Blog

Platinum group metals, or PGMs, are a family of six metallic elements that all share common physical and chemical characteristics. The six PGMs include platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), iridium (Ir), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru), and osmium (Os). Other than their inherently similar chemical makeup & physical properties, they all hold a unique place in the broader precious metals market.

Proper silver scrap handling starts long before your material reaches the refinery. Jewelers and pawnbrokers may hold silver scrap for weeks or months while building up enough material to send in. During that time, a few simple steps can help keep it clean, organized, protected, and ready for silver refining services.

Over the past few years, platinum has become one of the most popular precious metals used in the retail jewelry market. At the same time, it has a reputation as one of the most inert precious metals to process and refine. Once platinum reaches a refinery, it requires unique handling processes due to its strength, composition, and presence of other Platinum Group Metals (PGMs). 

Jewelers and pawnbrokers know what happens to scrap gold before it leaves their shop. What happens after it arrives at a refiner is often less familiar. Understanding how gold is refined can help you interpret accurate settlements and recover as much precious metal as possible. 

Gold and silver have been valuable commodities for centuries, and they’re likely to remain important for years to come. While prices may rise and fall in the short term, several long-term trends are helping shape the future of precious metals. 

When you send precious metal scrap to a refiner, you can usually estimate how much you’ll get out of it. At the same time, you may wonder, “How do I know I’m getting credit for everything I send?” The answer comes down to process control and working with a responsible refinery you can trust. 

Precious metal refining requires a tremendous amount of energy, thermal control, and chemical safety throughout everyday operations. Not to mention, it emits harsh industrial byproducts which are carefully regulated in the United States. That’s why precious metal refining compliance plays an important role in modern refinery operations and should never be overlooked.

When jewelers and pawnbrokers send precious metal scrap to a refiner, a little preparation goes a long way. Whether scrap comes from repairs, broken chains, outdated inventory, bench sweeps, or casting grain, organized shipments are easier to process and evaluate accurately.

The Hidden Trade-Off in Refining Choices

For many jewelers and pawnbrokers, refining is part of the business. But how you choose to refine can impact more than you think. Some work with a local partner, while others rely on mail-in services. Then, some use a mix of both.

Mail-in refining is widely used and can work well. But not all experiences are the same. When comparing local gold refining vs mail-in, the real difference often comes down to speed, visibility, and confidence in the process.

Why Metal Testing Accuracy Matters

For jewelers and pawnbrokers, knowing exactly what you have isn’t optional. It affects your pricing, payouts, and the trust you build with customers. Whether you’re sorting scrap or preparing material for refining, accurate jewelers gold purity testing is a critical part of your dayto- day operations.

Why Refining Can Feel Confusing

Jewelers and manufacturers understand refining’s core function: to turn scrap, sweeps, or excess material back into usable precious metal. But how the process actually works can feel less clear. 

A New Chapter for Mid-States

Over the last four decades, Mid-States Recycling & Refining has established a reputation rooted in core values: precision, transparency, and trusted refining. From careful lot processing to disciplined trading and honest settlement, our commitment to doing things the right way has been a constant.

Understanding the Silver Supply Deficit

It’s important to know that when people talk about a “silver supply deficit,” they’re not referencing a temporary shortage or sudden run on metal. Read more »

To our community of jewelers, pawnbrokers, and partners:

At Mid-States Recycling, we have always prided ourselves on transparency and our industry-leading "same-day" standard. However, the current global metals market is navigating a period of significant transition.

When it comes to processing precious metals, terms like “refinery” and “smelter” are often used interchangeably—but they’re not the same. Understanding the difference between the two can help individuals and businesses alike make more informed decisions about how and where they sell or recycle their gold.

If you've ever wondered how professionals determine the exact value of gold or silver in jewelry, coins, or scrap materials, the answer often lies in a method called fire assay. Known for its exceptional accuracy, fire assay has remained the most trusted way to test precious metals for centuries.

Whether you're a jeweler, a pawnbroker, an investor, or just someone with an eye for gold, Mexican gold coins are worth paying attention to. They carry lasting value backed by both their gold content and their heritage. Known for their strong gold purity and detailed design, these coins hold their own as investment pieces or resale inventory.

When selling your material to Mid-States Recycling, we may ask whether you want to "hedge" or "lock" your metal. But what do these terms mean?

What Does It Mean to Hedge or Lock?

Determining the value of your gold is now easier than ever with Mid-States Recycling's Karat Calculator. Understanding its purity and value is essential if you're a business dealing in precious metals or looking to sell gold. Our gold calculator, designed for accuracy and convenience, is here to help.

As National Gold Day approaches, we at Mid-States Recycling want to recognize the importance of gold in the pawnbroking industry. Gold has long been a staple in the pawnbroking business, offering stability and value to both brokers and customers. This day provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on how gold can continue to enhance your business.

Creating and repairing fine jewelry generates valuable scrap through buffing, polishing, and manufacturing processes. Mid-States Recycling & Refining offers specialized services to recover precious metals from these materials, using advanced incineration and milling equipment to ensure optimal returns.

When it comes to processing and refining silver, size truly matters. Mid-States Recycling & Refining excels in handling large-scale silver shipments.

Mid-States Recycling & Refining's Diamond Recovery Lab is renowned for its meticulous approach to recovering and refining diamonds and gemstones, ensuring that clients receive the best possible return on their materials so that the clarity, cut, and quality of each gemstone is retained. 

An accurate assessment is paramount for pawnbrokers and jewelers looking to refine their precious metals. Knowing the true value of your metals is essential for maximizing returns. This is where assaying comes into play.

Precious metals hold an allure that extends far beyond their monetary value. For jewelers and pawnbrokers, these metals make up the foundation of the trade. But what happens when a piece loses its luster, breaks, or becomes outdated? This is where the art of refining comes into play. In this blog post, we dive into the essentials of precious metal refining.

In a world of growing environmental awareness and concerns about sustainability, businesses across industries are increasingly seeking ways to minimize their ecological footprint. The precious metals industry is no exception. We'll explore the importance of sustainability in metal refining, the sustainable practices implemented at Mid-States Recycling & Refining, how these practices benefit both the environment and your business, and the value of partnering with a refiner that prioritizes sustainability.

In the realm of precious metals, diamonds and gemstones are often overlooked treasures. However, many jewelers and pawnbrokers may not realize that these sparkling gems can significantly enhance the value of their refined metals.

Mid-States has a proud legacy of supporting trade associations in the industries that we serve, and look forward to seeing you at regional and national shows and events this year! 
 

The California Pawnbrokers Association hosted its 66th Annual Convention & Expo October 21-23, 2022 in Universal City. Jack Brown was invited to speak on the science behind refining and offered a glimpse through the smoke so that attendees can make more informed decisions regarding their refining process.

In March 2023, pawn industry leaders from across the country will gather in beautiful Vail, Colorado for an unprecedented and exclusive event—the first of its kind. Attendees will enjoy daily breakfasts, fresh and relevant educational sessions, plenty of time on the slopes, apres-ski cocktails, and a grand dinner on the final evening together. 

In a recent Moneyshow.com article, Mary Anne and Pamela Aden share "So it’s no wonder the markets are feeling o

Our team was honored to attend the Midwest Pawn Convention, particularly since our own Jack Brown was given this prestigious award.

We were moved by his speech and wanted to share it with you as well: