Best Legal for Trade Jewelry Scale: NTEP Class II Gold and Jewelry Scales
The best legal for trade jewelry scale for most gold buyers is the NTEP Class II A&D EK-1200i: 1200 g x 0.1 g, on sale for $205.99 (regular $630.00), in stock.
Short answer: a legal for trade jewelry scale meets NIST Handbook 44 in accuracy Class II, the class used for precious metals and gems, and is placed in service under your state rules; the surest choice is a model with an NTEP Class II Certificate of Conformance. Our picks: the A&D EK-1200i (1200 g x 0.1 g, Class II, $205.99) for gold buyers and pawn shop counters, the A&D FX-120iN (122 g, e = 0.01 g, $679.00) for small jewelry and gems, and the A&D FX-3000iN (3200 g x 0.01 g, $799.00) for bullion and large lots.
If you buy or sell gold, silver, platinum or gems by weight, the scale on your counter, whether you call it a jewelry scale or a gold scale, is a commercial weighing device. It has to meet NIST Handbook 44 for that use, be placed in service and stay accurate, which is why we recommend NTEP Class II models. MNM Scales is an authorized A&D dealer with over 30 years in business, and we supply legal-for-trade jewelry balances and digital gold scales to jewelers, gold buyers, pawn shops and coin dealers. Collectors who check coins against their published weights can start with our coin scale guide. This guide explains what to look for, gives our picks by capacity, and has a section for pawn shops buying gold by pennyweight, troy ounce and gram. For the background on certification, read what NTEP means.
What makes a jewelry scale legal for trade
- NTEP Certificate of Conformance (CC): the exact model is listed on an NTEP CC. Look for “NTEP” or an “N” model (for example FX-120iN versus FX-120i).
- Accuracy Class II: NIST Handbook 44 uses Class II for precious metals and gem weighing. Every scale in our picks below is Class II. The same Class II balances are popular at dispensary counters; see our best scale for cannabis dispensaries guide.
- The certified division (e): this is the step you can legally charge by. On the FX-120iN it is 0.01 g even though the display shows 0.001 g; on the EK-1200i it is 0.1 g. NIST Handbook 44 recommends a minimum load of 20 e on Class II scales with e from 0.001 g to 0.05 g, and 50 e when e is 0.1 g or more: that is 0.2 g at e = 0.01 g and 5 g at e = 0.1 g. Some states also set a maximum e for precious metals; Minnesota, for example, requires e of 0.01 g or less.
- Trade units: the FX-iN series is certified for grams, ounces, pounds, troy ounces, carats and pennyweight.
- Texas rule: TDA does not require an NTEP certificate for every device, but the scale must meet NIST Handbook 44 and suit its use; some scales do need one, so we recommend NTEP models and can check yours. TDA’s guidance (Legal for Trade Scales in the State of Texas) says a device with an NTEP certificate meets the Handbook 44 minimums. Check a model with our free legal-for-trade scale checker.
- Placed in service: in Texas, TDA advises having a licensed service company install the device and make any needed repairs before it is used for trade. MNM Scales’ TDA-registered technicians can calibrate and place scales in service (see our RWM-780 guide).
Our picks: the best legal for trade jewelry scale for each job
| Scale | Capacity x readability | Certified division (e) | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A&D FX-120iN | 122 g x 0.001 g | 0.01 g | Rings, chains and gems; highest resolution for small items | $679.00 |
| A&D FX-200iN | 220 g x 0.001 g | 0.01 g | Larger pieces and small lots | $649.00 |
| A&D FX-323N | 320 g x 0.001 g | 0.01 g | Replacement for the FX-300iN; scrap and estate lots | $759.00 |
| A&D EK-1200i | 1200 g x 0.1 g | 0.1 g | Gold buying and pawn counters; our most popular jewelry scale | $205.99 |
| A&D FX-1200iN | 1220 g x 0.01 g | Class II (CC 08-045) | Scrap gold and silver at a finer step than 0.1 g | $628.00 |
| A&D FX-3000iN | 3200 g x 0.01 g | Class II (CC 08-045) | Bullion, silver and large lots | $799.00 |
| A&D GF-3002AN Apollo | 3200 g x 0.01 g | 0.1 g | Large lots, with USB and password protection | $1,105.00 |
| A&D EK-12Ki | 12,000 g x 1 g | Class II | Bulk silver and coin bags; see our EK-12Ki manual guide | $427.00 |
A&D EK-1200i: the gold buyer’s counter scale
The EK-1200i is NTEP Class II (CC 04-019, e = 0.1 g) and weighs up to 1200 g in 0.1 g steps. It has a low-profile metal housing, a 133 x 170 mm stainless steel pan, a sealed key panel that keeps out dust and spills, and a 16 mm backlit LCD. Nine weighing units, parts counting, percent weighing and a HI/OK/LO comparator are built in, and the RS-232C port connects to a printer or PC. A rechargeable battery pack is available as an option (not included). Our EK-1200i calibration guide covers keeping it accurate.
