Fundraising

Donor FAQs

May we designate a different environmental organization to receive our contribution?
Yes, but the organization you designate must be an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) organization. They will happily confirm that status to you. If your favorite organization is not on the list, you may alert them to the program – they just might be interested! Alternatively, you may send us an email to request a one-time donation.

How much is my jewelry worth through recycling?
The short answer is that your jewelry is worth the market value of the gold it contains, less the costs necessary to make that gold ready once more for creating new jewelry.

Fine jewelry is marked in karats. Pure gold is marked as 24 karat. The proportion of gold in your jewelry is the ratio of your karat to 24. 18k gold is 18/24, or 75% gold. 14k gold is 14/24, or 58.33% gold, etc.

Gold is measured and priced in troy ounces, which are different from the ounces we encounter in everyday life. A troy ounce of gold is equal to about 1.1 regular ounces. Since gold prices are always reported in troy ounces, a conversion is required if you are weighing your jewelry on an ordinary kitchen scale.

We value the gold based on prices reported on www.kitco.com, a resource commonly used by those in the industry. The value of the gold in your old jewelry is equal to the weight of the gold content, times the market value of that gold, less the cost of handling and refining.

What type of jewelry should I send?
We are looking mainly for 10k, 14k and 18k gold. We do not want gold plated jewelry. Do not send any piece which you feel is worth more as finished jewelry. We are only seeking pieces to melt.

Will you accept silver and platinum?
Yes, but the percentage of market price offered will be lower.

Will my organization receive credit for any gems in the rings?
We may offer a credit for gems, but we are mostly interested in gold at this time. If you would like your gems returned to you, there will be a $10 per gem fee for removing them from the piece, plus a shipping charge. There is no charge for removal if you do not wish to have the gems returned to you. Note: There is a risk that a gem will break while being removed. greenKarat will not compensate you for any gems broken during removal, so you may wish to consider having the stones removed before sending your pieces to us.

Will I receive a receipt for my donation?
If you wish to receive a receipt for your donation, please check the appropriate box on the donation form AND contact your organization. Receipts for donations will be issued by the benefitting organization. Depending on the nature of your organization’s fundraiser and the administrative resources they have available, receipts may take as long as 3 months to be issued.