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Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below for answers to common questions from customers
Buying Gold & Silver FAQs
What types of items do you buy?
We purchase a wide variety of precious metals including gold, silver, palladium and platinum. We purchase diamond and gemstone jewelry, and designer pieces. We have the knowledge and experience to evaluate and purchase your antique, estate jewelry and rarities. We also buy sterling silver flatware, dental gold and pocket watches and Rolex Watches. Even broken or mismatched pieces may still hold value.
Do I need an appointment to sell my jewelry or coins?
An appointment is not always necessary. However, it is encouraged for large quantities. Feel free to stop by during store hours and our team will gladly evaluate your items. We stop buying 30 minutes prior to closing time.
How is the value of my gold or silver determined?
The value is based on several factors including metal purity, weight, market pricing, collectible value, brand, condition, antiquity/rarity and gemstone quality when applicable.
Do you buy broken jewelry?
Yes. We buy broken chains, single earrings, damaged rings, scrap gold, and other unwanted precious metal items.
What forms of payment do you offer?
We can offer you a company check or cash depending on the transaction amount.
What is the process for selling my jewelry, coins, or precious metals?
Selling your items is simple, straightforward, and never comes with any pressure or obligation.
We begin by sorting your valuables, then perform any necessary testing, weighing, measuring, and research to determine their current market value. Once the evaluation is complete, we'll present you with a fair, competitive offer.
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I am settling an estate and I have a large amount of items to sell. What should I do?
We are happy to help! Please call the store at (207) 772-2211 to discuss options.
Can I pawn my ring?
Maine Gold & Silver is not a pawn or loan establishment. We purchase items outright, so once a transaction is completed, it is considered a final sale.
Jewelry FAQs
Do you sell estate and antique jewelry?
Yes. We carry a unique selection of estate, vintage, and antique jewelry alongside newer pieces.
Is your jewelry inspected for quality?
Absolutely. Every piece is carefully inspected to ensure quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship.
Can I trade in old jewelry toward a new purchase?
In many cases, yes. We are happy to discuss trade-in options during your visit.
Do you offer jewelry for both men and women?
Yes. Our collection includes jewelry for all styles and occasions.
Do your inventory pieces change often?
Yes. Our inventory is constantly changing as we acquire new estate jewelry, coins, and unique treasures.
What is the difference between estate jewelry and vintage jewelry?
The biggest difference is that estate jewelry describes ownership, while vintage jewelry describes age and style.
Estate jewelry is any piece of jewelry that has been previously owned, regardless of when it was made. An estate piece may be only a few years old or more than a century old.
Vintage jewelry is a term commonly used to describe older jewelry from a previous era that reflects the design and craftsmanship of its time. While there isn't a single universal age requirement, vintage jewelry is generally several decades old and often includes pieces from periods such as Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, Retro, and other historic design movements.
Because of this, many vintage pieces are also estate jewelry—they've simply had a previous owner. However, not all estate jewelry is vintage, as some estate pieces are contemporary designs.
At Maine Gold & Silver, you'll find a carefully curated selection of estate and vintage jewelry, from timeless classics to one-of-a-kind treasures. Every piece is professionally inspected for authenticity, quality, and condition, so you can shop with confidence.
Coins & Bullion FAQs
Do you buy and sell gold and silver coins?
Yes. We buy and sell a variety of coins, bullion, and precious metal products
Do you buy currency?
Yes. We buy and sell old paper currency.
Do you buy foreign coins and currency?
Yes. We buy all types of foreign currency.
What types of coins do you carry?
Inventory may include gold coins, silver coins, collectible and commemorative coins, ancient coins, foreign coins, bullion bars, and more depending on availability.
Are your bullion prices based on the current market?
Yes. Precious metal pricing fluctuates daily based on market conditions.
Can you help identify old or collectible coins?
Yes. Our experienced team can help evaluate many types of coins and collectibles.
Do you carry coin collecting supplies?
Yes! We have a variety of supplies including magnifiers, tubes, sleeves, holders, and books to help any coin collector.
Do you grade coins?
