How Much is My Gold Ring Worth?
Whether you're selling inherited jewelry or curious about your wedding ring's value, this guide explains exactly how to calculate what your gold ring is worth - and when it might be worth significantly more than its gold weight.
Get an Instant Estimate
Use our calculator with live gold prices to check your ring's minimum scrap value
Understanding the Three Types of Value
A gold ring can have three different values, and understanding which applies to yours could mean the difference between £100 and £1,000+.
The ring is valued purely for its metal content and melted down for refining.
Best For:
- • Broken or damaged rings
- • Plain bands without distinctive features
- • Mass-produced jewelry
- • Items you need to sell quickly
Same day payment
- ✓ Quick and straightforward
- ✓ Guaranteed sale
- ✗ Lowest potential return
- ✗ Ignores any artistic or historical value
Selling the ring as a wearable piece through dealers, consignment, or private sale.
Best For:
- • Designer or branded rings
- • Rings in excellent condition
- • Unique or unusual designs
- • Engagement/wedding rings with good stones
Days to weeks
- ✓ Higher return than scrap
- ✓ Ring continues to be worn
- ✗ Takes longer to sell
- ✗ May need to pay fees or commission
Selling through auction houses where collectors compete, potentially driving prices well above intrinsic value.
Best For:
- • Antique rings (Victorian, Art Deco)
- • Pieces by famous makers
- • Exceptional gemstones
- • Rings with provenance or history
4-8 weeks (28 days after sale for payment)
- ✓ Potentially highest return
- ✓ Access to specialist collectors
- ✗ Seller's commission (15-25%)
- ✗ No guarantee of sale
The £200 Ring That Sold for £3,000+
A client brought in what she thought was "just an old ring" to sell for scrap. The calculated gold value was approximately £200. However, closer inspection revealed:
- →Geometric design characteristic of the Art Deco period (1920s-1930s)
- →Original "Old Mine" cut diamonds prized by collectors
- →Hallmarks indicating a prestigious London maker
The ring was consigned to auction and sold for over £3,000 to a collector. The lesson: always assess whether your ring might have value beyond its gold content before accepting scrap prices.
How to Calculate Scrap Value
Even if your ring has resale potential, knowing the scrap value gives you a baseline - the minimum amount you should accept.
Step 1: Find the Purity
Look inside the band for the hallmark. Convert to a decimal:
Step 2: Weigh the Ring
Use a digital kitchen scale (0.1g accuracy) or jeweller's scale. Remove any non-gold attachments if possible. Most rings weigh between 2-10 grams.
Step 3: Get Today's Gold Price
Check our live gold prices page for the current price per gram (approximately £60-65/g for pure gold in early 2026).
Step 4: Calculate
Example: 5g ring, 18ct gold, gold price £60/g
Pure gold content: 5g × 0.75 = 3.75g
Theoretical value: 3.75g × £60 = £225
Realistic dealer offer (80%): £180
Why Dealers Pay 70-90%, Not 100%
Dealers aren't being unfair - they have genuine costs:
- • Refining costs: Melting, purifying, and re-casting into bars
- • Assay fees: Testing and certifying the refined gold
- • Business overheads: Rent, staff, insurance, security
- • Profit margin: They're running a business
Tip: Dealers paying over 85% typically buy in high volume and have direct refinery relationships. Always get 3+ quotes.
Typical Gold Ring Values
Here's what different types of gold rings typically sell for in scrap value (based on early 2026 gold prices of approximately £60/g pure gold):
| Ring Type | Typical Weight | Common Purity | Scrap Value Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women's plain wedding band | 2-4g | 9ct or 18ct | £45-180 | Value depends heavily on width and purity |
| Men's wedding band | 4-8g | 9ct or 18ct | £90-360 | Wider bands weigh more = higher value |
| Signet ring | 6-12g | 9ct | £135-270 | Check for family crests - may have resale value |
| Engagement ring (gold only) | 2-5g | 18ct | £90-225 | Diamond value separate - get proper appraisal |
| Chunky fashion ring | 8-15g | 9ct | £180-340 | Weight is key - some hollow rings weigh less than expected |
| Sovereign ring (mounted coin) | 10-14g total | 22ct coin + 9ct mount | £450-550 | Sovereign alone worth ~£450+ - don't scrap the coin |
* Values are estimates based on 80% of theoretical scrap value at £60/g pure gold. Actual offers will vary. Use our calculator for current prices.
