Scrap Gold Prices UK Today: Live Rates Per Gram
Check today's scrap gold prices in the UK. Live rates for 9ct, 14ct, 18ct, 22ct, and 24ct gold. Calculate how much your scrap gold is worth and find verified UK dealers for the best prices.
Today's Gold Spot Price (February 2026)
24ct Pure Gold Per Gram
£124.05
Per Troy Ounce
£3,858.43
Source: London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) • Last updated: 05/03/2026
UK Scrap Gold Prices by Purity
These are the melt values for scrap gold - what the gold content alone is worth. Most UK scrap gold buyers pay 80-95% of these prices, depending on the buyer type and quantity.
| Purity | Hallmark | Price/Gram | Price/Oz | Typical 85% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 Carat | 375 | £46.52 | £1446.91 | £39.54/g |
| 14 Carat | 585 | £72.57 | £2257.18 | £61.68/g |
| 18 Carat | 750 | £93.04 | £2893.82 | £79.08/g |
| 22 Carat | 916 | £113.63 | £3534.32 | £96.59/g |
| 24 Carat | 999 | £123.93 | £3854.57 | £105.34/g |
The "Typical 85%" column shows what you might realistically receive from a reputable buyer. The melt value is the theoretical maximum - dealers need to make a margin to cover refining costs and profit.
Calculate Your Scrap Gold Value
Enter your gold's weight and purity to get an instant valuation
Use Scrap Gold CalculatorWhat is Scrap Gold?
Scrap gold refers to any gold items being sold for their metal content rather than their retail or collectible value. The gold is melted down and refined, so condition doesn't affect the price - only weight and purity matter.
- •Broken chains and bracelets
- •Old or unwanted rings
- •Single earrings (lost the pair)
- •Dental gold (crowns, bridges)
- •Watch cases and bands
- •Damaged or out-of-style jewelry
- ★Designer jewelry (Cartier, Tiffany) - may be worth more
- ★Antique pieces with historical value
- ★Collectible coins (sell as coins)
- ★Investment bullion (sell as bullion)
- ★Jewelry with valuable gemstones
These items may fetch above scrap value from specialist buyers
What UK Scrap Gold Buyers Actually Pay
The scrap gold price you receive depends heavily on who you sell to. Here's what different types of UK buyers typically offer as a percentage of the melt value:
| Buyer Type | Typical Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist Bullion Dealers | 90-97% | Best rates, may have minimums |
| Hatton Garden Shops | 88-95% | In-person, competitive |
| Online Gold Buyers | 85-92% | Convenient, insured shipping |
| High Street Pawnbrokers | 75-85% | Instant cash, lower rates |
| Cash for Gold Shops | 70-80% | Quick but often lowest offers |
Example Calculation
You have 20 grams of 9ct scrap gold. Here's what you might receive:
Melt Value (100%)
£930.38
Typical Offer (85%)
£790.82
How to Get the Best Scrap Gold Price
Know Your Gold's Purity
Check for UK hallmarks (375, 585, 750, 916, 999). Items without hallmarks need testing - some may be plated rather than solid gold.
Weigh Your Gold Accurately
Use a digital scale (jewelry scales cost £10-£30). Separate items by purity before weighing. Kitchen scales work for rough estimates.
Calculate the Melt Value
Use our calculator or the prices above to know what your gold is theoretically worth. This gives you a baseline for negotiations.
Get Multiple Quotes
Contact at least 3-4 different buyers. Prices can vary by 15-20% between dealers, which could mean hundreds of pounds difference.
Choose the Right Buyer
Specialist dealers typically pay more than pawnbrokers. Don't be swayed by flashy "cash for gold" advertising - check reviews and compare rates.
How Much is My Scrap Gold Worth?
Here are typical weights and values for common scrap gold items (at today's prices):
| Item | Typical Weight | 9ct Value | 18ct Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wedding Ring | 3-6g | £178 | £356 |
| Chain Necklace | 5-20g | £494 | £989 |
| Bracelet | 8-25g | £652 | £1305 |
| Earrings (pair) | 2-5g | £138 | £277 |
| Signet Ring | 5-12g | £336 | £672 |
| Dental Crown | 2-4g | Varies by alloy - typically £30-£150 | |
Values shown at typical 85% payout rate. Weights vary significantly - always weigh your actual items.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is scrap gold worth per gram UK?
Scrap gold prices per gram vary by purity. As of February 2026, the melt values are approximately: 9ct: £46.52/g, 18ct: £93.04/g, 24ct: £123.93/g. Most buyers pay 80-95% of these rates.
Do I need to clean scrap gold before selling?
Cleaning isn't necessary - buyers purchase based on gold content, not appearance. However, gentle cleaning can make hallmarks easier to read. Never use harsh chemicals that could damage the gold.
Can I sell gold-plated items as scrap?
Gold-plated items have minimal scrap value as they contain only a thin layer of gold (typically 0.05-2.5 microns). Most buyers won't purchase plated items. Look for hallmarks - if it says "GP", "GEP", or "HGE", it's plated, not solid gold.
Is now a good time to sell scrap gold?
Gold prices are currently at historically high levels (£3,858.43 per ounce in February 2026). If you have scrap gold you don't need, current prices are favorable. However, prices fluctuate daily, so monitor the market if you're not in a rush.
Do I pay tax on selling scrap gold?
Personal jewelry sold for under £6,000 is exempt from Capital Gains Tax. Most people selling scrap gold won't owe any tax. If selling larger amounts or gold purchased as an investment, consult a tax advisor.
Sell Scrap Gold by Post
Hatton Garden Metals is one of the UK's largest scrap gold buyers, processing several tonnes of precious metals annually. They buy all purities from 9ct to 24ct, including broken jewellery, coins, and dental gold.
- ✓Free insured postal pack — no upfront cost
- ✓Same-day processing and instant payment
- ✓Operating online since 2007 — established and trusted
Affiliate partner — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Ready to Sell Your Scrap Gold?
Find verified gold buyers near you and compare offers
Related Guides
Get an instant valuation. Calculator, expert tips, and verified UK buyers.
Get Valuation →Complete step-by-step guide covering UK hallmarks, calculating value, avoiding scams, and getting the best price for your gold jewelry.
Read Guide →Expert reviews and comparisons of the best gold buyers in the UK. Find out which dealers offer the highest prices and best service.
Read Guide →About the Author
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: Scrap gold prices change daily based on global gold markets. Prices shown are indicative and based on LBMA spot prices. Actual offers from buyers will vary. Always get multiple quotes before selling. Last updated: February 2026.
Advertisement