A&D FX-iN: milligram display, Class II certified
The FX-120iN, FX-200iN and FX-3000iN use A&D’s Compact Super Hybrid Sensor, which settles in about one second, so they keep up at a busy counter. In NTEP mode you can choose e = 10d (the display shows one more digit, marked as non-certified) or e = d (the display reads directly in the certified step). Many jewelers prefer e = d, because the number on the display is the number they can charge for. See our FX-120i vs FX-120iN vs FX-300i comparison for how the trade modes work, and our FX-300iN replacement guide for the FX-323N.
How to choose capacity and readability
- Find your heaviest lot. Add the tray or cup you weigh in. Pick a capacity comfortably above it.
- Check the certified division. If you price by 0.01 g, choose an FX-iN or FX-323N (e = 0.01 g on the 122 to 320 g models). If 0.1 g is fine for your lots, the EK-1200i or GF-3002AN works well (the GF-3002AN replaces the GF-3000N; see our GX-4000 and GF-3000 replacement guide).
- Think about the counter. A sealed keypad, backlit display and RS-232C or USB output for a printer or point-of-sale system make busy counters faster.
- Plan for calibration. Keep a calibration weight on hand to check the scale (see our calibration weights), and schedule a calibration with a certificate.
Pawn shop scales: buying gold by pennyweight, troy ounce and gram
A pawn shop scale does two jobs: it sets the price you pay for gold, silver and platinum, and it records the weight of every item you take in or sell. Because the price depends on the weight, it is a commercial device, so it has to meet NIST Handbook 44 in Class II, read in the units you buy in, and let the customer see the result. Here is how we set up pawn and gold-buying counters.
Pennyweight, troy ounce and gram conversions
Precious metals are traded in troy units, not the everyday (avoirdupois) ounce. A troy ounce is about 10% heavier than a kitchen ounce, so weighing gold in ordinary ounces underpays the seller. The numbers to keep at the counter:
| Unit | Grams | Pennyweight (dwt) | Troy ounces | Grains |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 troy ounce (ozt) | 31.1035 g | 20 dwt | 1 | 480 |
| 1 pennyweight (dwt) | 1.5552 g | 1 | 0.05 (1/20) | 24 |
| 1 gram (g) | 1 | 0.6430 dwt | 0.03215 ozt | 15.432 |
| 1 kilogram (kg) | 1,000 g | 643.0 dwt | 32.15 ozt | 15,432 |
| 1 ounce (avoirdupois, oz) | 28.3495 g | 18.23 dwt | 0.9115 ozt | 437.5 |
Need a quick conversion for a quote? Our free grain to gram converter converts grains, grams, carats, troy ounces and pennyweight. Better still, choose a scale that is certified to read in the unit you pay in: the FX-iN series is certified for grams, troy ounces, pennyweight and carats, so there is no conversion step at all.
Working out melt value from weight and karat
Melt value is the fine gold in the piece times the spot price. Weigh the piece, multiply by the gold content of its karat, then convert to troy ounces:
| Karat | Gold content (fineness) | Common stamp | Fine gold in 10 dwt (15.55 g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10K | 41.7% | 417 | 6.48 g |
| 14K | 58.3% | 585 | 9.07 g |
| 18K | 75.0% | 750 | 11.66 g |
| 22K | 91.7% | 916 | 14.26 g |
| 24K | 99.9% | 999 | 15.54 g |
Example: a 14K chain weighs 12.40 dwt. 12.40 dwt x 1.5552 g = 19.28 g; 19.28 g x 0.583 = 11.24 g of fine gold; 11.24 g / 31.1035 = 0.3614 troy ounce. If spot were $4,000 per troy ounce, the melt value would be about $1,446 before your margin. The weight is the one number in that chain you measure, so an error on the scale flows straight into the price.
Which scale to put on a pawn counter
- Busy gold-buying counter: the A&D EK-1200i ($205.99) weighs up to 1200 g with e = 0.1 g, NTEP Class II, with a sealed key panel and an RS-232C port for a printer or PC.
- Small rings, earrings and chains: Handbook 44 recommends a minimum load of 50 e when e is 0.1 g, which is 5 g on the EK-1200i. Many single pieces weigh less than that, so weigh them on an A&D FX-120iN ($679.00) or FX-200iN ($649.00), where e = 0.01 g and the recommended minimum is 0.2 g.
