Selling Broken Gold Jewellery UK: Complete Guide
Got broken gold jewellery sitting in a drawer? Broken chains, single earrings, and damaged rings are still worth money. Calculate your gold's value and find trusted buyers near you.
Good News: Broken Gold = Same Value
Here's what many people don't realise: broken gold jewellery has the same value as intact piecesof the same weight and purity. Gold buyers melt it down anyway, so a broken chain is worth exactly the same as a perfect one.
This means those tangled chains, single earrings, and bent rings in your jewellery box could be worth hundreds of pounds.
What Broken Gold Items Can You Sell?
Almost any gold item is sellable regardless of condition. Here's a breakdown:
| Issue | Sellable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Broken chain links | Yes ✓ | Same value as intact - gold content unchanged |
| Missing stones | Yes ✓ | Sell for gold value; stones removed anyway |
| Bent or crushed | Yes ✓ | Shape doesn't affect melt value |
| Scratched or worn | Yes ✓ | Surface condition irrelevant for scrap |
| Discoloured | Yes ✓ | May indicate gold-plated - get it tested |
| No clasp | Yes ✓ | Weigh the gold you have |
| Gold-plated | No ✗ | Very little gold content - not worth selling |
How Much is Broken Gold Jewellery Worth?
Here are typical values for common broken gold items at today's gold price and a specialist dealer's 84% payout:
| Item | Weight | 9ct Value | 18ct Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broken chain (light) | 3-8g | £95-£253 | £190-£506 |
| Broken chain (heavy) | 10-25g | £317-£791 | £633-£1,583 |
| Single earring | 1-3g | £32-£95 | £63-£190 |
| Damaged ring | 3-6g | £95-£190 | £190-£380 |
| Broken bracelet | 8-20g | £253-£633 | £506-£1,266 |
| Bent/crushed pendant | 2-5g | £63-£158 | £127-£317 |
| Watch case (gold) | 5-15g | £158-£475 | £317-£950 |
Values use today's gold price of £100.49/g for pure gold and Hatton Garden Metals' published 84% scrap rate. Actual weights vary - use our calculator for exact values.
Calculate Your Broken Gold's Value
Enter the weight and purity to get an instant valuation
Use Scrap Gold CalculatorCommon Broken Gold Items Worth Selling
Broken chain links are the most common scrap gold item. Even small sections are worth money - collect all the pieces as they add up.
Typical value: from about £95 for a light 9ct chain to £1,583 for a heavy 18ct one
Lost one earring? The remaining one is still worth selling. While small individually, collect several singles together for a worthwhile sale.
Typical value: £32-£190 each
Rings with missing stones, bent shanks, or worn settings are valuable for their gold content. Any stones are removed during melting anyway.
Typical value: £95-£380 per ring
Don't waste hours untangling delicate chains. Buyers will weigh them as-is - the tangles don't affect the gold content.
Sell as-is - no need to untangle
Tips for Selling Broken Gold Jewellery
Check for Hallmarks First
Look for UK hallmarks: 375 (9ct), 585 (14ct), 750 (18ct). Use a magnifying glass to check clasps, inside bands, or near catches. This tells you the purity before you visit dealers.
Collect All Your Pieces Together
Search drawers, jewellery boxes, and that "bits and pieces" dish. Small items add up - 5 single earrings at 2g each is 10g of gold worth about £317 in 9ct or £633 in 18ct.
Sort by Purity (If Possible)
Separating 9ct from 18ct items makes the process faster and ensures accurate weighing. If unsure, dealers will test each piece separately.
Don't Repair Before Selling
There's no point paying for repairs if you're selling for scrap value. The gold will be melted down regardless of condition. Save your money.
Get Multiple Quotes
Visit at least 3 dealers and compare offers. Don't accept the first quote - prices can vary by 15-20% between buyers, which adds up on larger quantities.
Where to Sell Broken Gold Jewellery UK
For the best prices on broken gold, choose specialist dealers over high street shops:
- ✓Specialist gold dealers - 84-90% payout
- ✓Independent jewellers - varies; get a written quote to compare
- ✓Hatton Garden dealers - Competitive rates
- ✗Cash for gold shops - Often only 60-75% payout
- ✗Market stalls - Often unreliable
- ✗Unreviewed dealers - No accountability
Find Trusted Gold Buyers Near You
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell broken gold jewellery?
Yes, absolutely. Broken gold jewellery is valuable for its gold content regardless of condition. Gold buyers purchase broken chains, single earrings, damaged rings, and any other damaged gold items. The gold is melted down for refining, so condition doesn't affect the price - only weight and purity matter.
How much is broken gold jewellery worth?
Broken gold jewellery is worth the same as intact gold of the same weight and purity. A broken 9ct gold chain weighing 10 grams has identical melt value to an intact chain. Specialist postal dealers pay about 84-90% of the gold's melt value; high street cash-for-gold shops usually pay 60-75%.
Is it worth selling a single gold earring?
Yes, single gold earrings are worth selling. While individual earrings may only weigh 1-3 grams, that's still about £32-£190 at a specialist dealer, depending on weight and purity. Collect multiple small items together to make the trip worthwhile - there's usually no minimum at most dealers.
Do I need to clean broken gold before selling?
No, cleaning is unnecessary for scrap gold. Buyers value the gold content, not appearance. The metal will be melted and refined regardless. Don't waste time or risk damaging pieces with cleaning products.
Sell Your Gold Items
Related Guides
Check today's scrap gold prices for all purities. See live rates per gram and learn what buyers actually pay.
Read Guide →Find trusted local gold buyers in your area. Compare prices and get the best deal for your 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 190+ 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 190+ UK gold dealers
- ✓Daily market data analysis and price tracking
Disclaimer: Values shown are estimates based on typical weights and current gold prices. Actual values depend on exact weight and purity of your items. Always get your gold tested and weighed by a professional buyer. Last updated: 22 September 2026.
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