Selling gold in Tiverton offers residents a straightforward way to convert unwanted jewelry, coins, or scrap gold into immediate cash. This coastal Rhode Island town, situated along the Sakonnet River with views toward Portsmouth and Fall River, provides access to several reputable buyers both locally and in surrounding communities. Whether you’re looking to sell inherited jewelry, broken chains, or investment-grade gold coins, understanding the local market and your options helps ensure you receive fair value for your items.
The gold buying landscape in Tiverton and nearby areas includes jewelry stores, pawn shops, and specialized precious metals dealers. Each type of buyer offers different advantages depending on what you’re selling and your priorities regarding convenience, price, and service. Tiverton’s location near the Massachusetts border and proximity to Fall River creates additional options for sellers willing to travel a short distance for potentially better offers.
Understanding Gold Prices and Purity in Rhode Island
Gold prices fluctuate daily based on global market conditions, with the spot price serving as the baseline for all transactions. When selling in Tiverton, buyers typically offer 70-90% of the current spot price, depending on the purity of your gold and the buyer’s business model. This percentage varies significantly, making it worthwhile to compare multiple offers before completing a sale.
Gold purity is measured in karats, with 24-karat representing pure gold. Most jewelry sold in the United States is 10K, 14K, or 18K, containing 41.7%, 58.3%, and 75% pure gold respectively. Tiverton sellers should have their items tested to determine exact purity, as this directly impacts value. Reputable buyers use electronic testers or acid tests to verify karat weight, and they should perform these tests in front of you.
Rhode Island has specific regulations governing precious metals dealers, requiring proper licensing and record-keeping for all transactions. These consumer protections help ensure legitimate business practices in communities like Tiverton, though sellers should still exercise due diligence when choosing a buyer.
Tax Implications for Gold Sales in Rhode Island
Rhode Island considers precious metals sales as capital gains transactions for tax purposes. If you sell gold for more than your original purchase price, the profit is subject to capital gains tax. For items held longer than one year, the federal long-term capital gains rate applies, which can be 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your overall income level. The IRS also applies a special 28% collectibles tax rate to precious metals in certain situations.
Rhode Island state income tax follows federal guidelines for capital gains, meaning you’ll report any profit on both your federal and state returns. The state’s income tax rates range from 3.75% to 5.99% depending on your income bracket. However, most people selling old jewelry or inherited gold pieces have no documented purchase price, making it difficult to establish a capital gain. In these cases, the full sale amount might be considered profit for tax purposes.
For sales under $10,000, most gold buyers in the Tiverton area won’t issue a 1099 form, though you’re still legally required to report the income. Larger transactions or sales to dealers who regularly report to the IRS will generate documentation. Keeping records of your sales, including receipts and buyer information, helps with accurate tax reporting and protects you in case of an audit. Consulting with a Rhode Island tax professional familiar with precious metals transactions provides clarity on your specific situation.
Local Gold Buyers Serving Tiverton
Naum Brothers Fine Jewelry (Fall River, MA) Located at 456 North Main Street in Fall River, just across the Braga Bridge from Tiverton, Naum Brothers has served the area since 1980. This family-owned jewelry store purchases gold jewelry, coins, and scrap gold. Their location on North Main Street, the main commercial corridor through Fall River, makes them easily accessible for Tiverton residents heading north on Route 24. They offer appraisals and buy various gold items including broken jewelry and dental gold.
Belleville Gold & Silver Exchange (Fall River, MA) Situated at 1050 Robeson Street in Fall River’s south end, this precious metals dealer specializes in buying gold, silver, and platinum. The location near Kennedy Park puts it about 15 minutes from Tiverton via Route 24. Belleville Gold & Silver Exchange focuses specifically on precious metals transactions rather than jewelry retail, which can sometimes result in more competitive pricing for sellers. They purchase gold coins, jewelry, and larger quantities of scrap gold.
Newport Gold & Coin (Middletown, RI) Found at 850 Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown, this dealer serves the Aquidneck Island area including nearby Portsmouth and Newport. For Tiverton residents, it’s accessible via Route 138 and Route 114 across the Sakonnet River Bridge. Newport Gold & Coin buys gold jewelry, coins, and bullion, with particular expertise in numismatic items. Their focus on coins makes them a good option for those looking to sell gold coins rather than just jewelry.
Diamond & Gold Exchange (Warwick, RI) Located at 650 Bald Hill Road in Warwick, this buyer serves the greater Providence area. While further from Tiverton than Fall River options, some sellers make the drive when seeking competitive offers on larger quantities of gold. The Bald Hill Road location sits in one of Rhode Island’s major commercial districts with ample parking. They purchase all forms of gold including jewelry, coins, and silver items.
