How to Sell Gold Jewelry in the UK: Complete Guide to Getting the Best Price 2025
Step-by-step expert guide to selling gold jewelry in the UK. Learn how to identify karat, understand hallmarks, calculate value, and get the best price from reputable buyers.
London Gold Exchange Team
Expert insights from the UK's trusted gold trading platform
Selling gold jewelry in the UK can be confusing and overwhelming. With gold prices at £3,145.22 per ounce (November 2025), your old jewelry could be worth significantly more than you think. But getting a fair price requires knowledge of hallmarks, purity, and how buyers operate.
This complete guide walks you through everything you need to know to sell your gold jewelry confidently and get the best possible price.
Current UK Gold Prices (November 2025)
9 Carat Gold
£37.92/g
18 Carat Gold
£75.84/g
Per Troy Ounce
£3,145.22
Step 1: Identify Your Gold's Purity
Understanding UK Gold Hallmarks
UK gold items over 1 gram must be hallmarked by an official assay office. These marks guarantee the gold's purity and are your most reliable indicator of value.
9 Carat (375)
37.5% pure gold
Most common in UK jewelry, especially older pieces
£37.92 per gram
14 Carat (585)
58.5% pure gold
Common in imported jewelry
£59.16 per gram
18 Carat (750)
75% pure gold
Higher-end jewelry, engagement rings
£75.84 per gram
22 Carat (916)
91.6% pure gold
Asian gold jewelry, sovereigns
£92.52 per gram
Rings
Inside the band, often near the jeweler's stamp
Necklaces & Chains
On or near the clasp mechanism
Bracelets
Near the clasp or on small tags
Earrings
On the post or back of the earring
💡 Pro Tip
Use a magnifying glass or your phone camera's macro mode to read tiny hallmarks clearly.
⚠️ What If There's No Hallmark?
- • Items under 1 gram don't require hallmarks legally1
- • Foreign jewelry may have different marking systems (e.g., "14K" instead of "585")
- • Very old jewelry (pre-1973) may have worn hallmarks
- • Reputable buyers will test unmarked items with electronic testing equipment
- • Be cautious - lack of hallmarks could indicate plated or fake gold
Step 2: Weigh Your Gold Jewelry
Accurate weight is crucial for calculating value. Gold is typically weighed in grams for jewelry, though some buyers still use troy ounces for larger quantities.
- ✓Digital Kitchen Scales
Good for approximate weights (±0.5g accuracy)
- ✓Jewelry Scales
Best for accuracy (±0.01g), available online for £10-£30
- ✓Pharmacy/Post Office
Some locations offer free weighing services
- ✓Jeweler's Assessment
Most accurate, but always verify yourself first
- •Remove all non-gold parts (clasps, stones, findings) before calculating value
- •Group items by karat/purity for separate weighing
- •Weigh in grams (standard for UK jewelry)
- •Clean items first - dirt adds weight without value
- •Record weights before sending items away
Typical Jewelry Weights & Values
| Item Type | 9ct Value | 18ct Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wedding Ring (3-5g) | £90-£150 | £180-£300 | Plain bands weigh less; decorative rings more |
| Chain Necklace (5-15g) | £150-£450 | £300-£900 | Weight varies significantly by style and length |
| Bracelet (8-20g) | £240-£600 | £480-£1,200 | Solid gold bracelets weigh more than hollow |
| Earrings (pair, 2-6g) | £60-£180 | £120-£360 | Studs lighter than drop earrings |
| Signet Ring (5-10g) | £150-£300 | £300-£600 | Men's rings typically heavier |
*Based on current gold prices and typical scrap rates (80-85% of melt value). Actual offers may vary.
Step 3: Calculate Your Gold's Value
Before approaching buyers, calculate your gold's intrinsic (melt) value. This is your baseline - reputable buyers typically offer 80-95% of this amount.
Use Our Gold Calculator
Get an instant, accurate valuation of your gold jewelry based on current market prices:
Calculate Gold Value →Scrap Value (Gold Content Only)
- • Based purely on gold weight and purity
- • Typically 80-95% of current spot price
- • What most buyers offer for standard jewelry
- • Condition and design don't matter
Jewelry Value (Above Scrap)
- • Designer pieces (Tiffany, Cartier, etc.)
