Want extra cash? Get a fair price when trying to sell your gold

BY NICOLE PAITSEL - McClatchy Newspapers

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With the price of gold swelling past $1,000, advertisements are begging consumers to "SELL GOLD!"

Here are some tips from Elaine Lidholm, director of communications for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, for finding a fair and reputable gold-buying service:

* Look for an approval or inspection sticker from your state on the scale.

* Witness the gold being weighed. It's perfectly reasonable to ask the goldsmith to test his scale in front of you.

* If you have questions about the accuracy of the scale, call the consumer affairs office and request that an officer check the scales.

* Seek an appraisal. Jewelry appraisals are often done for insurance purposes, but it can give you an idea of how much your piece is worth. Then you can decide whether you want to sell the gold or sell the jewelry piece as a whole.

* Check your local department of consumer affairs for complaints against specific businesses. You can also check the Better Business Bureau.

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