B&B Jewelry Buyers (Swansea, MA) This buyer operates at 655 Grand Army Highway (Route 6) in Swansea, convenient for Tiverton residents via Fish Road. B&B Jewelry Buyers focuses on purchasing gold and diamond jewelry with walk-in service. Their location on the busy Route 6 corridor between Fall River and Providence provides easy access. They buy broken jewelry, unwanted gold pieces, and watches containing gold.
Seekonk Coin & Jewelry (Seekonk, MA) Found at 1303 Fall River Avenue in Seekonk, this buyer combines coin dealing with jewelry purchasing. The location on Route 6 near the Rhode Island border makes it accessible from Tiverton via Route 24 and Route 195. For those interested in selling numismatic items alongside jewelry, this dual focus can be advantageous. They handle gold coins, jewelry, and bullion products.
Comparing Jewelry Stores vs. Specialized Gold Buyers
Tiverton sellers often debate whether to visit traditional jewelry stores or specialized precious metals dealers. Jewelry stores like those found along Main Road in Tiverton or North Main Street in Fall River typically offer convenience and familiar settings but may pay less for scrap gold since retail jewelry sales are their primary business. They often prefer to buy intact, wearable pieces they can resell directly.
Specialized gold buyers and coin dealers usually focus exclusively on precious metals transactions, which can translate to better prices for sellers. These businesses in Fall River, Seekonk, and Middletown build their operations around the buying and selling of gold, often processing large volumes and working with tighter margins. They’re typically more interested in gold content than jewelry aesthetics, making them ideal for broken items, mismatched earrings, or outdated styles.
Pawn shops present another option, though they generally offer the lowest prices since they need to resell items for profit. However, pawn shops along Route 6 and in Fall River provide immediate cash without appointment and will purchase virtually any gold item regardless of condition. For small amounts of gold or when convenience outweighs price, pawn shops serve a purpose.
The best strategy involves getting quotes from multiple buyer types in the Tiverton area. A jewelry store might offer more for an antique gold ring with resale value, while a specialized dealer might pay better for broken chains or single earrings valued only for gold content.
Getting the Best Price for Your Gold
Maximizing your return when selling gold in Tiverton starts with understanding current market prices. Check the spot price of gold on the day you plan to sell using financial websites or apps. This knowledge prevents lowball offers and helps you recognize fair pricing. Remember that no buyer will pay full spot price since they need margin for processing, overhead, and profit.
Sorting your gold by karat before visiting buyers streamlines the process and demonstrates you’re an informed seller. Look for stamps like “14K,” “18K,” or “585” (14K European marking) on jewelry pieces. Keep different purities separate since mixing them requires buyers to test each piece individually. Remove any stones from jewelry if possible, as most gold buyers won’t pay extra for small diamonds or colored stones.
Weight your gold at home using a kitchen scale if available. While buyers will perform official weighing, knowing approximate weight helps verify their measurements and calculations. Gold is measured in troy ounces (31.1 grams) or pennyweights (1.55 grams), different from standard ounces.
Visit at least three buyers in the Tiverton and Fall River area to compare offers. Bring identification since Rhode Island law requires gold buyers to record seller information for every transaction. Don’t feel pressured to accept the first offer, and be wary of buyers who rush you or discourage shopping around. Legitimate dealers understand that informed sellers compare prices.
Timing can affect prices, though predicting gold market movements is difficult. Generally, gold prices tend to rise during economic uncertainty. Watching trends for a few weeks before selling might reveal an opportune moment, though for most people selling small amounts of jewelry, the convenience of selling when needed outweighs waiting for slight price increases.
What to Expect During the Selling Process
When you visit a gold buyer in Fall River, Seekonk, or Middletown, the process typically follows a standard sequence. You’ll present your items and the buyer will examine each piece, testing for purity using either electronic testing or acid testing. Electronic testers are non-destructive and provide instant results. Acid testing involves making a small mark on the item and applying acid that reacts differently based on gold content.
After testing, the buyer weighs your gold, usually separating items by karat. They’ll calculate an offer based on the pure gold content in your items and their current buying rate. This offer should be clearly explained, showing the weight, purity, and price per gram or pennyweight. Ask questions if anything is unclear.
Rhode Island regulations require buyers to hold items for a specified period before reselling them, helping prevent the sale of stolen goods. You should receive a receipt detailing everything you sold, including descriptions, weight, and amount paid. Keep these records for tax purposes and personal documentation.
Payment methods vary by buyer. Some offer immediate cash, while others provide checks or electronic payment. For larger transactions over several thousand dollars, checks are common. Discuss payment preferences before finalizing the sale.
