What is my gold jewellery worth?

What makes jewellery valuable

The value of a piece depends on a mix of items, and it is the combination that decides the total.

The metal. Jewellery made of gold, silver or platinum is always worth something. How much also depends on the carat, which is the measure of how pure the gold is. The higher the carat, the more valuable the piece.

The gemstones. Diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds can add value, and so do the rarity and quality of the stones. Three items matter most. Clarity is how free a stone is from marks or flaws inside it. Cut affects how well a stone reflects light. Colour counts too: a pure, brilliant colour is worth more.

The craftsmanship. This covers how the metal was worked, how the stones were set and how the piece looks overall. Intricate or rare designs are often valued highly.

The brand. Well-known names such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Harry Winston and Bvlgari raise the value of a piece.

Its history. Victorian pieces, antiques, art nouveau work and anything of cultural significance can add to the value.

The condition. Jewellery in good condition is worth more. But tarnished or broken jewellery still has value.

Costume jewellery

All kinds of jewellery are worth something, costume jewellery included. It is made of lower-value materials and is more often found on the high street than in a jeweller's window, but other items can still give it value.

A well-made or unusual design can hold value, especially if it resembles high-end jewellery. Good materials matter, even when they are not precious stones or metals. Limited editions and vintage pieces from a particular era can be rare and wanted by collectors. Classic, wearable designs suit a wider market. Art nouveau, vintage rhinestone, art deco and rare glass pieces could all be worth something.

Costume pieces are usually much lighter than fine jewellery and often have imitation stones or stones of lower value. Fine jewellery is heavier and usually carries hallmarks that show its purity.

What to look for in fine jewellery

Hallmarks. Gold, silver or platinum jewellery should carry a stamp or hallmark. It tells you about the purity of the metal and helps to show it is genuine.

The state of the metal. Fine pieces should show few scratches or marks on the surface, as gold and silver are expected to keep their look.

Weight. A heavier piece is generally worth more. Metal is weighed in grams and gemstones in carats.

The jeweller's marks. A mark or engraving from the maker of a piece can add to its value.

Ways to check what you have

Purity marks. A purity mark shows how much of the metal is pure. Sterling silver is marked 925, because it is 92.5 per cent pure silver. A mark of 999 on gold shows it is almost pure gold.

A maker's mark. Pieces with a clear maker's mark are generally worth more than unmarked pieces, all else being equal. These marks are stamped into the metal, often as symbols or shapes, and there are many types you can look up online.

A magnet. Gold and silver are not magnetic, so a piece that clings to a magnet is probably not gold or silver. This is a simple test you can do at home. A piece that does not cling is not proved to be gold or silver, so it only rules some pieces out.

So is it worth sending?

Whatever you have, whether finer pieces in a drawer, forgotten rings or costume pieces inherited from a relative, nearly all jewellery is worth something. If you want to clear it out and turn it into cash, it is worth having it valued.