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. Learn where to sell them and how much you can get.
London Gold Exchange Team
Expert advice on selling damaged gold
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 (based on current prices and 85% payout):
| Item | Weight | 9ct Value | 18ct Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broken chain (light) | 3-8g | £23-£60 | £45-£120 |
| Broken chain (heavy) | 10-25g | £75-£190 | £150-£380 |
| Single earring | 1-3g | £8-£23 | £15-£45 |
| Damaged ring | 3-6g | £23-£45 | £45-£90 |
| Broken bracelet | 8-20g | £60-£150 | £120-£300 |
| Bent/crushed pendant | 2-5g | £15-£38 | £30-£75 |
| Watch case (gold) | 5-15g | £38-£115 | £75-£225 |
Values based on November 2025 gold prices at typical 85% dealer payout. Actual weights vary - use our calculator for exact values.
Calculate Your Broken Gold's Value
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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: £30-£200 depending on weight
Lost one earring? The remaining one is still worth selling. While small individually, collect several singles together for a worthwhile sale.
Typical value: £10-£50 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: £25-£100 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 £75-£150.
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 - 90-95% payout
- ✓Independent jewellers - 85-92% payout
- ✓Hatton Garden dealers - Competitive rates
- ✗Cash for gold shops - Only 70-80% payout
- ✗Market stalls - Often unreliable
- ✗Unreviewed dealers - No accountability
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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. Most UK dealers pay 80-95% of the gold's melt value, depending on the buyer type.
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 £10-£50+ depending on 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.
Related Guides
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: November 2025.