learn about your options, so you can make well-informed choices as you navigate selling your inherited precious metals. Should I sell my inherited gold? The first step in choosing the best course of action when dealing with inherited precious metals is deciding if you want to keep or sell yo ..read more