Thinking about selling your gold jewellery? You’re definitely not alone. Maybe you’ve got some pieces you inherited but never wear. Or there’s that broken chain sitting in your drawer. Maybe you just want to take advantage of the high gold prices in the UK right now. Whatever your reason, knowing how to sell it the right way can make a big difference in how much cash you actually get.
Here’s the catch: a lot of people don’t really know what their gold is worth. That’s where things get tricky. Some buyers use this to their advantage — they’ll offer you less than your gold is worth, rush you through the process, or hide extra fees in the fine print. Some just count on you feeling overwhelmed or pressured to accept a bad deal.
So, what’s the point of this guide? Simple. It’s here to show you the smartest, safest, and most profitable way to sell gold jewellery in the UK. No getting short-changed.
Selling gold doesn’t have to be stressful. And it shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. If you follow the right steps, you’ll get the most for your gold — safely, quickly, and with full transparency.
“Knowing the facts before selling ensures you get the best price for your gold.”
Step 1 – Get a Proper Gold Valuation
Why a Valuation Is the Most Important Step
Before you sell anything — rings, chains, bangles, gold coins, scrap pieces, or even broken jewellery — you need to know exactly what you’re holding. A proper valuation is the single most important step in getting the best price for your gold.
Most people make the mistake of walking into the first shop they see… and taking the first offer they’re given. But gold values change daily, and not all buyers test, weigh, or calculate gold the same way. Some use lower standards. Some assume you don’t understand carats or purity. Others hope you’ll feel pressured into saying yes quickly.
A real valuation stops all of that.
a professional gold valuation includes:
✔️ Checking the Hallmark
This tells us the purity:
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9ct = 37.5% gold
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14ct = 58.5%
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18ct = 75%
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22ct = 91.6%
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No hallmark? Then an acid test or XRF test is needed.
✔️ Weighing the Gold Accurately
Gold is bought by the gram — the exact weight makes a huge difference to your pay-out.
✔️ Calculating Using Live Gold Prices
The price of gold changes every single day.
Good buyers use live LBMA prices, not outdated estimates.
✔️ Identifying Extra Value
This is where most people gain money they didn’t expect.
A proper valuation looks for:
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gemstone value,
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designer pieces,
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antique value,
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craftsmanship
It’s not always just the scrap weight
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A proper, transparent valuation protects you — and ensures you never get underpaid.
“A proper valuation checks purity, weight, and live market value — not guesswork.”
Step 2 – Understand Hallmarks & Gold Purity
Hallmarks: The Key to Knowing What Your Gold Is Really Worth
If you want the best price for your gold jewellery, you need to know about hallmarks. That tiny stamp on your piece — that’s what tells you how pure the gold really is. Purity matters most when it comes to how much money you’ll get.
Here’s the thing: two gold rings can look exactly the same, but if they have different hallmarks, their values can be worlds apart. Some buyers hope you don’t know this. They’ll hurry things along or skip explaining what those little numbers mean. But once you get how hallmarks work, you’re in control.
Let’s break down the main hallmarks:
375 (9ct Gold)
This means the piece is 37.5% pure gold. Super common in the UK and usually the most budget-friendly.
585 (14ct Gold)
Here, you’ve got 58.5% gold. You’ll see this a lot in Europe and the US.
750 (18ct Gold)
Now we’re talking — 75% pure gold. Deeper colour, higher price tag, and a favourite for engagement rings and fancy jewellery.
916 (22ct Gold)
A whopping 91.6% gold. Popular in Asian jewellery, chunky bangles, heavy chains, and coins.
Why should you care? Because hallmarks show buyers exactly how pure your gold is. Higher purity means more money in your pocket. Hallmarks also protect you — they stop buyers from pretending your jewellery is a lower grade than it actually is.
No hallmark? Don’t freak out. Honest jewellers can still figure out the gold content with acid tests or XRF machines that don’t harm your jewellery.
Bottom line: if you understand hallmarks, you’ll never walk into a sale in the dark.
“Hallmarks reveal the purity of your gold — and help you get the right price.”
Step 3 – Compare Offers: Online vs High Street Buyers
Where Should You Sell Your Gold? Here’s the Truth.
Once you understand your gold’s purity and weight, the next step is choosing where to sell it. And this decision can mean the difference between getting a fair price… or losing £50–£300 unnecessarily.
