Hatton Garden Gold Dealers: The Complete Guide to Buying & Selling Gold in London's Jewellery Quarter
Hatton Garden has been London's jewellery and gold trading hub for over 400 years. Whether you're selling inherited gold, buying bullion, or looking for the best price on scrap, this guide covers everything you need to know before visiting.
Hatton Garden at a Glance
Location
Hatton Garden, London EC1N (between Holborn and Farringdon)
Nearest Stations
Chancery Lane (Central line), Farringdon (Circle / Metropolitan / Elizabeth / Thameslink)
Trading Hours
Most dealers: Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm. Some Saturdays 10am-2pm.
Number of Dealers
50+ gold and jewellery businesses
What to Bring
Photo ID (passport or driving licence), your gold items, knowledge of the current spot price
Best For
Selling scrap gold, buying bullion, engagement rings, comparing quotes face to face
A Brief History of Hatton Garden
Hatton Garden takes its name from Sir Christopher Hatton, a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, who was granted the land in 1576. The area originally housed the gardens of the Bishop of Ely's London residence, and the transition from ecclesiastical gardens to commercial hub happened gradually over the following centuries.
By the mid-19th century, Italian and Jewish craftsmen had established workshops along the street, and Hatton Garden became firmly established as London's jewellery quarter. The diamond trade arrived in force after the South African diamond rush of the 1870s, cementing the area's reputation as the centre of the UK precious metals and gemstone trade.
The area's character was shaped by successive waves of migration. Italian craftsmen brought goldsmithing skills from the workshops of Florence and Venice. Jewish refugees from Eastern Europe arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, establishing many of the diamond cutting and dealing businesses that still operate today. This layering of traditions created a unique concentration of precious metals expertise that no other London district can match.
The London Diamond Bourse, established in 1940, moved to its current home at 100 Hatton Garden and remains one of the world's 30 affiliated diamond bourses. The building houses dozens of diamond dealers and is one of the reasons the area retained its specialist character even as surrounding neighbourhoods gentrified.
Today, Hatton Garden houses over 50 gold and jewellery businesses, workshops, and the London Diamond Bourse. The district survived two World Wars, multiple recessions, and the rise of online retail. It endures because of something the internet cannot replicate: the concentration of genuine expertise, the ability to test and weigh items in front of you, and the competitive pressure of 50 dealers within walking distance of each other.
The Hatton Garden Heist (2015)
In April 2015, a group of elderly thieves broke into the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Company over the Easter bank holiday weekend, drilling through a vault wall and stealing an estimated £14 million in jewels, gold, and cash. The heist became one of the most famous burglaries in British history, spawning books, films, and documentaries. The safe deposit company has since closed, but the story is part of Hatton Garden's colourful lore. The dealers themselves were not targeted — the heist struck a third-party vault — and the district's daily business was unaffected.
Top Gold Dealers in Hatton Garden
The following dealers are well-established businesses in the Hatton Garden area. We list them for reference based on public reputation, longevity, and range of services. Always compare quotes from multiple buyers before selling.
Speciality: Scrap gold buying
Top-rated scrap gold buyer with competitive prices. Walk-ins welcome. Known for transparent weighing and testing in front of the customer.
Speciality: Bullion and scrap gold
One of London's oldest precious metals dealers. Over 180 years in business. Trusted by trade and public alike, with transparent pricing based on live spot rates.
Speciality: Scrap gold, diamonds, watches
Established buyer covering gold, diamonds, and luxury watches. Same-day cash or bank transfer payment. Walk-in valuations available.
Speciality: Premium bullion
Premium bullion dealer specialising in investment-grade gold bars and coins. LBMA associate member. Offers allocated storage and insured delivery.
Speciality: Gold bars and coins
Competitive premiums on gold bars from 1 gram upwards. Both online ordering and in-person collection available. Popular with first-time investors.
Looking for More London Dealers?
Our London gold dealer directory lists verified gold buyers across the capital, not just Hatton Garden. Compare ratings, services, and locations before visiting.
Selling Gold in Hatton Garden: Step by Step
What You Can Sell
The Selling Process
Walk in
No appointment needed for most dealers. Bring your gold items and photo ID.
ID check
The dealer verifies your identity under anti-money-laundering regulations. Passport or driving licence accepted.
Testing and weighing
Items are tested for purity (acid test, XRF machine, or touchstone) and weighed on calibrated scales. This should happen in front of you.
Quote given
The dealer calculates a price based on weight, purity, and the live gold spot price. They will tell you the total offer.
Accept or decline
You are under no obligation. If the price is not right, take your items and try the next dealer.