If selling gold coins with numismatic value beyond their gold content, consider seeking appraisals from coin dealers before selling for melt value. Some older gold coins, particularly pre-1933 U.S. gold coins, can be worth significantly more to collectors than their gold content alone. Buyers in Seekonk and Middletown who specialize in coins can properly evaluate these items.
Selling Different Types of Gold Items
Gold jewelry represents the most common item sold in Tiverton and surrounding areas. Broken chains, single earrings, outdated styles, and inherited pieces all have value based on gold content. Don’t assume broken or damaged jewelry is worthless; gold buyers purchase these items specifically for their precious metal content rather than appearance.
Gold coins fall into two categories: bullion coins valued primarily for gold content and numismatic coins with collector value. American Gold Eagles, Canadian Gold Maple Leafs, and South African Krugerrands are bullion coins that trade close to their gold content value. Rare or historically significant gold coins should be evaluated by knowledgeable coin dealers before selling. The coin dealers in Seekonk and Middletown can assess both types properly.
Dental gold, though less common than jewelry, contains real gold and can be sold to precious metals buyers. Old crowns or bridges typically contain 10K-22K gold alloys. While not large amounts, dental gold still has value and buyers in the Fall River area will purchase it.
Gold bullion in bar or ingot form represents investment-grade gold that should command prices closest to spot rates. If you have gold bars or ingots, compare offers from multiple dealers as these items carry less processing complexity than jewelry. Some buyers may request documentation of purchase for bullion items.
Scrap gold including broken jewelry, watch parts, or gold-filled items can be sold together. Gold-filled items contain a layer of gold bonded to base metal and are worth considerably less than solid gold, but still have value. Be clear about what you’re selling and ensure the buyer distinguishes between solid and gold-filled items.
Understanding the Rhode Island Gold Buying Market
Rhode Island’s precious metals market centers around Providence, Newport, and the Massachusetts border communities including Fall River. Tiverton’s location provides access to buyers in all these areas within a short drive. The proximity to Fall River, a larger city with established jewelry and precious metals businesses, gives Tiverton residents competitive options without traveling to Providence.
Seasonal fluctuations affect gold buying patterns in coastal Rhode Island communities. Summer months see increased tourist traffic in Newport and beach towns, which can influence local buyer inventory and buying rates. Winter months, particularly after holidays, often see more people selling gold as they convert gifts or look to generate cash after holiday spending.
The local market also includes refiners and larger-scale buyers who work primarily with jewelry stores and dealers rather than individuals. These businesses, while not accessible to most individual sellers, influence the rates offered by retail buyers in Tiverton’s surrounding area. Understanding this supply chain helps explain why buyers offer 70-90% of spot price rather than full value.
Economic conditions in the broader Providence-Fall River region affect local gold buying patterns. During economic downturns or personal financial hardships, more people sell gold, potentially creating a buyer’s market. Conversely, when gold prices spike due to economic uncertainty or inflation, selling can be more lucrative.
Online gold buyers provide another option for Tiverton residents willing to ship items. These services offer convenience and sometimes competitive pricing, though they eliminate the ability to watch testing and weighing in person. For valuable items, the security and transparency of local in-person sales often outweigh potential price advantages from online buyers.
Protecting Yourself When Selling Gold
Legitimate gold buyers in the Fall River and Tiverton area operate with transparency, performing tests and calculations in front of sellers. Be cautious of buyers who take items to back rooms or refuse to explain their testing methods. Reputable dealers welcome questions and provide detailed explanations of their pricing.
Check online reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings for buyers you’re considering. Established businesses like those on North Main Street in Fall River or Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown typically have track records you can research. New or unknown buyers warrant additional scrutiny.
Never leave items for “evaluation” with a buyer you don’t know well unless you receive a detailed receipt describing each item. While most buyers are honest, protecting yourself against loss or theft requires basic precautions. If a buyer insists on holding items overnight for testing or evaluation, ensure you have written documentation.
Rhode Island law provides consumer protections for precious metals transactions, but understanding your rights helps ensure they’re respected. Buyers must provide receipts, follow holding periods before reselling, and maintain transaction records. If you encounter a buyer who seems to be operating outside legal requirements, consider reporting them to Rhode Island consumer protection authorities.
Get everything in writing, including test results, weights, purity assessments, and offered prices. This documentation helps if disputes arise and provides records for tax purposes. Verbal agreements mean little if problems develop later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What forms of identification do I need to sell gold in Tiverton?
Rhode Island law requires gold buyers to record seller identification for all transactions. You’ll need a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport. This requirement applies whether you’re selling in Tiverton, Fall River, or any surrounding community. The regulation helps prevent the sale of stolen items and protects both buyers and sellers. Bring your ID to every appointment, as buyers cannot complete purchases without proper identification documentation.
