Depending on the quality, style, craftmanship, vintage, design(er) of the jewelry it is possible to get a better price if you know what you got and you take it to a high end jeweler who has clientele who would pay premium.
I had some lovely, intricately made 22K heirloom pieces from Turkey that brought more than the price of gold that day.
Anyway, I prefer taking it to a reputable jewelry dealer although in theory a pawnshop should also give you the price of gold that day.
Mail in is a possibility too - jtv.com makes it easy with forms online and they are reputable.
I own several gold coins worth $150 each that I held onto - it is kinda fun to own $1000 dollars in gold, to leave in a will or keep for emergency purposes.