Payment
If you accept, you are paid the same day. Most dealers offer cash (up to legal limits) or instant bank transfer.
Typical Payouts
Specialist scrap gold dealers in Hatton Garden typically pay 85-95% of melt value. This is significantly better than high street jewellers (often 70-80%) and postal gold buying services (which deduct postage, insurance, and processing fees). The higher payout reflects the lower overheads and fierce competition between Hatton Garden dealers.
Tips for Getting the Best Price
- Check the live gold price before visiting. Know what spot is before you walk in. Check our live gold prices page.
- Use our calculator to estimate value first. Get a baseline figure before any dealer meeting. Try our free gold calculator.
- Visit at least 3 dealers and compare quotes. They are all within a few minutes' walk. Use the competition to your advantage.
- Don't accept the first offer. The first dealer you visit is rarely the best price. Collect quotes and return to the best one.
- Ask what percentage of spot they pay. This makes it easy to compare offers objectively. A dealer paying 92% of spot is better than one paying 88%, regardless of how the headline number is presented.
- Separate items by karat if you know the purity. Pre-sorted gold saves the dealer time, which can translate to a better rate. Keep 9ct, 14ct, 18ct, and 22ct items in separate bags.
- Larger quantities may get better rates. If you have 50g or more of gold, dealers are more likely to offer a premium rate. Mention the total weight when asking for quotes.
Common Mistakes When Selling Gold in Hatton Garden
Even in a reputable area like Hatton Garden, sellers can leave money on the table. Here are the most common mistakes we see:
Accepting the First Offer
The most expensive mistake. The first dealer you visit may offer 85% of melt value while one three doors down offers 93%. Always collect at least 3 quotes. It takes 15 minutes and can mean hundreds of pounds difference on a large lot.
Not Checking the Spot Price
If you don't know today's gold price, you cannot evaluate whether a dealer's offer is fair. Check our live prices page before you leave home and again when you arrive. Gold prices move throughout the day.
Forgetting Photo ID
UK anti-money-laundering regulations require dealers to verify your identity. If you turn up without a passport or driving licence, most dealers will not be able to buy from you. It is a wasted trip.
Selling to Non-Specialist Dealers
Some Hatton Garden shops primarily sell jewellery and only buy gold as a side service. Their scrap gold rates tend to be lower than specialist gold buyers. Look for dealers whose primary business is buying precious metals — they will almost always offer better rates.
Visiting on a Friday Afternoon
Some dealers close early on Fridays. Others are winding down and may be less inclined to offer competitive rates for walk-ins. Tuesday to Thursday mornings are the optimal time to visit.
Undervaluing Collectible Coins
Some gold coins are worth significantly more than their gold content due to rarity or collector demand. If you have old Sovereigns, proof coins, or unusual pieces, get a numismatic valuation before selling for scrap. A scrap dealer will pay melt value; a coin specialist may pay a substantial premium.
Buying Investment Gold in Hatton Garden
Hatton Garden is not just for sellers. The area is home to several reputable bullion dealers where you can buy investment-grade gold bars, coins, and other precious metals.
Available from 1 gram to 1 kilogram from dealers like Hatton Garden Bullion and Sharps Pixley. Bars are typically LBMA-approved, meaning they meet internationally recognised standards for purity and weight.
Premiums typically range from 2-5% above the spot price, depending on bar size. Smaller bars (1g-10g) carry higher percentage premiums. Larger bars (100g-1kg) are more cost-efficient per gram.
Gold Sovereigns and Gold Britannias are the most popular coins for UK investors. Both are CGT-free as UK legal tender, making them tax-efficient investment choices.
Other popular coins include Krugerrands, Canadian Maple Leafs, and American Eagles. Premiums on coins vary by rarity, condition, and demand, but standard bullion coins typically trade at 3-8% above spot.
Key Facts for Buyers
- All investment gold is VAT-free in the UK. This applies to gold bars of 995+ purity and gold coins that are legal tender.
- Premiums are competitive due to the concentration of dealers. Competition genuinely drives prices down.
- Insured delivery or collection is available from most bullion dealers. Some offer storage services too.
- Compare with online dealers before committing. BullionByPost, The Royal Mint, and Chards are reputable online alternatives that may have lower premiums on certain products.
- Buy-back guarantees are offered by some Hatton Garden bullion dealers. This means they guarantee to repurchase the gold they sold you at a future date, typically at a small spread below spot. This provides liquidity if you need to sell quickly.
- Check bar serial numbers and certificates when buying. LBMA-approved bars come with assay certificates confirming purity and weight. Keep these safe — they make future resale easier and faster.
