Scrap Gold Prices in the UK
Scrap gold prices in the UK vary based on gold purity, weight, and current market rates, with scrap gold typically valued at 60-80% of pure gold spot price depending on karat and condition. Understanding scrap gold valuation, purity levels, and current market rates helps sellers get fair prices for their unwanted gold jewellery and items. From broken jewellery to damaged gold items, UK scrap gold buyers offer various valuation and purchasing options for precious metal recycling.
💎 Scrap gold represents valuable asset that can be sold for cash when items are no longer wanted or damaged, providing opportunity to recover value from unused gold jewellery and items. Evaluating different buyers, understanding purity testing methods, and knowing current market rates helps maximize returns on scrap gold sales while ensuring fair valuation and payment.
How Much is Scrap Gold Worth in the UK?
9ct Scrap Gold: £18-25 per gram for 9 carat scrap gold including 37.5% pure gold content. 9ct gold jewellery typically valued at £18-22 per gram, broken 9ct gold valued at £20-25 per gram, and £19-24 per gram for damaged 9ct gold items. Includes 37.5% gold content with buyer margins.
14ct Scrap Gold: £28-38 per gram for 14 carat scrap gold including 58.3% pure gold content. 14ct gold jewellery typically valued at £28-35 per gram, broken 14ct gold valued at £32-38 per gram, and £30-36 per gram for damaged 14ct gold items. Includes 58.3% gold content with valuation adjustments.
18ct Scrap Gold: £36-48 per gram for 18 carat scrap gold including 75% pure gold content. 18ct gold jewellery typically valued at £36-44 per gram, broken 18ct gold valued at £40-48 per gram, and £38-46 per gram for damaged 18ct gold items. Includes 75% gold content with professional valuation.
22ct Scrap Gold: £44-58 per gram for 22 carat scrap gold including 91.7% pure gold content. 22ct gold jewellery typically valued at £44-52 per gram, broken 22ct gold valued at £50-58 per gram, and £46-55 per gram for damaged 22ct gold items. Includes 91.7% gold content with premium valuation.
24ct Scrap Gold: £48-65 per gram for 24 carat scrap gold including 99.9% pure gold content. Pure gold items typically valued at £48-60 per gram, broken pure gold valued at £55-65 per gram, and £50-62 per gram for damaged pure gold items. Includes maximum gold content with best valuation rates.
Per Ounce: £560-780 per troy ounce for 9ct scrap gold, £870-1,180 per ounce for 18ct scrap gold, and £1,490-2,020 per ounce for 24ct scrap gold. Per ounce pricing provides standard measurement for larger scrap gold quantities.
For example, 10-gram 9ct gold ring at £20 per gram totals £200, while 50-gram 18ct gold chain at £42 per gram totals £2,100. 100-gram 22ct gold bracelet at £50 per gram totals £5,000 for scrap gold value.
Real-World Examples:
Hatton Garden Metals in London: 9ct scrap gold from £19 per gram, 18ct scrap gold from £38 per gram, 22ct scrap gold from £48 per gram. Professional precious metals dealer with comprehensive gold testing and valuation services in London's jewellery district.
Chards in Blackpool: 9ct scrap gold from £18 per gram, 18ct scrap gold from £37 per gram, 24ct scrap gold from £52 per gram. Established bullion dealer with competitive scrap gold prices and professional valuation services.
Atkinsons Bullion in Birmingham: 14ct scrap gold from £30 per gram, 18ct scrap gold from £40 per gram, 22ct scrap gold from £50 per gram. Leading UK bullion dealer with comprehensive scrap gold purchasing and valuation expertise.
BullionByPost in London: 9ct scrap gold from £20 per gram, 18ct scrap gold from £42 per gram, 24ct scrap gold from £55 per gram. Online and physical precious metals dealer with competitive scrap gold rates and instant valuations.
Local Jewellers in Manchester: 9ct scrap gold from £18 per gram, 18ct scrap gold from £36 per gram, 22ct scrap gold from £46 per gram. Local jewellery shops offering scrap gold purchasing with immediate payment and valuation services.
Factors that Affect Scrap Gold Prices in the UK
💎 Gold Purity and Karat
9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold and costs £18-25 per gram, while 24ct gold contains 99.9% pure gold and costs £48-65 per gram. Higher karat gold commands premium prices due to greater gold content. Purity levels directly affect scrap gold valuation and payment rates.
📊 Current Gold Spot Price
Scrap gold prices follow global gold spot prices, with current rates typically ranging £45-60 per gram for pure gold. Spot price fluctuations directly impact scrap gold valuations, with higher spot prices increasing scrap gold values. Market conditions significantly affect daily scrap gold rates.
