Published 2 June 2026
Necklace vs chain: same metal, different forms
A "necklace" usually means a chain with a centrepiece (a pendant, a religious medal, a heart, a sovereign mount, a locket), worn as a dress piece rather than a plain chain. The metal valuation works the same way. We weigh and test the chain on one line and the pendant on another, because each is often a different karat.
A 9ct curb chain with an 18ct sovereign pendant is common in British estate parcels. The 18ct pendant pays more per gram than the 9ct chain. That difference is invisible if a parcel is averaged, so we never do that.
Dress necklaces that look heavy
Some "statement" necklaces look substantial because of size, but are hollow construction or carry large non-gold beads. We weigh what is in the parcel and explain any deductions. Glass, jet, coral and onyx beads have no separate gold value and are returned with the offer if you would like to keep them.
Religious and sentimental pendants
Many of our postal parcels include religious pendants (crosses, Madonnas, Stars of David, om symbols, hamsa hands, ankhs). These pay as gold by the same method. If the pendant has personal value, you can detach it before posting and send only the chain, or ask us to detach and return the pendant with the offer.
For crosses with enamel work, the enamelled section is not paid as gold. The metal underneath is. We tell you which is which on the written offer.
How to package a necklace parcel
- Lay each necklace flat on a plain background and photograph from above.
- Close-up the clasp, the hallmark and the pendant separately.
- WhatsApp 07763 741067 with the photos.
- We email a prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery label.
- Place each necklace in its own zip-bag so chains do not tangle.
- Drop at the Post Office counter, keep the receipt, wait for our text on arrival.
Tangled multi-necklace parcels are fine. Untangling and per-piece valuation are part of the postal-gold service.
Antique long-chains
Victorian and Edwardian "opera" chains and guard chains (60 inches and longer) are usually 9ct or 15ct. Some have integrated swivels, slides and tassels that may pay more intact to a collector than as melt. We flag these before testing. You decide whether to accept the intact offer, the melt offer, or take the piece back.
White gold and rhodium
White gold necklaces are normally 9ct or 18ct white gold finished with a thin rhodium plate. As rhodium wears off, the underlying metal looks slightly warmer or greyer. That is normal and does not change the gold content. XRF reads through the rhodium to the actual metal.
Common questions
Should I remove the pendant before posting?
You can if you would like to keep it. Otherwise we test chain and pendant separately and offer each on its own line.
Will my chain be untangled?
Yes. We untangle and lay flat for testing as part of the process.
How do you handle a chain with non-gold beads?
Beads are removed where possible and returned, or excluded from the gold weight and returned with the offer.
My necklace is from the 1920s. Is it antique?
Possibly. We flag pieces that may pay more intact than melted before testing.
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.
Can I send a necklace I am not sure is gold?
Yes. XRF confirms the metal. There is no fee if it turns out to be plated.
What about a necklace with a watch attached?
Send it as one parcel. We test the case, chain and movement separately. Solid gold cases pay as gold; gold-plated cases are excluded.