Gold value depends on carat, weight, and whether the item has collector interest above its metal content. We test every piece, weigh it, identify the carat, and assess whether it is worth more as gold content or as a collectible. Every item is valued individually in writing.
The following per-gram rates are based on approximate current London Fix gold prices. Actual values will be calculated at the gold price on the day of assessment.
| Carat | Purity | Hallmark | Approx. per gram |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9ct gold | 37.5% | 375 | £22–£26 |
| 14ct gold | 58.5% | 585 | £34–£40 |
| 18ct gold | 75.0% | 750 | £44–£52 |
| 22ct gold | 91.6% | 916 | £54–£63 |
| 24ct gold (pure) | 99.9% | 999 | £58–£68 |
| Gold sovereign (full) | 22ct | 7.98g total | £380–£500+ |
| Gold half sovereign | 22ct | 3.99g total | £180–£250+ |
| Krugerrand (1oz) | 22ct | 33.93g total | £1,600–£1,900+ |
| Britannia (1oz, 24ct) | 24ct | 31.1g total | £1,600–£1,900+ |
Important: These rates are indicative and fluctuate with the global gold price. Rare date sovereigns, proof coins, and antique gold jewellery may be worth significantly more than metal value. We assess every item for both metal content and collector premium.
Plain modern gold jewellery — chains, wedding bands, damaged earrings — is valued primarily on weight and carat. The gold price per gram determines the value, and the jewellery's design adds little premium.
Gold coins are different. A full gold sovereign contains approximately 7.32g of pure gold, but collector demand means most sovereigns trade at a premium above melt value. A common-date Elizabeth II sovereign might trade at 5–10% above melt, while a rare George III sovereign in fine condition can be worth many times its gold content.
We assess every gold item for both metal content and collector interest, and offer whichever is higher.
Tell us what you have. We send a free insured postage label by email.
Pack carefully, photograph before posting. Fully insured in transit.
We send a written valuation explaining every factor and comparable sales.
Accept and receive payment in 72 hours, or decline for a free insured return.
Every item tested, weighed, and valued individually in writing. Jewellery, coins, bullion, and scrap gold. No obligation to sell. Free insured postage both ways.
Request a free gold valuation →How do you calculate the value of gold?
We weigh each item, test the carat (9ct, 14ct, 18ct, 22ct, or 24ct), and calculate the pure gold content based on the day's London Fix gold price. For plain gold jewellery and scrap, the value is primarily based on weight and carat. For gold coins, antique gold jewellery, or collectible items, the numismatic or collector value may significantly exceed the metal value.
What is the difference between 9ct and 18ct gold value?
9ct gold is 37.5% pure gold (marked 375), while 18ct gold is 75% pure gold (marked 750). Gram-for-gram, 18ct gold is worth exactly double the gold content of 9ct. A 10g 18ct chain contains 7.5g of pure gold; a 10g 9ct chain contains 3.75g. We test every item to confirm the carat — hallmarks can be misleading or absent.
Do you buy broken or damaged gold?
Yes. Broken chains, single earrings, damaged rings, and scrap gold all retain full metal value regardless of condition. We weigh and test every piece individually. Damaged items are valued at metal content; intact items with collector interest may be valued higher.
Is it better to sell gold to a specialist or a cash-for-gold shop?
A specialist will typically pay more because they assess each item for collector value as well as metal content. A cash-for-gold shop offers a percentage of melt value only — typically 60–80% of the gold content. Fair Vintage pays based on the higher of collector value or metal value, and provides a written per-item breakdown.
What gold items do you accept for valuation?
All gold items: jewellery (rings, chains, bracelets, brooches, pendants, earrings), gold coins (sovereigns, Krugerrands, Britannias, world gold), gold bullion (bars, ingots), dental gold, gold watches, and scrap gold in any condition. We test everything and do not reject items based on appearance.
Also see: Sell gold UK · Sell gold jewellery · Gold sovereign valuation · Krugerrand valuation · Jewellery valuation UK