⚖️ Weight and Quantity
Larger quantities may command better rates, with bulk scrap gold purchases potentially offering £1-3 per gram premium over small quantities. Weight affects total valuation, with heavier items providing higher total value. Quantity discounts may apply for substantial scrap gold sales.
🔍 Condition and Testing
Properly tested and verified gold receives best rates, while untested items may be valued lower. Professional testing ensures accurate purity assessment and fair valuation. Condition affects valuation, with damaged items typically valued at same rates as intact items.
🏪 Buyer Type and Location
Online buyers may offer competitive rates, while local jewellers provide immediate payment but potentially lower rates. Specialized bullion dealers typically offer best rates, while general jewellers may offer convenience over maximum value. Buyer selection significantly affects scrap gold returns.
How to Maximize Scrap Gold Value in the UK
🔍 Compare Multiple Buyers
Scrap gold prices vary significantly between buyers—compare multiple options including online buyers, bullion dealers, and local jewellers to find best rates. Comparing buyers can increase returns by £50-200 per 100 grams. Professional bullion dealers typically offer best rates compared to general jewellers.
📦 Sell Larger Quantities
Bulk scrap gold sales may command better rates, with larger quantities potentially offering £1-3 per gram premium. Combining multiple items for single sale may provide quantity discounts and better rates. Bulk sales can increase total returns by £100-500 on substantial quantities.
💎 Verify Gold Purity
Professional purity testing ensures accurate valuation and prevents undervaluation. Testing costs typically £10-30 but ensures fair pricing. Verified purity may increase valuation by £50-200 on substantial quantities by ensuring accurate karat assessment.
⏰ Time Your Sale
Gold spot prices fluctuate daily, with selling during higher price periods potentially increasing returns by £50-300 on substantial quantities. Monitoring spot prices and timing sales can maximize scrap gold value. Market timing can significantly affect total returns on scrap gold sales.
📄 Keep Documentation
Original receipts or certificates may support higher valuations, while documented items may command premium rates. Documentation helps verify authenticity and may increase buyer confidence. Proper documentation can increase returns by £20-100 on valuable items.
FAQs
How much is scrap gold worth per gram in the UK?
Scrap gold prices range from £18-65 per gram depending on karat and purity, with 9ct gold costing £18-25 per gram, 18ct gold costing £36-48 per gram, and 24ct gold costing £48-65 per gram. Prices vary based on current gold spot prices, buyer margins, and item condition. Professional valuation ensures fair pricing.
What is the difference between 9ct and 18ct scrap gold prices?
9ct scrap gold contains 37.5% pure gold and costs £18-25 per gram, while 18ct scrap gold contains 75% pure gold and costs £36-48 per gram. Higher karat gold commands approximately double the price due to greater gold content. 18ct gold typically provides twice the value of 9ct gold per gram.
Where can I sell scrap gold in the UK?
Scrap gold can be sold to bullion dealers like Hatton Garden Metals, Chards, and Atkinsons Bullion, online buyers, or local jewellers. Professional bullion dealers typically offer best rates, while local jewellers provide immediate payment. Compare multiple buyers to find best rates for your scrap gold.
How is scrap gold tested for purity?
Professional buyers use acid testing, electronic testers, or X-ray fluorescence to determine gold purity and karat. Testing typically costs £10-30 and ensures accurate valuation. Professional testing prevents undervaluation and ensures fair pricing based on actual gold content.
Can I get more money by selling scrap gold separately?
Selling items separately may provide better rates for higher purity items, while bulk sales may offer quantity discounts. Compare both options to determine best approach. Separating items by purity may increase returns by £50-200 on mixed scrap gold collections.
Conclusion
Scrap gold prices in the UK range from £18-65 per gram depending on karat, purity, and current market rates, providing valuable opportunity to recover value from unwanted gold jewellery and items. Strategic selling—comparing multiple buyers, selling larger quantities, verifying gold purity, timing sales, and keeping documentation—maximizes returns by £50-500 while ensuring fair valuation and payment. Scrap gold represents valuable asset that can be converted to cash when items are no longer wanted. Compare scrap gold prices with other precious metal investments like gold or silver when planning precious metal transactions. With proper valuation and buyer comparison, scrap gold sales provide excellent returns ensuring maximum value recovery without excessive financial burden. 💎
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Alan Frost |
| Grew up in and live in Birmingham. Writer, publisher, editor, EFL teacher, composer. |
