Gold selling 101

With gold hitting all-time highs, cash-strapped Americans are cashing in. Just be careful: consumer protections are far and few between, and complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau against gold buying companies have tripled over the past year.

For complete details, check out WalletPop's Saving Experiment about how to sell your gold.

In the meantime, sellers, do your homework:

What's it worth?
Gem experts tell me that most consumers have no idea what their jewelry is worth. Shop it around locally and get a few estimates (2 or 3). See what reputable dealers have to say. Or, get an independent appraisal (You can find an appraiser through the American Society of Appraisers.)