For first-time buyers, Gold Sovereigns are often the best starting point. They are recognisable, highly liquid, CGT-free, and small enough to buy one at a time. A single Sovereign contains 7.32 grams of 22ct gold. At current prices, that makes them accessible for buyers who want to start building a position in physical gold without committing to a larger bar purchase.
For larger purchases (£10,000+), it is worth calling dealers ahead of your visit to discuss availability and pricing. Some dealers offer reduced premiums on bulk orders, and certain bar sizes may need to be ordered in advance.
Buying Jewellery in Hatton Garden
Engagement rings are Hatton Garden's biggest draw for retail customers. The district is famous for offering trade prices to the public — typically 30-50% below high street retail for comparable quality. This applies to engagement rings, wedding bands, bespoke pieces, and loose diamonds.
Engagement Rings
The district's biggest draw. Hundreds of styles in stock, from classic solitaires to modern halo designs. Many jewellers offer bespoke services — bring a design or photo and they will make it. Expect to save 30-50% compared to high street jewellers.
Custom Designs
Many Hatton Garden businesses have workshops on-site or in the building above the shop. This means custom pieces can be made quickly and to your exact specifications. Turnaround on bespoke jewellery is typically 2-4 weeks.
Trade Prices
Hatton Garden jewellers operate at trade level. They sell directly to the public at prices that Mayfair and West End shops would consider wholesale. The savings are real, but always get quotes from at least three shops.
Repairs & Resizing
With workshops on site, repairs and resizing can often be done while you wait or within a day. Ring resizing, chain repairs, stone replacement, and rhodium plating are all available at competitive rates.
Tip: Get quotes from 3 or more workshops before committing to a purchase. Prices for the same quality of stone and setting can vary significantly between dealers.
Practical Visiting Guide
Chancery Lane (Central line) is the closest tube station, a 2-minute walk north to Hatton Garden.
Farringdon (Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City, Elizabeth line, Thameslink) is a 5-minute walk west. This is the best option if travelling from outside London via the Elizabeth line or Thameslink.
Holborn (Central, Piccadilly) is also within walking distance, roughly 5 minutes south-east.
Several bus routes serve the area including the 17, 45, 46, and 341 along Clerkenwell Road and Theobald's Road.
On-street parking is extremely limited and mostly restricted to residents. We strongly recommend public transport.
If you must drive, the nearest car parks are:
- NCP Saffron Hill (EC1N 8FH) — 3-minute walk
- NCP Smithfield (EC1A 9LQ) — 8-minute walk
- Q-Park Bloomsbury (WC1A 1AE) — 10-minute walk
Note: central London parking rates apply. Expect £6-10 per hour.
Midweek mornings (Tuesday to Thursday, 9:30-11:30am) are the quietest times. You will get more attention from dealers and shorter waits.
Avoid Friday afternoons — some dealers close early ahead of the weekend. Mondays can be busy as dealers process weekend enquiries.
Saturday visits are possible but limited. Not all dealers open on Saturdays, so call ahead to confirm. Those that do open typically close by 2pm.
Hatton Garden is not a gleaming shopping mall. The street itself looks unassuming — a narrow road lined with office buildings, with many dealers located upstairs behind buzzers and intercom systems. Don't be put off by the modest exteriors.
Some shops have street-level displays; others are on the first or second floor. Look for signs, brass plaques, and buzzers at street doors. Many of the best dealers are not immediately visible from the pavement.
Safety: The area is busy and well-covered by CCTV during business hours. Use common sense — carry your gold in a plain, unremarkable bag rather than displaying it openly.
While You're in the Area
Hatton Garden sits in one of the most interesting parts of central London. If you are making a trip specifically to sell or buy gold, it is worth knowing what else is nearby.
Food & Coffee
Leather Lane Market (a 2-minute walk east) runs every weekday lunchtime with excellent street food stalls. The surrounding streets of Clerkenwell are packed with cafes and restaurants. The Bleeding Heart Yard, just off Greville Street, has several good lunch options.
Nearby Landmarks
The area is within walking distance of the British Museum (15 min), St Paul's Cathedral (15 min), and Smithfield Market (5 min). The Dickens Museum on Doughty Street is a 10-minute walk north. Lincoln's Inn Fields and Sir John Soane's Museum are 5 minutes south.
Tip: If you are visiting from outside London, plan your dealer visits for the morning and use the afternoon to explore the area. You will have cash or a pending bank transfer in your pocket — treat yourself to a good lunch on Leather Lane.