What Makes Your Ring Worth More Than Scrap?
Before accepting scrap value, consider whether any of these factors apply to your ring:
Designer/Maker
Prestigious brands command premiums far exceeding gold weight. Collectors pay for the name, craftsmanship, and exclusivity.
Age/Period
Antique and vintage rings from collectible periods can sell for multiples of scrap value to specialist buyers.
Gemstones
Quality gemstones add significant value. However, scrap dealers often ignore or deduct for stones as they can't easily extract them.
Condition
Pristine condition matters for resale; scrap dealers don't care. Damaged rings go to scrap; mint condition pieces may have resale potential.
Provenance
Documentation, original boxes, and receipts increase value for resale and auction. They prove authenticity and provide a 'story'.
Hallmarks
Clear UK hallmarks ensure full scrap value. Unusual or historical hallmarks can add collector interest.
Quick Checklist: Should You Get an Appraisal?
If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, your ring may be worth more than scrap value. Consider getting a professional appraisal before selling.
Checked any boxes? Consider getting an appraisal from:
- • A qualified jeweller or gemologist (look for FGA or DGA qualifications)
- • An auction house's free valuation day (Bonhams, Christie's, local auction houses)
- • A specialist antique jewelry dealer
Where to Sell Your Gold Ring
- ✓Gold dealers/bullion shops
Usually best rates for pure scrap
- ~Pawnbrokers
Convenient but often lower rates
- ~High street jewellers
Some buy gold; rates vary
- !Postal gold services
Convenient but check reviews carefully
- ✓Auction houses
Best for antique/designer pieces
- ✓Specialist vintage jewellers
May buy outright or consign
- ~Online marketplaces (eBay)
DIY but fees and buyer risk
- ~Consignment shops
They sell for you; takes time
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 9ct gold ring worth?
A 9ct gold ring's value depends on its weight. At current prices, the scrap value is approximately: Weight (grams) × £22-25 per gram of 9ct gold. A typical 5g 9ct ring would be worth £110-125 in scrap value. Dealers pay 70-90% of this, so expect offers around £80-110.
Is my gold ring worth more than scrap value?
Your ring may be worth more than scrap if it's: antique (Victorian, Art Deco, Edwardian), from a prestigious maker (Cartier, Tiffany, Bvlgari), contains valuable gemstones, or is in pristine condition with original packaging. Get an appraisal before accepting scrap value for rings that might have collector appeal.
How do I calculate my gold ring's value?
Use this formula: Value = Weight (g) × Purity × Gold Price per gram. For example, a 6g 18ct ring when gold is £60/g: 6 × 0.75 × £60 = £270. This is the theoretical gold value - dealers typically pay 70-90% of this amount.
Why do dealers pay less than the gold price?
Dealers pay 70-90% of gold value to cover: refining costs (melting and purifying), assay fees, business overheads, and profit margin. Higher-volume dealers and those with direct refinery relationships often pay better rates. Always get multiple quotes.
Should I sell my gold ring to a pawnbroker or gold dealer?
Gold dealers typically pay more than pawnbrokers for scrap gold because they specialise in precious metals. Pawnbrokers may offer better prices for designer or antique pieces they can resell. For plain gold rings, compare offers from at least 3 gold dealers.
How much does a typical gold wedding ring weigh?
Women's wedding rings typically weigh 2-4 grams, men's rings 4-8 grams. Chunky or wide bands can weigh 8-15 grams. Signet rings often weigh 6-12 grams. The weight significantly affects value, so always weigh accurately before getting quotes.
Calculate Your Ring's Value Now
Use live gold prices to see what your ring is worth today
Related Guides
Complete guide to selling gold jewelry, including chains, bracelets, and earrings.
Read Guide →Learn to read hallmarks and understand what the stamps on your ring mean.
Read Guide →7 methods to verify your ring is real gold before selling.
Read Guide →Sources and References
Gold prices referenced from London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) daily fixings.
UK hallmarking information from theLondon Assay Office.
Last updated: February 2026. Values based on gold price of approximately £60/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
- ✓Built verified database of 242+ UK gold dealers
- ✓Daily market data analysis and price tracking
Disclaimer: Values in this guide are estimates based on typical market conditions and gold prices around £60 per gram (February 2026). Actual offers will vary between dealers and depend on current gold prices. Always get multiple quotes and consider professional appraisal for potentially valuable pieces. This guide is for information only and does not constitute financial advice.