Yes we do. We offer third party grading solutions though establishments such as PCGS, ANACS, and CAC.
Do you offer estate or probate appraisals on coins? What do you charge?
Yes we do! Most coin, jewelry, precious metal, and bullion evaluations can be completed in less than 30 minutes and are provided at no charge.
For larger collections, estate settlements, or situations that require detailed research and written documentation, appraisal fees apply due to the additional time involved.
Our Coin Department appraisal rates are:
- Itemized written purchase offer: $125 per hour
- Official probate or estate appraisal on company letterhead: $175 per hour
Most written estate or collection appraisals take 1–2 hours to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the collection.
If you choose to sell a substantial portion of your collection to us within 60 days of receiving your appraisal, we will refund your appraisal fee in full.
If you have questions about whether your collection requires a formal appraisal or simply a free evaluation, feel free to contact us at (207) 772-2211. We're happy to explain the process before you schedule an appointment.
Store & Service FAQs
What are your store hours?
Tuesday - Friday - 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday - 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Sunday & Monday - Closed
*We stop buying from the public 30 minutes before closing time*
Where are you located?
We are located at 220 Maine Mall Road in South Portland, Maine. We are in the Mall Plaza near Dicks Sporting Goods. Visit our store to browse or speak with our team directly.
Are you locally owned?
Yes. We are a locally owned and operated business with decades of experience in the jewelry and precious metals industry.
Why shop local for jewelry and precious metals?
Shopping local allows you to work directly with experienced professionals while receiving personalized service and trusted guidance.
Do you repair jewelry?
Yes! Whether it's simply soldering a broken chain or restoring a family treasure, our jewelers have over 50 years combined experience in jewelry repair and custom design.
How often should jewelry be cleaned or inspected?
We recommend having fine jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected regularly to help maintain its beauty and ensure stones remain secure.
Do you do custom work?
Yes, we do! Whether you’re celebrating an engagement, anniversary, milestone, or simply want to bring a personal vision to life, our team will guide you through every step of the design process. From the first sketch to the finished piece, we work closely with you to create jewelry that reflects your style and will be treasured for generations.
Can you take my jewelry and make something new?
We can transform heirloom or unworn pieces into something fresh while preserving the memories they hold. By incorporating your existing diamonds, gemstones, or precious metals into a new design, you can give cherished jewelry a brand-new life.
Do you re-string pearls or beads?
Yes we do! Pearls demand gentle care. For necklaces and bracelets that are worn frequently, we recommend professional restringing every few years to ensure the silk thread remains strong and secure. If you notice stretched thread, gaps between pearls, or fraying, it's time to have your pearls restrung.
Do you offer Layaway?
Yes! Layaway is available exclusively to our in-store customers.
We are happy to offer layaway on eligible purchases to make it easier to take home something special. A minimum 20% deposit is required at the time the layaway is established, with the remaining balance paid through regular monthly payments.
Our Layaway Policy
- Purchases under $500: 5-month layaway term
- Purchases over $501: 10-month layaway term
- Special or Custom Orders: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required, with the remaining balance due according to the agreed-upon layaway term.
Regular monthly payments are required throughout the layaway period. Customers are welcome to pay more than the required monthly amount or pay the balance in full at any time.
If no payment or other account activity is received for 90 consecutive days, the layaway contract may be terminated. In the event of cancellation, a restocking fee will be retained by Maine Gold & Silver, and any remaining balance of the deposit or payments will be issued as a merchandise credit.
Payments are accepted by mail, phone, or in person.
Online Shopping & Shipping FAQs
What is the difference between estate jewelry and vintage jewelry?
The biggest difference is that estate jewelry describes ownership, while vintage jewelry describes age and style.
Estate jewelry is any piece of jewelry that has been previously owned, regardless of when it was made. An estate piece may be only a few years old or more than a century old.
Vintage jewelry is a term commonly used to describe older jewelry from a previous era that reflects the design and craftsmanship of its time. While there isn't a single universal age requirement, vintage jewelry is generally several decades old and often includes pieces from periods such as Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, Retro, and other historic design movements.
