Gold has risen to 2,000 yuan per gram—would people who own gold sell it?

I was about to take off my earrings, thinking about how I got stuck washing my face after work today. My hands were wet, and I almost dropped them into the sink… I gently slid my finger, making a crisp sound. Luckily, they didn’t fall into the drain, or these “old friends” would have said goodbye to us. Suddenly, I remembered that two years ago, I almost lost them when I bought them. That was probably summer, but I can’t remember clearly now. Anyway, sweating on my hands made wearing earrings a bit sticky and annoying. But the real solid gold earrings I bought that year for over 800 yuan, including craftsmanship fees, cost about 17 or 18 thousand yuan… Have I forgotten again? Anyway, they were much cheaper than now.

Speaking of gold prices, they’ve been trending all over the news lately. I don’t check every day. One noon, my best friend and I were playing on our phones when she suddenly asked, “Should you sell some of your jewelry now that gold prices are higher?” I didn’t answer right away. She bought gold bars last year, which are said to be more stable. I asked her, “Can’t those jewelry pieces be recycled?” She said, the price difference between jewelry and gold is huge, and when you sell them back, the shop deducts craftsmanship fees. That day, we went to a nearby gold shop to ask. The clerk told us that if gold really hits 2,000 yuan, how much would the jewelry be worth? The clerk pointed to the display and said the buyback price could reach 1,900 yuan per gram. I remembered that, but the 3D solid gold bracelet I bought at the time had a craftsmanship fee of over 800 yuan, so that part would be lost in the resale… It made me a bit disappointed (covering face).

There was also a small incident. I initially wanted to weigh the bracelet directly with the clerk, but she casually took a piece of cotton cloth and wiped it. Surprisingly, there were slight scratches on it. I don’t wear jewelry often, but how come it still shows signs of wear? It seems that no matter how carefully you use jewelry, time will take its toll… But what I can’t bear to part with most is that water ripple collar chain I wear every day. I’ve gotten used to it, like an extension of my hand. When I don’t wear it, I feel empty around my neck. In summer, the heat makes my skin itch, and I want to scratch but worry about damaging the skin. Last time, I almost got my hair caught in it, and it took a while to untangle.

Actually, there’s no deep reason. I hesitated for a long time before deciding to buy it, but after wearing it, I found it too troublesome to take care of daily. When tired, I just toss it into my jewelry box… I think I take decent care of it. I’m not the type to sell every piece of gold I own. Sometimes I calculate, “If gold really reaches 2,000 yuan per gram, how much could I have?” But then I think, “It might stay flat or even drop again someday.” That day, my best friend and I almost argued about whether to sell everything. She felt safer with cash in hand, while I was torn between sentimental value and practicality. Later, I asked my mom and aunt, and they casually said, keep it for personal use or give it to the kids… Not everyone believes in this kind of investment.

One day, while looking at chat records, I suddenly chimed in: “Hey, actually I’m pretty indecisive. Last time I talked to a colleague about gold, and she said she has a lot. As long as it hits 2,000 yuan, she’d rather sell everything and use the money for a down payment. Wearing it is fine, but selling seems better.” I think that idea makes sense, but I also think some things are worth keeping. Wearing jewelry in the air feels good, and it’s better than leaving it idle.

Thinking about it, my idea is pretty simple. I don’t wear 3D solid gold jewelry often. If I lose a little in resale, so be it. Selling some to get some pocket money is fine. I really can’t part with the earrings and collar chain—they’re not irrational; I use them every day. Being happy with what I have is the most important. When you add up craftsmanship fees, it also shows that jewelry can never be as profitable as gold bars. The craftsmanship fee is a sunk cost, but I feel cold and detached holding a gold bar (or maybe I’m just emotional?).

But there’s one more thing—once I almost lost the receipt. Luckily, I found it in a drawer later. Having proof of purchase can get a better price when selling. I don’t know if it’s real, but it gives me more confidence. Jewelry boxes are always opening and closing. Sometimes I forget to lock them, and I think I’ll come back to organize later. Otherwise, things might get stolen. There are only a few tricks to cashing out gold: don’t go to roadside workshops to avoid lowball offers. The shop with more reputation is more trustworthy; I don’t believe in those small, unregulated places.

Writing this, I still haven’t tidied up this pair of earrings. I’m hesitating whether to find the 3D solid gold chain tonight and take another look, but I’m a bit lazy… Do you usually just toss all your jewelry into the box when you get home and forget about it?