- Scrap lots at a finer step: the A&D FX-1200iN ($628.00) weighs 1220 g in 0.01 g steps, Class II.
- Customer view: Handbook 44 (G-UR.3.3) says a scale used in direct sales must be placed so the customer can see the indication and the weighing. Put the display where the seller can read it, or add a printer so they get the weight on paper.
- Records: an RS-232C printer or PC connection gives you a printed weight for each transaction ticket. Printers and cables are sold separately (not included).
- Daily check: zero the empty pan and check a known weight each morning. Our free scale tolerance calculator shows how far a Class II reading may be off before the scale needs service.
Texas rules for pawn shop scales
TDA does not require an NTEP certificate for every device, but the scale must meet NIST Handbook 44 and suit its use; some scales do need one, so we recommend NTEP models and can check yours. TDA’s guidance (Legal for Trade Scales in the State of Texas) says a device with an NTEP certificate meets the Handbook 44 minimums, and TDA advises having a licensed service company install the device before it is used. Every scale in our picks is NTEP Class II. Not sure about a scale you already own? Run it through our free legal-for-trade scale checker or send us the model.
Setting up a pawn or gold-buying counter? Tell us what you buy, your heaviest lot and your smallest piece. We will recommend the right Class II scale, calibrate it and place it in service.
Shop the EK-1200i: $205.99 Shop the FX-120iN: $679.00 Request a quote Call (832) 290-3120
Calibration and placing your jewelry scale in service
Legal-for-trade scales should be checked regularly and calibrated at least once a year. MNM Scales calibrates jewelry and gold scales with in-house or NIST-traceable certificates (learn the difference in in-house vs NIST certificates). Our TDA-registered technicians can also place your scale in service in Texas. Mail-in calibration usually takes 1 to 3 business days nationwide. Choose the tier by your scale’s maximum capacity:
Up to 2.2 kg (FX-120iN, FX-200iN, FX-323N, EK-1200i, FX-1200iN):
In-house calibration + certificate ($95) NIST calibration + NIST-traceable certificate ($395)
Over 2.2 kg up to 6.2 kg (FX-3000iN, GF-3002AN):
In-house calibration + certificate ($195) NIST calibration + NIST-traceable certificate ($495)
Over 6.2 kg up to 35 kg (EK-12Ki):
In-house calibration + certificate ($250) NIST calibration + NIST-traceable certificate ($595)
Frequently asked questions
What is a legal for trade jewelry scale?
It is a scale that meets NIST Handbook 44 in the accuracy class required for the use and has been placed in service under your state rules. An NTEP Certificate of Conformance listing the exact model is the accepted proof that it meets Handbook 44. For precious metals and gems, choose an NTEP Class II scale such as the A&D EK-1200i or FX-120iN.
What accuracy class do I need to weigh gold?
NIST Handbook 44 uses Class II for precious metals and gem weighing. Every scale in our picks is NTEP Class II.
Is the A&D EK-1200i legal for trade?
Yes. The EK-1200i is NTEP Class II under CC 04-019, with 1200 g capacity and a certified division of e = 0.1 g.
What is the best scale for buying scrap gold?
For most gold-buying counters, the A&D EK-1200i (1200 g x 0.1 g, Class II) is our most popular choice. If you price by 0.01 g, choose the FX-1200iN (1220 g x 0.01 g) or, for small items, the FX-120iN.
Can a legal-for-trade scale weigh in pennyweight and troy ounces?
Yes. The FX-iN series is certified for grams, ounces, pounds, troy ounces, carats and pennyweight.
Who can place my jewelry scale in service in Texas?
MNM Scales’ TDA-registered technicians can calibrate your scale and place it in service. Call (832) 290-3120 to schedule.
What scale do pawn shops use to weigh gold?
An NTEP Class II scale that reads in grams, pennyweight and troy ounces. Many pawn counters use the A&D EK-1200i (1200 g x 0.1 g, e = 0.1 g). For small rings, earrings and chains, an A&D FX-120iN or FX-200iN (e = 0.01 g) gives a finer certified step.
How many grams are in a pennyweight?
One pennyweight (dwt) is 1.5552 grams, or 24 grains, and 20 pennyweight make one troy ounce (31.1035 g). Our free grain to gram converter converts grains, grams, carats, troy ounces and pennyweight.
Does a pawn shop scale need to be NTEP in Texas?
TDA does not require an NTEP certificate for every device, but the scale must meet NIST Handbook 44 and suit its use; some scales do need one, so we recommend NTEP models and can check yours. A pawn shop scale sets the price paid for gold by weight, so it must be legal for trade and placed in service. An NTEP Class II model is the safe choice, and our TDA-registered technicians can calibrate it and place it in service.