Selling vintage gold jewellery and coins
You may see the price of gold mentioned when you think about selling old jewellery or coins. This page explains what that means for your items, how a value by weight is worked out and why it is not the same as the live price you see online.
When gold is valued by its weight
Gold is valued by its weight when only its metal counts, not its design or how collectable it is. It can be broken chains, odd earrings, damaged rings or old coins with no extra collector value.
These items may no longer be wearable or collectable, but they still contain gold that can be melted down and used again.
When the gold price is high, heavier items with no precious stones and no great age are often worth more for their weight of metal than as jewellery.
How a value by weight is worked out
Three items decide what gold is worth by weight.
Carat, which is purity. The higher the carat, the more valuable the gold. For example, 18 carat gold is worth twice as much per gram as 9 carat, because it holds twice as much pure gold.
Weight. Heavier items, such as chunky bracelets or solid rings, are worth more than delicate pieces.
The market price. The world gold market moves daily, and values by weight follow it.
Value by weight and the live price
People often ask why the figure they are offered is lower than the live price on a financial website. The live price, often called the spot price, is the price of pure gold traded in bulk on the world markets. Gold valued by weight has to be tested, handled and refined before it can be used again, and each step costs something.
So a value by weight is the practical, real-world value once those steps are allowed for. It is normal for it to be below the spot price.
Why being clear about pricing matters
Selling by weight can feel confusing, and being open about how a value is reached turns it into something simple.
What happens when you send it
Whether you have coins, collectable jewellery or broken gold, the steps are the same. You ask for a free postage pack and send your items in a box of your own with the free postage label. We examine each piece, testing, weighing and valuing it. Then you receive an offer with no obligation.
Sending us your old gold
Broken jewellery, unwanted coins and old gold rings can all go in the box, even if damaged or out of fashion. Ask for a free postage pack and we send it to you with a free postage label. Your box is protected on the way to us.
When it arrives we make one offer for the whole box, within seven days. We hold your offer for 14 days. Your offer tells you the date. If you need longer, just ask. Say yes on a working day and we send your payment the same day, once we have your details.
Thinking of sending us a box?
Get your free packHow it works
Step 1: Pack your box
Everything in, nothing cleaned.
Step 2: Post it free
Stick the Parcelforce label from your pack on your box and send it to us.
Step 3: Wait for your offer
One offer for the lot, within seven days of arrival.
Questions
Can I sell a broken gold ring?
Yes. Broken items are valued for the gold in them, not for how they look.
Do small items such as single earrings have value?
Yes. Even small amounts of gold add up once melted down.
Is it safe to send my gold by post?
Your box is protected on the way to us, and we hold your offer for 14 days once you have it.
Have something in mind to send?
Get your free pack
Protected on its way to us
Our parcel cover, up to £300, on evidence of what was in the box.
One offer for the whole box
We value everything in it and make one offer for the lot.
Carefully valued
We carefully value each box and pay a fair price for it.
Free postage both ways
A free postage label to us, and free postage back if you decline.
Shall we weigh your gold?
Prefer to talk? Call us free on 0800 048 8777