Published 2 June 2026
Common chain styles and what they tell us
The most common British postal parcels contain: Curb (flat oval interlocking links, often 9ct), Belcher (round or oval open links, often 9ct or 18ct), Rope (twisted helical strands, often 18ct), Box (square links, often 18ct white gold), Figaro (alternating long and short links, often Italian 18ct) and Snake (smooth round mesh, often Italian 18ct or 22ct).
The style tells us roughly what era and origin the chain is, which helps us hallmark-check before XRF. None of this changes the price: only the verified purity and weight do.
Hollow vs solid chains
Many modern Italian rope, box and Figaro chains are hollow. They look substantial but weigh a fraction of a solid chain of the same length. Hollow is not a problem and not a fake: it is a legitimate manufacturing technique. Your offer reflects the actual weight on the scale.
A "snap test" we do not need you to perform: do not crush a chain to see if it is hollow. Photograph it instead and let us inspect.
Clasps and the karat trap
The clasp is the highest-stress part of a chain and is sometimes a different metal from the body. Common patterns: a 9ct curb body with a solid 9ct lobster clasp (no issue), an 18ct rope body with a gold-filled clasp (deducted from weight), an unmarked chain with a 925 silver clasp added during a repair (silver-only value, deducted from gold offer).
We test the body and the clasp separately on anything ambiguous, and report them separately.
How to post a chain parcel
- Lay each chain flat and photograph in daylight, plus a close-up of the clasp.
- WhatsApp 07763 741067 with the photos and a one-line description.
- We email a prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery label.
- Place each chain in its own small zip-bag so they do not tangle in transit.
- Pad the box and post at the Post Office counter.
- We send a written per-chain offer once each piece has been weighed and tested.
Tangled multi-chain parcels are fine. Untangling is part of the postal-gold service, not an extra fee.
Broken chain rules
A snapped link, a missing clasp, a hand-cut break: none of these lower a scrap offer. The metal still pays. If a chain has been melted at one end (sometimes happens during DIY repairs with a soldering iron), we cut the affected section and report the clean gold weight.
For very old chains with sentimental value, ask before melting. A Victorian Albert chain with intact T-bar may pay more intact to a collector than as scrap.
Length, weight and the offer
A 16-inch fine 9ct chain might weigh 2g. A 22-inch heavy 18ct rope might weigh 25g. The offer scales with weight, not length. If a chain looks heavy but reads light on the scale, that almost always indicates hollow construction.
Common questions
Is my chain hollow if it crushes easily?
Probably, yes. Many Italian-made rope, box and Figaro chains are hollow. They are still solid gold by metal, just lighter per inch than a solid chain.
My clasp is broken. Will you still buy the chain?
Yes. A broken clasp does not lower a scrap offer. The chain is valued on metal content.
Can I sell just one chain?
Yes. A single chain is a normal parcel. The label is prepaid regardless of parcel size.
What if my chain has a pendant on it?
We test the pendant and the chain separately, then offer them separately on the written quote.
How is the parcel insured?
Your parcel is insured up to £2,500 via Royal Mail Special Delivery.
When am I paid?
Same UK working day you accept the written offer, by bank transfer.
Will you scrap a chain with a religious medal still attached?
Only with your permission. We can also detach and return the medal if you would rather keep it.
What about Albert chains and pocket-watch chains?
Often more valuable intact than as scrap, especially with intact swivels and T-bars. We flag this before testing for melt value.