Hatton Garden vs Online Gold Dealers
The rise of online gold dealers has given sellers and buyers more options than ever. Here is how a Hatton Garden visit compares to using an online service.
| Factor | Hatton Garden | Online Dealers |
|---|---|---|
| Payment speed | Same day — cash or bank transfer on the spot | 1-5 working days after items received |
| Testing | Items tested in front of you — you see the results | Tested remotely — you rely on the dealer's assessment |
| Postage risk | None — you hand items over in person | You must post valuable items (insured, but still a risk) |
| Price comparison | Walk between dealers in minutes | Easy to compare quotes from multiple sites |
| Convenience | Requires travelling to central London | Sell from home, anywhere in the UK |
| Selection (buying) | Limited to in-store stock | Wider range of products, weights, and types |
| Premiums (buying) | Competitive due to local competition | Sometimes lower — larger online dealers have lower overheads |
Best for Selling
Hatton Garden wins for sellers. Immediate payment, face-to-face testing, no postage risk, and the ability to walk between competitors in minutes. If you live in or near London and have gold worth £500 or more, visiting in person is usually the better option.
Best for Buying
Online dealers can be better for buyers. Larger online operations like BullionByPost and The Royal Mint often have wider product ranges and sometimes lower premiums due to higher volume and lower overheads. However, Hatton Garden is excellent if you want to see and handle products before buying.
Who Should Visit Hatton Garden?
Hatton Garden is not the right choice for everyone. Here is a practical breakdown of who will benefit most from a visit.
Hatton Garden Is Ideal If You...
- Have £500+ of gold to sell and want the best possible rate
- Live in London or the South East and can visit easily
- Want to see items tested and weighed in front of you
- Are buying an engagement ring and want trade prices
- Want to compare quotes in person from multiple dealers the same day
- Prefer same-day payment rather than waiting for a postal service
- Are buying your first gold bar or coins and want to handle them before buying
You Might Be Better Off Online If You...
- Have a small amount of gold (under £200) where travel costs erode the advantage
- Live far from London and travel would be expensive
- Are buying bullion and want the widest possible product range
- Prefer to sell from home using an insured postal service
- Already have a trusted local dealer who pays competitive rates
- Want to buy at the absolute lowest premium (high-volume online dealers sometimes beat walk-in prices)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Hatton Garden is a well-policed commercial area in central London with CCTV coverage throughout. It is busy during business hours and surrounded by offices, restaurants, and shops. Use common sense — don't flash expensive items on the street — but the area is considered very safe for visitors.
Most Hatton Garden gold dealers accept walk-ins during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm). However, if you have a large quantity of gold (over 100g) or high-value items, it is worth calling ahead to ensure the dealer has the cash available and the right specialist on hand.
Yes. Hatton Garden dealers buy broken jewellery, single earrings, tangled chains, bent rings, and damaged items at scrap gold rates. The price is based on weight and purity, not condition or appearance. Broken 18ct gold is worth the same per gram as pristine 18ct gold when sold for scrap.
Generally yes. The concentration of 50+ dealers in a small area creates genuine competition. Specialist scrap gold buyers in Hatton Garden typically pay 85-95% of melt value, compared to 70-85% at high street jewellers and pawnbrokers. The ability to walk between dealers and compare quotes in minutes gives sellers significant leverage.
On jewellery purchases, yes — haggling is expected and most dealers build negotiation room into their prices. On scrap gold sales, there is less room to negotiate because the price is based on weight, purity, and the live spot price. However, you can and should walk to the next dealer if you are not happy with a quote.
If you have more than around £500 worth of gold to sell, the better rates at Hatton Garden specialist dealers may well cover your travel costs. For smaller amounts, a reputable local dealer may be more practical. Use our gold calculator to estimate the value of your items before deciding.
Yes. Under UK anti-money-laundering regulations, all gold dealers are required to verify your identity before purchasing precious metals. Bring a valid photo ID — a passport or UK driving licence are the most widely accepted forms. Some dealers also ask for proof of address.
Most Hatton Garden gold dealers and jewellers are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm. Some dealers open on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm, but Saturday opening is not universal — always call ahead if visiting at the weekend. Very few dealers open on Sundays or bank holidays.
Know What Your Gold Is Worth Before You Visit
Don't walk into Hatton Garden without knowing the value of your gold. Use our free calculator to get an instant estimate based on today's live price, then compare with dealer quotes on the day.
Related Guides
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Scrap Gold Prices UK
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Selling Broken Gold Jewellery
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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: This guide is for informational purposes only. London Gold Exchange is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or financially connected to any of the dealers mentioned in this article. Dealer information is based on publicly available data and may change. We recommend verifying opening hours, services, and pricing directly with dealers before visiting. Always compare quotes from multiple buyers before selling precious metals. Gold prices fluctuate — check the live spot price on the day you visit. London Gold Exchange does not buy, sell, or hold gold on behalf of users.
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