Most gold sellers in the UK fall into two categories:
1. Online gold buyers
2. High street jewellers
Both can be good — but both also have risks. Here’s how to compare them properly
Online Gold Buyers – Pros & Cons
✔️ Pros:
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Usually offer higher per-gram rates
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Provide free insured postage packs
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Fast quotes (same day)
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Easy for customers who prefer online-only services
❌ Cons:
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Some companies lock in low prices
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Many deduct hidden “processing fees”
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Harder to trust without in-person testing
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Some use aggressive sales tactics
If you use an online buyer, ONLY choose one with:
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1000+ positive reviews
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Fully insured postage
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Clear, published daily rates
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No fees or deductions
High Street Jewellers – Pros & Cons
✔️ Pros:
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Instant valuation + instant payment
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Face-to-face transparency
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You watch the testing process
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Ideal for high-value or sentimental items
❌ Cons:
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Some pawnshops or gold stalls underpay
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Prices vary massively between jewellers
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Not all buyers use live gold prices
At Blackwell Jewellers, we pride ourselves on offering honest, transparent daily rates and in-person valuations customers can trust. No pressure. No hidden deductions.
Always Compare 3 Offers Before Selling
Never accept the first offer.
Shop around. Compare rates. Ask questions.
This one step alone can boost your pay-out dramatically.
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“Comparing at least three offers protects you from being underpaid.”
Step 4 – Time Your Sale
Why Timing Matters When Selling Gold in the UK
Here’s something people get wrong all the time when selling gold: they think the price stays the same. It doesn’t. Gold prices are all over the place—sometimes they swing in a single afternoon. The value shifts with the global markets, inflation, interest rates, demand, politics, and, honestly, just how confident investors are feeling.
Here’s the thing. Sell your gold at the wrong moment, and you could wave goodbye to anywhere from £50 to £300, just because the market dipped that week. That stings.
Timing really matters.
When does gold usually climb?
You’ll see prices go up when the economy looks shaky, inflation is on the rise, interest rates are all over the map, investors start ditching stocks for safer bets, or there’s political drama on the world stage. Basically, when people get nervous, gold shines. This isn’t just a hunch—it’s what history shows us. In rough times, gold turns into a safe haven.
So, before you sell, always check the current price. Look at the LBMA rates, spot price charts that update around the clock, and see how things have been moving over the week or month. If you notice prices just took a dive, wait it out. Gold usually rebounds. Selling in a slump is the quickest way to get short-changed.
A little patience goes a long way. If you’re not desperate for cash, hang on for a price jump—even a small one can put more money in your pocket. This is the move most sellers overlook, and honestly, buyers count on that.
“Gold prices rise and fall daily — selling at the right moment can mean £100s more.”
Step 5 – Avoid Gold Selling Scams
The Red Flags Every UK Gold Seller Should Watch Out For
The gold-buying world has some great, trustworthy folks in it. But let’s be honest, there are also plenty of people looking to take advantage—especially if you don’t know how gold pricing works. The attached file goes over the biggest scams happening across the UK right now. Spotting these tricks can save you hundreds of pounds.
So, whether you’re selling a single ring or a handful of old chains, watch out for these warning signs:
🚩 1. Pop-Up “Hotel Gold Buying Events”
These buyers show up out of nowhere, rent a room in a hotel, plaster the area with ads, and then vanish the next day. The file spells it out: these pop-ups usually pay way less than your gold is actually worth. Once they’re gone, you won’t get hold of them again.
🚩 2. Buyers Who Won’t Explain Their Valuation
If someone won’t show you the hallmark, the weight, the purity, or the live gold price they’re working from, just leave. Real jewellers want you to understand every step. If they’re hiding details, they’re hiding something else too.
🚩 3. “Too Good to Be True” Rates
Some places advertise rates that blow everyone else out of the water. Here’s how that scam works: they reel you in with a huge rate, then hit you with “fees” and “melting charges” so you walk away with much less than you thought. Don’t believe any price until you see the final pay-out.
🚩 4. Street Buyers & Market Stalls
Plenty of these guys use dodgy scales or claim your gold isn’t real. They’re often not regulated, and their offers are usually rock-bottom. They count on you not questioning it.
🚩 5. Unsafe Postal Services
If someone tells you, “Just pop it in a regular envelope and stick it in the post,” run the other way. Always use tracked, insured postage—or arrange a secure collection. Any decent online gold buyer will send you a free, insured pack.
🚩 6. Pressure to Sell Fast
A real gold buyer gives you time. You should be able to walk away, compare offers, or just think it over. If someone’s pushing you to decide on the spot, there’s a reason—and it’s not a good one.
Go with experts you can actually trust.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we keep everything transparent:
- Live pricing
- Proper weighing
- Hallmark inspection
- Instant payment
- No hidden deductions
- Zero pressure
That’s how selling gold should feel.
👉 Check out these:
How To Value Your Gold At Home.
Hallmarks Explained: A Beginner’s Guide
“Trust reputable jewellers — not pop-up buyers or high-pressure gold events.”
