You might be surprised how much value is sitting in your jewellery box. Old rings, broken chains, and even single earrings you haven’t worn for years could be worth far more than you think. With gold prices near record highs, now’s the perfect time to find out what your gold is really worth.
The good news? You don’t need special tools or expert training to get a solid idea of your gold’s value. With a few simple steps — and a bit of know-how — you can estimate the price of your gold safely and accurately from home.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to:
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Identify the purity of your gold (9ct, 14ct, 18ct, or 24ct).
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Weigh it correctly using everyday tools.
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Check the latest UK gold prices.
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Understand what affects real resale value.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we’ve been helping people across the UK value, sell, and invest in gold for decades. Whether you’re curious about selling or just want to understand what you own, these simple steps will give you clarity and confidence.
“There’s real value in your old gold — you just need to know how to find it.”
Step 1: Identify Your Gold Type & Hallmark
Before you can value your gold, you need to know what kind of gold you have. The easiest way to do that is by checking the hallmark — a small stamp that tells you the metal’s purity and where it was tested.
In the UK, every genuine piece of gold over 1 gram must legally carry a hallmark from one of the official Assay Offices: London, Birmingham, Sheffield, or Edinburgh. Look closely with a magnifying glass or under good lighting. You’ll usually find these tiny marks on the inside of a ring, the clasp of a chain, or the back of a pendant.
Here’s what to look for:
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375 = 9 carat (37.5% pure gold)
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585 = 14 carat (58.5% pure)
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750 = 18 carat (75% pure)
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916 = 22 carat (91.6% pure)
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999 = 24 carat (99.9% pure)
The higher the number, the purer (and more valuable) the gold. Some older or foreign pieces may have different stamps — these can still be real gold but will need professional testing for exact purity.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we test and verify every gold item in-house using professional XRF analysis, so you always know exactly what you have before you sell or insure it.
“The hallmark tells the story — purity, origin, and true value.”
Step 2: Weigh It Accurately
Once you’ve identified the purity of your gold, the next step is to weigh it. This gives you the base figure you’ll need to estimate its market value.
You don’t need specialist equipment — a digital kitchen scale will do just fine. Place your gold pieces on the scale one at a time, making sure it’s set to grams (g) rather than ounces or pounds. Avoid weighing jewellery that still has stones or non-gold parts attached, as these will distort the result.
Gold prices are calculated using troy ounces, not regular ounces. One troy ounce equals 31.1 grams, so to estimate your gold’s value, you’ll need to convert your total weight into troy ounces (for example, 15.5 grams is half a troy ounce).
Keep in mind: if you have a 9ct gold ring, it’s only 37.5% pure gold. So its actual gold content will be 0.375 × its total weight. The same rule applies for 14ct, 18ct, and 22ct.
This is why professional valuations can differ — jewellers use precision scales and XRF testing to separate the true gold weight from any alloys or settings.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we use trade-calibrated scales to measure purity and weight to the exact milligram — giving you an accurate figure before you sell or insure.
“Weight is key — but purity determines true value.”
Step 3: Check the Daily Gold Price
Once you know your gold’s purity and weight, the next step is to check the current market price of gold — known as the “spot price.” This figure changes daily based on global demand, currency strength, and market trends.
In the UK, you can find up-to-date gold prices on trusted financial websites such as BullionByPost, The Royal Mint, or Kitco. Most sites display prices per gram and per troy ounce, updated every few minutes.
To estimate your gold’s value:
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Find the current price per gram for 24ct gold (the purest form).
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Multiply that by your gold’s purity percentage (e.g. 0.375 for 9ct).
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Multiply again by your item’s weight in grams.
This gives a rough estimate of what your gold is worth before dealer margins or refining costs.
Remember — the market price represents raw gold value, not finished jewellery worth. For a precise, fair valuation, it’s always best to visit a professional.
“Gold prices change daily — checking the spot price helps you stay informed.”
Step 4: Compare Value vs Sentimental Worth
When it comes to gold, not all value is financial. Some pieces carry memories that can’t be measured by weight or carat — a wedding band, a family heirloom, or a pendant handed down through generations. That’s why it’s important to look at both sides: the market value and the sentimental worth.
If you’re simply curious about what your gold is worth, using the steps above will give you a good ballpark figure. But if you’re thinking about selling, pause to consider what the piece means to you. Once sold, sentimental items can’t be replaced — even if they can be remade.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we often recommend customers bring in sentimental pieces for a free professional appraisal before deciding. Sometimes the best option isn’t to sell, but to remodel or repair the item — giving it a new life without losing its story.
Gold has two kinds of value: what it’s worth on paper, and what it means to you personally. The smart move is knowing the difference before you make a decision.
“Some gold carries more than weight — it carries memories.”
Know the True Worth of Your Gold
Understanding the value of your gold isn’t just about knowing a number — it’s about taking control of your assets, your memories, and your decisions. Whether you own a few old rings, broken chains, or heirloom pieces, knowing what they’re truly worth gives you clarity and confidence.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we believe every customer deserves honesty, transparency, and expert guidance. That’s why we created our Free Gold Guide — a simple, step-by-step resource that shows you how to identify, weigh, and value your gold the same way professionals do.
If you’re thinking about selling, we’ll make sure you get a fair and accurate offer based on live gold prices — no tricks, no pressure. And if your pieces carry sentimental value, our team can help you restore or remodel them instead, keeping the emotion while unlocking their beauty.
Gold is more than an investment — it’s a story, a legacy, and often, an opportunity waiting to be rediscovered.
“Knowledge is power — know what your gold is really worth before you decide.”