How much less than spot price should I expect when selling gold in the Fall River area?
Most reputable buyers in Fall River, Seekonk, and Middletown offer 70-90% of the current spot price for gold, depending on quantity, purity, and form. Jewelry typically fetches 70-80% of spot for the gold content, while gold coins and bullion approach 80-90% since they require less processing. Pawn shops generally offer less, sometimes 50-70% of spot. The percentage also increases with quantity; someone selling several ounces receives better rates than someone selling a single ring. Compare offers from at least three buyers along North Main Street, Route 6, or Aquidneck Avenue to ensure you’re getting competitive pricing for your items.
Can I sell gold without paying taxes in Rhode Island?
All gold sales are technically taxable events if you profit from the transaction. However, most people selling old jewelry have no documentation of original purchase price, making capital gains calculations difficult. Rhode Island follows federal tax guidelines for precious metals sales. Small transactions under $10,000 often don’t generate 1099 forms from buyers, but you’re still legally obligated to report income. The IRS considers precious metals “collectibles” subject to a maximum 28% federal tax rate on long-term capital gains. Consult with a Rhode Island tax professional about your specific situation, especially for larger sales or inherited gold where basis documentation may be available.
Which Tiverton-area buyers offer the best prices for gold coins versus jewelry?
Specialized coin dealers like Seekonk Coin & Jewelry or Newport Gold & Coin typically offer better prices for gold coins, particularly numismatic pieces with collector value beyond gold content. These buyers understand coin grading, rarity, and collector markets. For standard jewelry and scrap gold, specialized precious metals dealers such as Belleville Gold & Silver Exchange in Fall River often provide more competitive offers than traditional jewelry stores since they focus exclusively on gold content rather than retail resale potential. However, prices vary based on current inventory needs and business models, so comparing offers from both jewelry stores and specialized dealers remains the best strategy regardless of what you’re selling.
How long does the selling process take at gold buyers near Tiverton?
Most transactions at buyers in Fall River, Seekonk, or Middletown take 15-30 minutes once you’re meeting with a buyer. This includes testing each item for purity, weighing the gold, calculating the offer, and completing paperwork if you accept. Busy times, particularly weekends or early afternoons, may involve waiting for service. Some buyers accept appointments which can reduce wait times. If you’re selling a large quantity of items or complex pieces requiring extensive testing, allow more time. Payment is typically immediate for cash transactions, while checks may be provided on the spot or require a brief wait for processing.
Are there buyers in Tiverton itself or do I need to travel to surrounding areas?
Tiverton has limited local options for selling gold, with most residents traveling to nearby Fall River (15 minutes north), Middletown (20 minutes southeast), or communities along Route 6 in Massachusetts. Fall River offers the closest concentration of buyers, with several options along North Main Street and other commercial areas. This short drive provides access to multiple buyers for price comparison. Some Tiverton residents also consider Providence-area buyers when selling larger quantities or valuable items worth the longer drive. The convenience of multiple nearby buyers in Fall River typically makes travel worthwhile for better selection and competitive pricing.
Ready to Sell Your Gold in Tiverton?
Converting unwanted gold into cash in the Tiverton area requires understanding your options, knowing current market prices, and comparing offers from multiple buyers. The concentration of reputable buyers in nearby Fall River, combined with specialized dealers in Seekonk and Middletown, provides Tiverton residents with competitive opportunities to sell jewelry, coins, and scrap gold at fair prices.
Taking time to sort your items by karat, researching current gold prices, and visiting at least three buyers ensures you receive appropriate value for your precious metals. Whether you’re clearing out inherited jewelry, selling broken pieces, or liquidating investment gold, the local market offers transparency and accessibility. The short drive to Fall River’s North Main Street or Robeson Street areas puts you in contact with established buyers who can evaluate your items professionally.
Rhode Island’s consumer protection regulations provide safeguards, but informed sellers who understand purity, weight, and pricing dynamics consistently achieve better results. Keep documentation of all transactions for tax purposes and personal records. With proper preparation and a willingness to compare offers, selling gold in the Tiverton area becomes a straightforward process that converts unwanted items into immediate cash at competitive rates.

Joe Meinen is the founder of LocalGoldSilver.com, a resource helping people across the United States find reputable local buyers for their gold, silver, and precious metals. With a background in digital marketing and local business research, he specializes in providing accurate, location-specific guidance for sellers in every state.
Joe has spent extensive time researching gold and silver buyers throughout the country, compiling information on local dealers, state tax laws, and pricing factors to help sellers get the best value for their items. He currently resides in Rhode Island.


