How Much is a Gold Chain Worth? UK Price Guide 2026
Gold chains are one of the most commonly sold gold items in the UK. Whether you have a heavy curb chain, a delicate rope necklace, or a designer piece, this guide explains exactly how to calculate your gold chain's value and where to get the best price.
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What Determines a Gold Chain's Value?
Four key factors determine how much your gold chain is worth. Understanding these will help you estimate its value before visiting a dealer.
Weight is the single most important factor for scrap value. A heavy 9ct chain can be worth more than a light 18ct chain. Always weigh your chain on accurate scales (ideally to 0.1g) before getting quotes.
The carat determines the percentage of pure gold. A 9ct chain is 37.5% gold, while an 18ct chain is 75% gold. Higher purity means a higher price per gram. Check the hallmark to confirm purity.
For scrap value, condition does not matter - broken chains are worth the same as pristine ones. However, if your chain has resale potential (designer or antique), condition significantly affects the price you can achieve.
Standard high-street chains sell at scrap value. Designer chains from brands like Cartier, Tiffany, or Bvlgari can command premiums of 2-10x scrap value. Antique and vintage chains may also have collector appeal.
How to Calculate Your Gold Chain's Value
Calculating the scrap value of your gold chain is straightforward. This gives you a baseline - the minimum amount you should accept from any buyer.
Step 1: Weigh Your Chain
Use a digital scale accurate to 0.1g. Remove any pendants or non-gold attachments first. Kitchen scales work but jeweller's scales are more accurate.
Step 2: Find the Purity
Check the clasp or a link for the hallmark stamp. Convert to a purity factor:
Step 3: Multiply by Today's Gold Price
Check our live gold prices page for the current price per gram of pure gold (approximately £60-65/g in early 2026).
Example Calculation
20g curb chain, 9ct gold, gold price £60/g:
Pure gold content: 20g x 0.375 = 7.5g
Theoretical value: 7.5g x £60 = £450
Realistic dealer offer (80%): £360
Quick shortcut: Use our gold calculator to get an instant estimate. Simply enter the weight and purity, and it will calculate the value using today's live gold price.
Gold Chain Prices by Purity
The table below shows approximate scrap gold prices per gram for each common purity level. These are based on a gold spot price of approximately £60-65 per gram of pure gold (February 2026).
| Purity | Hallmark | Gold Content | Scrap Price/gram | Dealer Pays/gram | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9ct | 375 | 37.5% | £22-25 | £16-22 | 9ct prices |
| 14ct | 585 | 58.5% | £35-38 | £25-34 | 14ct prices |
| 18ct | 750 | 75% | £45-49 | £32-44 | 18ct prices |
| 22ct | 916 | 91.67% | £55-60 | £39-54 | 22ct prices |
* Prices are estimates based on February 2026 gold prices. Dealer pay estimates assume 70-90% of theoretical scrap value. Use our calculator for current prices.
Why 9ct dominates UK chains: Approximately 80% of gold jewellery sold in the UK is 9ct. It is more durable and affordable than higher purities, making it the standard for everyday chains. If you are unsure of your chain's purity, there is a good chance it is 9ct (hallmarked 375).
Common Gold Chain Weights by Style
Chain weights vary enormously depending on the style, length, and whether the chain is solid or hollow. Here are typical weights for the most common chain styles:
| Chain Style | Light | Medium | Heavy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curb ChainFlat, interlocking links that lie flat against the skin. The most popular chain style in the UK. | 5-10g | 15-30g | 40-80g+ | Men's heavy curb chains can be very valuable due to weight |
| Rope ChainTwisted segments that create a spiral, rope-like appearance. | 5-8g | 15-25g | 30-60g | Often appear thicker than their weight suggests due to hollow construction |
| Figaro ChainAlternating pattern of short and long links, originating from Italy. | 4-8g | 12-22g | 25-50g | Popular for both men's and women's jewellery |
| Belcher ChainRound or oval links of uniform size, a classic British chain style. | 5-10g | 15-25g | 30-60g | Solid belcher chains are heavier and more valuable than hollow versions |
| Trace / Cable ChainSimple, delicate chain with small uniform oval links. | 1-3g | 3-6g | 6-10g | Common for pendant necklaces; lightweight means lower scrap value |
| Box ChainSquare links that create a smooth, box-like profile. | 2-5g | 6-12g | 15-25g | Strong for its weight; often used with pendants |
Solid vs Hollow Chains
Many chains - particularly rope and curb styles - come in hollow versions that look similar to solid chains but weigh significantly less. A hollow chain might look like a 30g piece but actually weigh only 10-15g. This is why weighing is essential before estimating value. Hollow chains are also more prone to damage, which affects resale (but not scrap) value.
Scrap Value vs Resale Value
Most gold chains sell for scrap value - but some are worth considerably more. Here is how to tell the difference:
The chain is valued purely for its gold content and will be melted down. This applies to the vast majority of gold chains.
Scrap value applies when:
- -Standard high-street chain with no maker's mark
- -Broken or damaged chain
- -Common chain style (curb, rope, figaro)
- -Mass-produced chain from a high-street jeweller
Typical return: 70-90% of calculated gold value
The chain has value beyond its gold content and can be sold as a wearable piece for more than scrap price.