Because of this, many vintage pieces are also estate jewelry—they've simply had a previous owner. However, not all estate jewelry is vintage, as some estate pieces are contemporary designs.
At Maine Gold & Silver, you'll find a carefully curated selection of estate and vintage jewelry, from timeless classics to one-of-a-kind treasures. Every piece is professionally inspected for authenticity, quality, and condition, so you can shop with confidence.
What payment types do you accept?
Maine Gold & Silver currently accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal Payments to pay for your online order. These payment options use advanced SSL encryption to keep your transaction secure.
Please note that any orders cancelled prior to shipment will not be refunded for credit card processing fees incurred at the rate of 3%.
How long will it take to get my order?
We do our best to get you your order without delay. In-stock items typically take 1-2 business days to process and an additional 1-3 days to ship. Need it sooner? All orders can be upgraded to priority and overnight shipping. Additional order validation may be required and can delay delivery.
Do I have to sign for my package?
Yes. Due to the high value of our products, signature confirmation will be required on all orders. If there is a chance that you will not be home to receive your package, it may be a good idea to send it to a place where someone can sign for it, such as your workplace.
Do you ship internationally?
At this time, we only offer shipping inside the United States.
What if an item is no longer available after I check out?
Most of our vintage and estate jewelry items are one-of-a-kind. While we do our best to keep our online inventory current, some items may become unavailable after you check out. In that event, your credit card will be refunded for the purchase amount and we will be in touch with alternate options.
The ring I want to purchase isn't my size. Can it be sized?
In many cases, yes. Most rings can be professionally resized to fit your finger.
Because not every customer requires ring sizing, we do not build the cost of sizing into the price of our rings. This allows us to keep our pricing as competitive as possible and ensures that customers only pay for the services they need.
If you'd like a ring resized before shipment, please contact us for a sizing quote prior to placing your order. Sizing fees vary depending on the metal, design, and the amount of adjustment required. We'll be happy to provide an estimate and discuss your options before any work is performed.
Please note:
- Some rings, including eternity bands, tension-set rings, and certain antique or specialty designs, cannot be resized without compromising their integrity.
- Once a ring has been sized or otherwise altered, it becomes a customized item and is not eligible for return or exchange.
- Ring sizing requires additional craftsmanship, so please allow additional processing time before your order ships.
Returns and Exchanges
What is your return or exchange policy?
You have 30 days from the date of purchase to return the item for a full refund, in-store credit, or you could exchange it for something else.
Certain items, however, may not be returned:
- Personalized items (ie: sized rings, engraved or monogrammed items)
- Special Orders (items that must be ordered in a special size or items that we do not normally stock).
- Bullion items (without prior approval)
To start a return, you can contact us at sales@maine.gold.
See our complete return policy HERE.
Cancellation and Fraud Prevention
Order Verification and Cancellation
At Maine Gold & Silver, the security of our customers and our business is a top priority. Because of the high-value nature of estate jewelry, we have strict fraud-prevention measures in place to protect against unauthorized transactions.
Right to Refuse or Cancel
We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to refuse or cancel any order for any reason. Situations that may result in your order being canceled include, but are not limited to:
- Suspected fraudulent or unauthorized activity.
- Inconsistencies between the billing and shipping details provided.
- Failure to pass our payment gateway’s security and fraud verification checks.
- Errors in product or pricing information.
Additional Verification
Before processing certain orders, we may require additional verification or information. If your order is flagged by our system, we may reach out to you to verify your identity, confirm your shipping address, or request additional documentation. If we are unable to reach you or verify the information within 48 hours, the order will be canceled.
Notification and Refunds
If your order is canceled after your credit card (or other payment method) has been charged, we will immediately issue a full refund to your original method of payment. We will notify you of the cancellation via the email address provided at checkout.
Anti-money Laundering Compliance
Aurum LLC dba Maine Gold and Silver has a written anti-money laundering program of compliance and supervisory procedures in place that complies with the USA Patriot Act, Bank Secrecy Act, and other legislation and regulations to prevent money laundering and terrorist finance. The entire staff at Maine Gold and Silver has received specialized training regarding anti-money laundering provisions and have been certified.