Sell Your Gold Chain

Yes, absolutely. Gold buyers purchase chains for their material value (weight and purity), so it makes no difference if the chain is broken, tangled, or damaged. The gold will be melted down and refined, so cosmetic condition is completely irrelevant. A broken 9ct chain weighing 20 grams is worth exactly the same as an intact one of the same weight and carat.

Look for a hallmark on the clasp or a link near the end. Common UK hallmarks are 375 (9ct), 585 (14ct), 750 (18ct), or 916 (22ct). If it says 'GP', 'GF', or 'Rolled', it is likely plated and has little scrap value. You can also try a magnet test — solid gold is not magnetic. If in doubt, a reputable dealer will test the metal free of charge.

The scrap value of 9ct gold changes daily with the spot price. To calculate, take the current price of pure gold per gram and multiply by 0.375 (the gold content of 9ct). Dealers will then pay between 85-95% of this calculated value. Use our calculator above for an instant estimate. As a rough guide, 9ct gold is typically worth around 37.5% of the pure gold price per gram.

No. Whether your chain is a curb, belcher, rope, figaro, box, or snake chain, the scrap value is identical for the same weight and carat. Style only matters if you are selling the chain as jewellery to a retailer or private buyer. For scrap purposes, all gold chains are melted down regardless of design.

For most used chains, a scrap gold dealer will pay more. Jewellers buy to resell as jewellery and need a larger margin. Scrap dealers buy for metal content and have tighter margins. The exception is designer or branded chains (Tiffany, Cartier, etc.) where a specialist jewellery buyer might pay a premium above scrap value. For standard chains, always compare scrap gold prices online.