Where the train stops and the hunt country begins
The two villages broke away from Bedminster Township together in 1912, and at the 2020 census the borough counted 2,558 residents, one of the smallest towns in Somerset County. Gladstone is the last stop on NJ Transit's Gladstone Branch, and Peapack has its own station a short way down the line.
This is estate country. Hamilton Farm in Gladstone is home to the United States Equestrian Team Foundation. The Essex Fox Hounds have held a Thanksgiving Day meet in the area since the early 1930s. Natirar, the 491-acre Ladd estate that reaches into Far Hills and Bedminster, is now a Somerset County park, and Blairsden, the Blair family mansion, still stands on its hill above the village of Peapack. Families here tend to own old houses that have been handed down more than once.
Signet rings, trophy silver and jewelry from a house that has stood a hundred years
Signet rings come first. A crest or monogram worn nearly flat does not lower the gold value, and these rings are usually 14K, which is 58.5 percent gold, or 18K at 75 percent. European pieces bought on travels often carry a number instead of a karat: 750 for 18K, 585 for 14K, 916 for 22K at 91.7 percent. Each is read by XRF on its own so none is averaged with the others.
Then the silver. Horse show and hunt country produce trophies, julep cups and presentation bowls, and they vary a great deal. Sterling at 92.5 percent is bought by weight; silver plate, often stamped EP or EPNS, is a thin coat over base metal and has little metal value. Old formal flatware and tea services from long-held houses come in too. The silver buying page explains how each is weighed, and the antiques page covers pieces worth more than their metal.
Jewelry from a mother and grandmother, sold with care
“Such a great experience with this business. TI came in with some jewelry from my late mother and grandmother. The new employee, Chris greeted us and was very friendly. When Russ got back to the shop they both explained every step of the process. I definitely recommend coming here! They gave us a very fair price for what we brought in also. I will definitely be coming back.”
Shannon, five-star Google review of Cash 4 Gold Trading Post in Middlesex
How to tell sterling from plate in an old Gladstone house
Turn each piece over. The word Sterling, the number 925, or a British lion mark usually means solid silver. EP, EPNS, Silverplate, Quadruple Plate or a maker's name alone usually means plate. When a cup has no marks at all, bring it; the analyzer settles it in seconds, in front of you.
For a large house with a full attic, the estate buyers service can come to you, and the New Jersey estate jewelry guide walks executors and families through each step.
Down Route 206 to I-287, then Route 28 into Middlesex
From Peapack or Gladstone, head for Route 206 South through Bedminster and pick up I-287 South. Exit onto Route 28 East in Bridgewater and follow it through Bound Brook to 748 Bound Brook Road in Middlesex. It is about 20 miles; allow roughly 30 minutes. Parking is right out front.
Which parts of the borough and the Somerset Hills do we hear from?
Both villages, from the Peapack end of Main Street to the Gladstone station and Hamilton Farm, plus the roads out past Natirar. Bedminster, Far Hills, Bernardsville, Chester Township and Mendham Township sellers come by the same Route 206 and I-287 route.
What do Peapack and Gladstone sellers bring?
Signet rings, sterling and estate pieces lead. Tap a category to see how it is judged.
What the counter visit looks like
Hand over your ID and unwrap what you brought. Rings and chains are read by XRF one at a time, silver is sorted into sterling and plate before anything is weighed, and older diamonds and signed pieces are pulled aside so their value above metal is named on its own. The scale faces you and the price follows that day's live market. Most visits take about fifteen minutes, longer for a trunk of silver. Accept and you are paid on the spot; decline and everything is rewrapped and returned.
A signet ring, a sterling trophy, a tea service from an old Gladstone house? Bring it down Route 206 and watch it tested, free.
📞 Get a Free Appraisal: (732) 629-7600Peapack and Gladstone cash for gold: frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Peapack-Gladstone to the Middlesex store?
Roughly 30 minutes and about 20 miles. Take Route 206 South through Bedminster to I-287 South, exit onto Route 28 East in Bridgewater, and follow it through Bound Brook to 748 Bound Brook Rd, Middlesex. Phone (732) 629-7600.
Is Peapack-Gladstone one town or two?
One borough. The villages of Peapack and Gladstone left Bedminster Township together in 1912 and share one government, though each keeps its own name and its own train station.
Are old horse show trophies worth anything?
Sterling ones are bought by weight, since sterling is 92.5 percent silver. Many trophies are silver plate, a thin coat over base metal, with little metal value. Unmarked pieces are tested by XRF so you know which you have.
My signet ring's crest is worn almost flat. Does that matter?
No. The gold is valued on karat and weight, and wear to the engraving does not reduce it. Most signet rings are 14K or 18K, and the karat is read by XRF in front of you.
Can someone come to the house for a large estate?
Yes. For a full household of jewelry, silver and coins, the estate buyers service can look at the collection at home. Smaller lots can come straight to the Middlesex counter with no appointment.
When is the Middlesex store open?
Middlesex is open Monday through Friday from 10 to 6 and Saturday from 10 to 4, and closed Sunday. Bring a valid government photo ID, which New Jersey requires for every precious-metals sale.
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