Gold prices hit a record $3,400 an ounce, spurring a surge in jewelry sales nationwide. Jewelry stores and gold buyers are busier than ever as gold prices recently hit an all-time high — $3,400 an ounce — nearly double what it was just a couple of years ago. That surge has prompted many people to clean out their jewelry boxes and cash in.

Gold prices gained in early trading as the dollar weakened and traders assessed the broader monetary policy and fiscal outlook.