Get instant valuations for your gold items based on current UK market prices
Current Gold Price: £90.26 per gram (24ct) – Last updated: Today
£0.00
Estimated value of your scrap gold
Weight:0g
Purity:0ct
Pure gold content:0g
Price per gram (24ct):£90.26
Your gold value:£0.00
Important: This is an estimate based on current market prices. Actual prices offered by dealers may be 60-80% of this value due to refining costs, dealer margins, and market conditions.
Gold Purity Guide
Gold purity is measured in carats, with 24-carat being pure gold. Most jewellery contains alloys that make it more durable but reduce the gold content.
Carat
Gold Content
Common Uses
Current Value per Gram
24ct
99.9%
Investment gold, bullion
£90.26
22ct
91.7%
High-end jewellery, coins
£82.74
18ct
75%
Fine jewellery, wedding rings
£67.69
14ct
58.5%
Everyday jewellery
£52.65
10ct
41.7%
Budget jewellery
£37.61
9ct
37.5%
Entry-level gold jewellery
£33.85
How to Identify Your Gold
Look for Hallmarks
British gold items should have hallmarks stamped on them. These tiny marks indicate the purity and origin of your gold. Common hallmarks include:
375 – 9 carat gold
585 – 14 carat gold
750 – 18 carat gold
916 – 22 carat gold
999 – 24 carat gold
Physical Tests
If hallmarks are unclear, professional dealers use several methods:
Acid testing – Small scratches tested with nitric acid
X-ray fluorescence – Precise analysis of gold content
Tip: Never attempt acid testing yourself. Professional testing protects both you and your gold items from damage.
Selling Process
Get Your Gold Tested
Visit a certified dealer who can accurately assess your gold’s purity and weight using professional equipment.
Obtain Multiple Quotes
Contact several reputable gold dealers to compare prices. Prices can vary significantly between buyers.
Check Dealer Credentials
Verify that dealers are members of trade associations like the British Numismatic Trade Association (BNTA).
Complete the Transaction
Reputable dealers offer same-day payment by bank transfer and provide full documentation of the sale.
Warning: Be cautious of door-to-door gold buyers or pop-up gold buying events. These often offer significantly below market rates.
Factors Affecting Gold Prices
Market Conditions
Gold prices fluctuate based on global economic conditions, currency strength, and investor demand. Prices are updated multiple times daily during trading hours.
Dealer Margins
Dealers typically offer 60-80% of the theoretical gold value to cover refining costs, business overheads, and profit margins. Higher purity gold generally receives better percentages.
Item Condition
Damaged or heavily worn items may receive lower offers due to additional processing costs. Clean, intact pieces often achieve better prices.
Quantity
Larger quantities of gold may receive better rates due to economies of scale in processing and refining.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of gold items can be sold as scrap?
Broken jewellery, old rings, chains, bracelets, earrings, dental gold, gold coins (for metal value), and any other gold items regardless of condition.
Do I need to clean my gold before selling?
No, professional dealers can assess gold regardless of condition. However, removing non-gold components (leather straps, fabric) can help with accurate weighing.
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator provides theoretical gold values based on current market prices. Actual dealer offers will be lower due to processing costs and margins.
Can I sell gold without hallmarks?
Yes, but it will need professional testing to determine purity. Unmarked gold often receives more conservative valuations.
What’s the minimum amount I can sell?
Most dealers accept any amount, but very small quantities (under 1 gram) may not be economical due to minimum handling fees.
How quickly can I get paid?
Reputable dealers typically pay immediately for in-person transactions or within 1-3 working days for postal services.
References
Bank of England. “The Gold Market.” Quarterly Bulletin, 2023. Research on gold market dynamics and pricing mechanisms in the UK financial system.
London Metal Exchange. “Precious Metals Trading Guide.” 2024. Official guidelines for precious metals trading and valuation standards.
British Numismatic Trade Association. “Code of Practice for Gold Dealers.” 2024. Industry standards for gold buying and selling practices.
HM Revenue & Customs. “Capital Gains Tax on Gold.” Gov.uk, 2024. Official guidance on tax implications of gold sales in the UK.
The Assay Office. “Hallmarking Guide.” Birmingham Assay Office, 2024. Authoritative guide to UK gold hallmarking and purity standards.