- • Antique or vintage jewelry with craftsmanship value
- • Items with precious stones that add value
- • Collectible or historically significant pieces
💡 Consider selling to specialist dealers or auction houses for these items
Step 4: Get Multiple Quotes from Buyers
Never accept the first offer. Prices can vary by 20% or more between buyers. Aim for at least 3-5 quotes.
- ✓Immediate cash
- ✓Face-to-face service
- ✗Often lower rates (75-85%)
- ✗Variable quality
Examples: H&T Pawnbrokers, Cash Converters
- ✓Competitive rates (85-92%)
- ✓Easy comparison
- ✗Must ship items
- ✗2-5 day wait for payment
Examples: Hatton Garden Metals (online service)
- ✓Best rates (90-97%)
- ✓Expert knowledge
- ✗May have minimums
- ✗Fewer locations
Examples: Hatton Garden dealers, specialist bullion traders
Find Verified UK Gold Buyers
Browse our directory of 242+ verified gold dealers across the UK. Compare local buyers, read reviews, and find the best rates in your area.
Find Gold Dealers Near You →Step 5: Complete the Sale Safely
- 1.Valid Photo ID
Passport, driving license, or national ID card2
- 2.Proof of Address
Utility bill or bank statement (under 3 months old)
- 3.Proof of Ownership
Original receipts if available (not always required)
- 4.Your Calculations
Pre-calculated values and weights for reference
🛡️ Safety Checklist for In-Person Sales
- ✓ Watch the testing process - ask questions if unclear
- ✓ Verify the scales are certified and properly calibrated
- ✓ Get a detailed receipt showing weights, purity, and calculations
- ✓ Never feel pressured to accept an offer immediately
- ✓ You can take your items and leave if unhappy with the offer
- ✓ Count cash carefully before leaving the premises
- ✓ For bank transfers, verify payment before handing over items
Cash (Same Day)
- • Immediate payment
- • Best for smaller amounts (under £1,000)
- • Count carefully in front of staff
- • Consider personal safety when carrying large sums
Bank Transfer (1-3 Days)
- • Safest for large amounts
- • Creates paper trail
- • Usually next business day
- • Verify payment before finalizing sale
Cheque (3-5 Days)
- • Less common now
- • Wait for clearance before considering sale final
- • Can be cancelled - not recommended
⚠️ Red Flags: Scams to Avoid
Warning Signs:
- ❌Bait and Switch Quotes
High online quotes that drop drastically in person
- ❌Hidden Fees
"Testing fees," "handling charges," or "processing costs"
- ❌Pressure Tactics
"This offer expires in 10 minutes" or aggressive selling
- ❌No Testing Equipment
Legitimate buyers use electronic testers or acid tests
- ❌Uncalibrated Scales
Scales should show calibration certificates
Common Scams:
The "Wrong Purity" Scam
Buyer claims your 18ct gold is actually 9ct or lower. Always get a second opinion if the purity assessment seems wrong.
The Stone Deduction
Excessive weight deductions for stones. While stones aren't gold, deductions should be reasonable and explained clearly.
The "Send It In" Trap
Postal buyers who significantly lower quotes after receiving items. Only use established companies with solid reputations.
The Fake Buyer
Online buyers who disappear after you send items. Verify company registration, physical address, and reviews before posting anything.
Tax Implications: Do You Owe Tax on Selling Gold Jewelry?
Good News for Most Sellers
Most people selling personal gold jewelry in the UK won't owe any tax. Here's why:
- ✓Personal Possessions Under £6,000
Individual items sold for under £6,000 are exempt3
- ✓Wasting Assets
Jewelry with a lifespan under 50 years is exempt
- ✓Annual CGT Allowance
£3,000 tax-free gains per year (2024/25)4
- •High-Value Items
Individual pieces sold for over £6,000
- •Investment Gold
Coins and bullion bought as investments
- •Business Trading
Regularly buying and selling gold for profit
Consult a tax advisor for high-value sales or if you're unsure about your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will I get for my gold jewelry?
Most reputable UK buyers pay 80-95% of the gold's intrinsic (melt) value. The exact percentage depends on:
- • Type of buyer (specialists pay more than high street shops)
- • Purity and weight of your gold
- • Current market conditions
- • Quantity being sold (bulk often gets better rates)
For example, 10g of 9ct gold worth £301.60 at 100% would typically fetch £240-£285.
