CLEVELAND -- With a tight economy many people are rummaging through their jewelry boxes to find pieces that are tarnished, broken or simply no longer in style. Those bangles can turn into bucks and that has the gold industry booming.

Whether you walk into a make-shift store, go to an existing jewelry store or mail in your gold, there are some tips to make sure you are getting what you're due.

Dave Hicks with the Gold Guys said the benefit of meeting someone face-to-face is the expert can separate the treasures from trinkets right in front of you. And if you don't know what you have, just bring it all. Hicks said, "You want to be able to see what it's weighing. You want to be able to see how it's classified."

They use magnets, magnifying glasses and even electrical devices to determine your jewelry's purity. But remember they deal in metal not stones. Hicks said, "When you sell for scrap the only thing that matters is weight and carat."

And with the Gold Guys the prices are clearly displayed, so there's no haggling. For example, NewsChannel5's Joy Benedict brought them a broken 18 carat gold chain, two 14 carat gold chains and a pair of 18 carat gold earrings. The offer was $95.98.

There are many options though so Benedict shopped around. Cash4Gold Cash4gold touted "fast cash" so Benedict sent away for a "refiners return pak." The shipping was free but she was expecting an e-mail or phone call. Instead she received a check for $35, which is $60 less than the Gold Guys offer. She called and asked for the pieces back and she got it six weeks later.

Next, Benedict logged onto US GoldBuyers, which also offered free shipping. The next business day Benedict received a phone call offering $132. Three days later the check arrived.

Mailing away for money is an uncertain process and sometimes the face-to-face assistance is beneficial in deciding what to sell. The Gold Guys offer was made two months before the check was issued by US GoldBuyers, and the value of gold did go up.

If you are selling your gold in person, look for a posted State License at all locations. All companies buying gold should be licensed by the State of Ohio. Also, know what you own before you try and sell. Look for purity stamps on all your jewelry such as 10k, 14k or 18k. Necklaces are typically stamped on the clasp, rings on the inside and earrings on the post. All scales are certified by the local counties Weights and Measures Department, so ask to see the sticker.

Make sure the scale is on zero before your jewelry is placed on it. Be cautious if you are selling to a company that advertises "paying cash." Thieves may be lurking when you leave, so be aware of your surroundings.

If you are selling your gold to an online company, make sure you have a physical address and not just a post office box. You need to know where you are sending it. Check the Web site for affiliations such as the Better Business Bureau. When you click the BBB logo, it should bring you to the accredited Web site. If it doesn't, that means the logo was simply copied and pasted onto the site.

There is also something called the JVC, or Jewelers Vigilance Committee. This organization was formed to provide education and self-regulation to the jewelry industry. Members pledge to comply with all laws applicable to the jewelry industry and make accurate representations about the products they sell. Check to see if the business is a member.

Since the price of gold fluctuates, timing is of the essence. Make sure the turnaround time is reasonable so you get the best deal possible.

The Ohio attorney general's office and the Better Business Bureau offer this advice on selling gold jewelry:

• Get jewelry independently appraised at two other establishments, at a minimum. Have the weight and gold content assessed by an accredited appraiser or by a jeweler who isn't involved in a "We buy gold!" promotion.
• Check the reputation of a gold buyer or the company behind a gold-buying party. You can do that through the BBB or 216-241-7678 and the Ohio attorney general's office or 1-800-282-0515.
• Be wary of mail-in companies. If you mail your gold, you could be underpaid or lose it altogether. If you do decide to mail something, send it certified and insure it.
• Remember that the scrap price of jewelry reflects only the value of the metals in it. Antique jewelry or jewelry made by certain artisans may be worth much more.
• Avoid leaving your jewelry with a buyer who just seems to pop up out of nowhere. Deal with businesses that have storefronts and long-term reputations in your area.