Scrap Gold Prices UK — Key Facts (March 2026)
- •9ct scrap gold is worth £42.63 per gram in the UK today (37.5% pure gold).
- •18ct scrap gold is worth £85.26 per gram (75% pure gold).
- •22ct scrap gold is worth £104.13 per gram (91.67% pure gold).
- •UK dealers typically pay 85-95% of the spot price for scrap gold, depending on purity and quantity.
- •Higher purity gold (18ct+) commands better percentages because it is more efficient to refine.
- •Scrap gold prices are based on the LBMA gold fix, updated daily at 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM London time.
Scrap Gold Prices Per Gram UK - All Purities
Live market rates updated daily from LBMA data
| Carat | Purity | Spot Price/Gram | Dealers Pay* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9ct (375) | 37.5% | £42.63 | £29.84 - £36.24 |
| 14ct (585) | 58.5% | £66.50 | £46.55 - £56.53 |
| 18ct (750) | 75.0% | £85.26 | £59.68 - £72.47 |
| 22ct (916) | 91.6% | £104.13 | £72.89 - £88.51 |
| 24ct (999) | 99.9% | £113.57 | £79.50 - £96.53 |
*What Dealers Actually Pay
The "Dealers Pay" column shows realistic estimates (70-85% of spot). The spot price is the market value of pure gold content. Dealers pay less to cover refining, testing, and business costs. Higher quantities typically get better rates. Always compare quotes from multiple dealers.
What is Scrap Gold?
Scrap gold is any gold item valued primarily for its metal content rather than its design or craftsmanship. It includes broken, unwanted, or outdated gold items that can be melted down and refined.
- • Broken chains and necklaces
- • Single earrings (missing pair)
- • Rings with missing stones
- • Damaged bracelets
- • Tangled or knotted chains
- • Out of style jewelry
- • Inherited gold you don't wear
- • Ex-partner's gifts
- • Old wedding rings
- • Gold-plated items (less value)
- • Dental gold (crowns, fillings)
- • Gold watch cases
- • Gold teeth
- • Gold coins (damaged)
- • Electronic gold (small amounts)
How Scrap Gold Prices Are Calculated
Scrap Value =
Weight (g) x Purity x Spot Price
Example: 10g of 9ct gold
10g x 0.375 x £113.57 = £425.89
- Global spot price - Changes daily based on market demand
- GBP/USD rate - Gold is priced in dollars
- Quantity sold - Larger amounts often get better rates
- Dealer margin - Typically 15-30% of spot
Why Condition Doesn't Matter
Scrap gold is valued purely by weight and purity, not condition or appearance. A broken 9ct gold chain weighing 10g is worth the same as an intact one - approximately £426.30 at current market rates. Don't throw away broken gold!
Scrap Gold Value Calculator
Enter your gold's weight and purity to calculate its value
Where to Sell Scrap Gold in the UK
Visit high street gold buyers for instant cash. You can watch the weighing and testing process.
Find dealers near you →Send gold by insured post. Convenient but requires trust. Use established companies with good reviews.
Compare services →Quick cash option but typically offer lower prices than specialist gold dealers.
Find pawnbrokers →Scrap Gold Prices UK - Frequently Asked Questions
Today's scrap gold prices per gram UK: 9ct = £42.63, 14ct = £66.50, 18ct = £85.26, 22ct = £104.13, 24ct = £113.57. These are market spot prices - dealers typically pay 70-85% of these rates.
UK gold dealers typically pay 70-85% of the spot price for scrap gold. For 9ct gold, expect £29.84 - £36.24 per gram. For 18ct gold, expect £59.68 - £72.47 per gram. Always get multiple quotes to ensure fair pricing.
Scrap gold prices are affected by: 1) The global gold spot price set by international markets, 2) The GBP/USD exchange rate since gold is priced in dollars, 3) The purity/carat of your gold, 4) Dealer margins and refining costs. Prices can change daily based on market conditions.
Gold prices are currently near historic highs, making it an excellent time to sell scrap gold. The current 24ct gold price is £113.57 per gram. However, timing the market perfectly is difficult - if you need to sell, current prices are favorable compared to historical averages.
The spot price is the current market value of pure gold. Dealers pay less than spot price to cover refining costs, testing, business expenses, and profit margins. Most reputable UK dealers pay 70-85% of spot for scrap gold. The percentage offered depends on quantity, purity, and the specific dealer.
Scrap gold prices in Birmingham, London, Manchester, and other UK cities are all based on the same international spot price. However, individual dealer margins vary — high-street buyers in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter may offer different rates than online postal services. Always compare at least three quotes. Find gold dealers in Birmingham →
Ready to sell? Read our complete guide to selling gold in the UK for tips on getting the best price for your scrap gold.
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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
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