Step 6 – Don’t Sell Everything by Weight
Some Gold Jewellery Is Worth MUCH More Than Scrap Price
Here’s a mistake a lot of people make when selling gold in the UK: they think every gold item should just go for scrap. That’s not true. If you look at the attached file, it spells this out clearly—and honestly, it’s some of the best advice in the whole guide. Some jewellery is actually worth way more as jewellery than as melted gold.
So before you rush off to sell something just for its weight, stop and check if it’s got extra value. Here’s what you should never scrap without a proper look:
1. Antique & Vintage Jewellery
Old jewellery can be a goldmine—literally and figuratively. The craftsmanship, the design, even just how rare it is, can make buyers pay a lot more. Sometimes a plain Victorian ring will fetch double what you’d get selling it for scrap. If you want the details, check out the guide on the hidden value of vintage jewellery.
2. Designer & Branded Gold Jewellery
If you’ve got something from Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Boodles, Georg Jensen, Gucci—hold on to it. These brands always sell for more than just the gold.
3. Gemstone Jewellery
Diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies, or even semi-precious stones can boost the price way above scrap rates. Stones matter.
4. Collectable Coins & Medals
Don’t scrap gold sovereigns, Krugerrands, or any bullion coins. They have a set resale market value that’s always higher than melt value.
5. Sentimental or Inherited Pieces
Sometimes the gold isn’t worth loads, but the piece means something to you. That’s priceless. Maybe think about redesigning it instead of selling.
The bottom line? If your jewellery is beautiful, unique, branded, set with stones, antique, or just means a lot to you—get a specialist to value it before you sell.
“Some gold pieces are worth far more as jewellery than as scrap metal.”
Step 7 – Choose a Trusted Buyer
Who You Sell To Is Just As Important As What You Sell
Knowing your gold’s purity, weight, and the current market price gets you close, but there’s one last thing that really matters: picking someone you trust to buy it.
It’s simple. If you want to sell your gold safely and walk away happy, you need a buyer who’s upfront, honest, and actually knows what they’re doing. Choose the wrong person and you’ll probably get lowballed, rushed, or hit with hidden fees. Pick the right one and you’ll get fair treatment and a straightforward deal.
So, how do you find the right buyer?
1. Find Jewellers With a Solid Track Record
Shops that have been around for decades don’t gamble with their reputation. They depend on trust and happy customers coming back. That’s why Blackwell Jewellers is a top choice in Kent. We’ve spent years earning people’s trust.
2. Check Online Reviews
Scroll through Google or Trustpilot. What should you look for? Real stories from customers. Consistent praise. People talking about fair prices and clear, open deals. If you see nothing but complaints or they barely exist online, keep looking.
3. Watch the Valuation Process
A good buyer doesn’t keep secrets. They’ll show you the hallmark, weigh your gold right in front of you, talk through the purity, use the day’s gold price, and explain every detail. If someone hides the scales or dodges your questions, just leave.
4. Instant Payment, No Surprises
A reputable jeweller tells you exactly what you’ll get—no sneaky deductions for melting, admin fees, or anything else.
5. Proper Paperwork and ID
The real pros ask for your ID. It’s the law, and scammers skip this step every time.
At Blackwell Jewellers, here’s what you get: free valuations, daily transparent pricing, instant payment, and a safe, smooth selling experience.
Selling your gold doesn’t have to be a headache. Pick the right buyer and it’s actually pretty easy.
“A trusted jeweller is the key to a safe, fair, and stress-free gold sale.”
Selling Gold Should Be Simple, Safe & Profitable — When You Know What You’re Doing
Selling gold jewellery in the UK doesn’t have to be a headache. Once you know your gold’s purity, weight, hallmark, and the current market price, things start making sense. Learn how to compare buyers, watch out for scams, and suddenly you’re calling the shots—not the buyer.
Gold’s one of those rare things that actually keeps its value, even if it’s broken or out of style. Maybe you’re selling because you don’t wear it anymore, you inherited pieces you don’t need, or you just want to take advantage of high prices. Either way, the trick’s always the same:
Don’t rush. Don’t guess. And don’t just grab the first offer that comes your way.
Take ten extra minutes. Get a solid valuation, check today’s gold rate, and see what a couple of reputable buyers will offer. That alone can mean an extra £50 to £300 in your pocket, sometimes even more for high-purity or heavier pieces.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we keep everything clear, safe, and simple. Our valuations are free, honest, and based on live gold prices—no sneaky fees or deductions.
Your gold's worth something real. You should get every penny of it.
👉 Request a free gold valuation today by visiting your nearest Blackwell Jewellers.
“With the right guidance, selling gold is simple — and highly rewarding.”