Should I sell broken or damaged gold jewelry?
Yes, absolutely. Broken gold jewelry has the same scrap value as intact pieces. Buyers purchase based on gold content, not condition. This includes:
- • Broken chains and bracelets
- • Single earrings (lost the pair)
- • Bent or damaged rings
- • Clasps and findings
- • Scrap gold pieces
What do UK gold hallmarks mean?
UK hallmarks indicate gold purity using numbers:
- • 375 = 9 carat (37.5% pure gold)
- • 585 = 14 carat (58.5% pure gold)
- • 750 = 18 carat (75% pure gold)
- • 916 = 22 carat (91.6% pure gold)
- • 999 = 24 carat (99.9% pure gold)
Complete hallmarks also include the assay office mark (e.g., leopard's head for London), date letter, and maker's mark.
Can I sell gold-plated jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry has minimal scrap value as it contains very little actual gold (typically 0.05-2.5 microns of gold over base metal). Most buyers won't purchase gold-plated items.
How to identify: Gold-plated items often have marks like "GP," "GEP," "HGE," or no hallmark at all. If it's significantly lighter than solid gold or shows base metal where worn, it's likely plated.
Is it safe to send gold by post?
Yes, when using proper methods:
- • Use Royal Mail Special Delivery (insured up to £2,500)
- • For higher values, use specialist insured courier services
- • Don't label packages as containing valuables
- • Take photos and record weights before posting
- • Only send to established, verified companies
Many reputable online buyers provide free insured posting packs.
What about gold with gemstones?
It depends on the stones:
- Valuable stones (diamonds, sapphires, emeralds): Consider selling to a jeweler who can value the stones separately. Scrap buyers will remove and return stones or give minimal value.
- Low-value stones (CZ, glass): Weight will be deducted from the total gold weight. This is standard practice.
How quickly can I get paid?
- • In-person cash sales: Immediate payment
- • In-person bank transfer: Same or next business day
- • Postal transactions: 1-5 business days after items received and assessed
- • Online buyers: Usually 24-48 hours after assessment
Expert Tips for Maximum Value
- 1Time Your Sale
Monitor gold prices for a few weeks. Small timing differences can mean hundreds of pounds on larger amounts.
- 2Separate by Purity
Keep 9ct, 14ct, and 18ct items separate. This helps ensure accurate pricing and prevents errors.
- 3Clean Your Gold
Gentle cleaning makes hallmarks easier to read and testing more accurate. Use warm soapy water only.
- 4Research Designer Pieces
Tiffany, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels pieces may be worth significantly more than scrap value.
- 1Know Your Bottom Line
Calculate 80% of scrap value as your absolute minimum. Walk away from lower offers.
- 2Ask About Testing Methods
Electronic testing is non-destructive and accurate. Acid testing damages items slightly but is also reliable.
- 3Get Written Quotes
Verbal quotes aren't binding. Get all offers in writing with itemized breakdowns.
- 4Negotiate Respectfully
Let buyers know you have other quotes. Many will match or beat competitor offers to win your business.
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Read Guide →Sources and References
1 UK Hallmarking regulations exempt items under 1 gram from compulsory hallmarking. Source:The Hallmarking Act 1973
2 Money laundering regulations require dealers to verify customer identity for transactions over £7,500 or suspicious transactions. Source:Money Laundering Regulations guidance
3 Capital Gains Tax exemption for personal possessions (chattels) sold for £6,000 or less. Source:HMRC Capital Gains Tax on personal possessions
4 Capital Gains Tax annual exempt amount £3,000 for 2024/25 tax year. Source:HMRC Capital Gains Tax rates and allowances
Additional information sourced from industry research, UK hallmarking standards, and verified gold buyer practices. Gold prices sourced from London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) current rates.
All information current as of November 2025. Verify current regulations and prices before transactions.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about selling gold jewelry in the UK. Prices, tax regulations, and buyer policies may change. Always verify current rates and terms with buyers before committing to any transaction. This content does not constitute financial or legal advice. Consult appropriate professionals for advice specific to your situation. Last updated: November 2025.