How Much Is My Gold Worth? UK Guide to Selling Gold in 2026
- How Much Is My Gold Worth? UK Guide to Selling Gold in 2026
If you've got old gold jewellery sitting in a drawer — a broken chain, a ring you no longer wear, a single earring that lost its partner — you've probably wondered: *how much is it actually worth?*
Gold prices are currently at record highs in 2026. If you've been holding onto unwanted gold, now is one of the best times in living memory to sell it. This guide explains exactly how gold value is calculated, what to expect when you sell, and how to make sure you get a fair price.
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- How Gold Value Is Calculated
Gold is valued by two factors: **weight** and **purity** (carat).
- Carat — What It Means
| Carat | Pure Gold Content | Common use |
| 9ct | 37.50% | Most UK everyday jewellery |
| 14ct | 58.30% | European and American jewellery |
| 18ct | 75% | Fine jewellery, engagement rings |
| 22ct | 91.70% | Sovereigns, some Asian jewellery |
| 24ct | 99.90% | Bullion bars and coins |
UK hallmarking law requires all gold sold over a certain weight to be hallmarked with its carat. Look for a small stamp on your jewellery — 375 = 9ct, 585 = 14ct, 750 = 18ct, 916 = 22ct. If you're not sure, bring your item in and we'll test it for free.
- Weight
Gold is valued per gram. The heavier your piece, the more it's worth — but the carat matters just as much. A 10 gram 9ct ring and a 5 gram 18ct ring contain a very similar amount of pure gold and will fetch a similar price.
- The Gold Market Price
The global gold spot price is set by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) twice daily and fluctuates constantly. When you sell gold to a jeweller, they pay a percentage of the spot price based on their own buying rates, overheads and the day's market conditions.
- What Is My Gold Worth? A Simple Calculation
To estimate the value of your gold before visiting a jeweller:
1. Weigh your item in grams (a kitchen scale works fine)
2. Identify the carat (look for the hallmark stamp)
3. Check today's indicative buying rates with us [David Christopher Jewellers]
4. Multiply the weight by the per-gram rate
**Example:**
A 9ct gold necklace weighing 8 grams at today's indicative rate of approx. £30.50 per gram = approximately **£244**
This is an estimate. The final offer is confirmed after your item is professionally weighed and tested in-store.
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- What Gold Can I Sell?
You'd be surprised how broad the answer is. At David Christopher Jewellers we buy:
**Gold jewellery** — rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, bangles, chains, pendants. Any style, any age, any condition including broken pieces.
**Gold coins** — Full and half sovereigns, Krugerrands, Britannias and other gold bullion coins.
**Scrap gold** — Broken clasps, single earrings, chains with broken links, mismatched pieces. Weight is weight — condition affects what something looks like but not the value of the gold it contains.
**Gold bullion** — Bars and investment gold.
**Mixed lots** — If you have a box of old jewellery and aren't sure what's gold and what isn't, bring it all in. We'll sort, test and value everything for you.
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- Does Condition Affect the Value?
When it comes to the gold content, no. A broken 18ct gold ring contains the same amount of gold as a perfect one — and we pay the same per gram regardless.
Where condition *can* matter is for pieces with significant additional value beyond the metal — antique jewellery, pieces by named designers, or watches with intact movements. If you have something potentially collectable, it's worth getting an opinion on whether it's worth more than its gold weight before selling.
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- Why Sell to David Christopher Jewellers?
There are plenty of options when selling gold — high street cash-for-gold shops, postal services, auction houses. Here's why a specialist independent jeweller is worth considering:
**Transparency** — We explain our valuation in plain English. You'll know exactly what you're being paid for and why.
**No pressure** — Our valuation is completely free and carries no obligation to sell. If our offer doesn't suit you, walk away — no hard feelings.
**Experience** — As a second-generation family jewellers with over 40 years in the trade and members of the Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ), we know precious metals. Our team tests and assesses items properly.
**Secure payment** — Accept our offer and pay via Bank Transfer.
**8 UK stores** — With stores in Chippenham, Dartmouth, Fareham, Hereford, Marlborough, Monmouth, Nailsea and Ross-on-Wye, there's likely one near you.
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- Today's Indicative Buying Rates
We update our buying rates daily based on current market conditions. [Feel free to contact us or any of our stores for today's rates how much we're paying (/pages/sell-your-gold)
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- Ready to Sell?
The simplest thing to do is walk into your nearest David Christopher Jewellers store with your items. No appointment needed. Our team will weigh, test and value everything for free — and if you like our offer, you'll leave with cash in hand.
[Find your nearest store →](/pages/store-locations)
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*Prices mentioned are indicative and subject to change with market conditions. Final offers are confirmed in-store following assessment.*
