Hi Carla,…first off gold nuggets are not exactly “pure” gold.
The can vary a bit and generally are of a high karat,…but
20-23+ carat are about it. (high 80% to mid 90% fineness range.
About the only way to know exactly how huch gold is there is to have
it refined,…but in your case that might not be the best for
your friend. Refining works fine for scrap or broken
jewelry,…but often a premium is paid for nuggets beyond the
actual gold content,…especially if the nuggets are larger
and/or especially attractive. Even smaller nuggets are often added
to a piece of jewelry, but the premium might not be there or even a
bit under gold in some cases.
Without seeing the nuggets it’s hard to say for sure,…but at
the very least your friend should send it to someone experienced and
trusted,…via registered mail. My firm doesn’t handle this type
of material as much as the regular scrap gold most often
seen,…but we have a great reputation and would be happy to
handle it for you if you can’t find anyone you know or trust close
to you.
Joe T