Resale value applies when:
- +Designer brand (Cartier, Tiffany, Gucci, Bvlgari)
- +Antique or vintage (pre-1950)
- +Unusual or intricate craftsmanship
- +Excellent condition with original box and papers
Typical return: 100-500%+ of scrap value for designer pieces
Real Example: When Design Adds Value
A 22g 18ct Cartier Santos chain has a scrap value of approximately £990 (22g x 0.75 x £60). However, the same chain in good condition sells for £3,000-4,000 on the pre-owned market due to the brand premium. Before scrapping any designer chain, always check the resale market first.
How to Identify Your Gold Chain's Purity
Every gold chain sold in the UK should carry a hallmark that tells you its purity. Here is what to look for:
Where to Find the Hallmark
On chains, the hallmark is usually stamped on the clasp, a jump ring near the clasp, or on a small tag attached to the chain. You may need a magnifying glass or jeweller's loupe to read it clearly.
The Millesimal Fineness System
UK hallmarks use a three-digit number that represents parts per thousand of pure gold:
Other Hallmark Symbols
A full UK hallmark also includes an assay office mark (showing where it was tested), a date letter (year of hallmarking), and sometimes a maker's mark. For a complete guide to reading hallmarks, see our UK Gold Hallmarks Guide.
No Hallmark? Be Cautious
If your chain has no hallmark, it may not be gold at all, or it may be foreign gold that was not hallmarked for UK sale. Unhallmarked items are legal to own but illegal to sell as gold in the UK without proper testing. A reputable dealer will test the chain using XRF or acid testing and pay based on the confirmed purity.
Where to Sell Your Gold Chain
Getting the best price means selling to the right buyer. Here are your options:
- 1.Specialist gold dealers
Typically pay 80-90% of gold value. Best rates for scrap.
- 2.Bullion shops
Hatton Garden dealers and established bullion traders.
- 3.Pawnbrokers
Convenient but often 70-80%. Use as a last resort.
- 1.Auction houses
Best for antique or designer chains. Commission 15-25%.
- 2.Specialist vintage jewellers
May buy outright or sell on consignment.
- 3.Online marketplaces
eBay, Vinted, Vestaire Collective for branded items.
Top Tips for Selling
- 1.Get at least 3 quotes - prices can vary 10-20% between dealers
- 2.Know your chain's weight and purity before visiting any dealer
- 3.Check the gold price on our live prices page so you know what to expect
- 4.Avoid postal gold services unless well-reviewed - in-person sales are safer
- 5.Check for designer marks before accepting scrap value
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 9ct gold chain worth per gram?
A 9ct gold chain is worth approximately £22-25 per gram at current gold prices (February 2026). This is the scrap value based on the chain's gold content (37.5% pure gold). Dealers typically pay 70-90% of the calculated scrap value, so expect offers of around £16-22 per gram for a 9ct chain. Check our 9ct gold price page for today's rate.
How do I calculate how much my gold chain is worth?
Use this formula: Value = Weight (grams) x Purity Factor x Gold Spot Price per gram. For example, a 20g 9ct chain when gold is £60/g: 20 x 0.375 x £60 = £450. Dealers pay 70-90% of this amount, so expect offers around £315-405. Always weigh your chain on accurate scales and check the hallmark for purity. Use our gold calculator for an instant estimate.
Is my gold chain worth more than scrap value?
Your gold chain may be worth more than scrap if it is from a luxury brand (Cartier, Tiffany, Gucci), is an antique or vintage piece, has an intricate or unusual design, or is in excellent condition with original packaging. Designer chains can sell for 2-10 times their scrap value. For most standard high-street chains, however, scrap value is the realistic selling price.
How much does a typical gold chain weigh?
Gold chain weights vary significantly by style and length. A light women's trace chain typically weighs 2-5g, a standard curb chain 10-25g, a rope chain 15-30g, and a heavy men's curb chain can weigh 30-80g or more. The weight is the single most important factor in determining a gold chain's scrap value. Always weigh your chain rather than guessing.
Where is the best place to sell a gold chain in the UK?
For the best price, sell to specialist gold dealers or bullion shops rather than pawnbrokers or high-street jewellers. Get at least 3 quotes before accepting an offer. Online gold buyers can be competitive but check reviews carefully. For designer or antique chains, consider auction houses or specialist vintage jewellers who may pay above scrap value. Browse our dealer directory to find verified buyers near you.
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Related Guides
Complete guide to valuing gold rings, including scrap, resale, and auction values.
Read GuideLearn to read hallmarks and understand what the stamps on your chain mean.
Read GuideCheck today's scrap gold prices for 9ct, 14ct, 18ct, 22ct and 24ct gold.
Read GuideSources and References
Gold prices referenced from London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) daily fixings.
UK hallmarking information from the London Assay Office.
Chain weight data compiled from industry sources and dealer averages.
Last updated: February 2026. Values based on gold price of approximately £60-65/g.
Founder & Market Researcher
Taro has been actively investing in precious metals and financial markets for over 15 years. Frustrated by the lack of transparent, accurate gold pricing information in the UK, he built London Gold Exchange as a data-driven resource for fellow investors. The site combines real-time market data, verified dealer information from 242+ UK businesses, and insights drawn from years of hands-on experience in the gold market.
- ✓15+ years investing in precious metals & equities
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Disclaimer: Values in this guide are estimates based on typical market conditions and gold prices around £60-65 per gram (February 2026). Actual offers will vary between dealers and depend on current gold prices. Always get multiple quotes before selling. Designer and antique chains should be professionally appraised before accepting scrap value. This guide is for information only and does not constitute financial advice.