Published 2 June 2026
Ring types we see most often
Most postal ring parcels are a mix of: plain wedding bands (9ct or 18ct), signet rings (often 9ct with a flat or oval face), eternity rings (a band of small stones set into 18ct or platinum), engagement rings (centre stone plus shoulder pavé), keeper rings (Victorian half-eternities) and dress rings (a single decorative stone or design).
Each of these is offered on its own line, because the gold weight, stone content and likely intact value all differ.
Stones vs gold
On a scrap-only offer, stones are removed and returned. On an intact-resale offer, the whole ring is valued as a piece of jewellery. We tell you which route fits before we test, and you can ask for either.
Diamonds above roughly 0.3ct with reasonable colour, plus sapphires, rubies and emeralds of decent quality, often pay separately. Paste, cubic zirconia, lab-created stones and surface chips have no separate value and are removed with your permission.
Antique markers worth flagging
Some rings pay more intact than melted. Hand-engraved Victorian half-hoops with old-cut diamonds, Art Deco platinum-and-diamond cocktail rings, early twentieth-century signet rings with sharp engraved crests, and Edwardian "rose-cut diamond" cluster rings are common examples. Tell us if a ring came from a great-aunt rather than a high-street shop. We will look at it intact first.
Hallmark date letters (a single capital or lowercase letter in a shield) tell us the year of assay. We read those routinely. You do not need to know what year your ring was made.
How to post rings safely
- Photograph each ring straight-on and side-on, plus the hallmark.
- WhatsApp 07763 741067 with the photos.
- We confirm cover and email a prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery label.
- Place each ring in a small zip-bag so they do not scratch each other.
- Pad the box, drop it at the Post Office counter, keep the receipt.
- We send a written per-ring offer once each piece has been XRF-tested.
You can also include broken or bent rings: deformation does not lower a scrap offer. The postal-gold service handles intact and scrap parcels on the same prepaid label.
Wedding bands, signet rings and karat
Plain wedding bands are usually 9ct, 18ct or 22ct. Older British 22ct bands (pre-1970) are common in estate parcels and pay well per gram because of the higher purity. Modern signet rings are normally 9ct with the family crest engraved or seal-set. Engraved wear on a signet face does not reduce the metal content.
White gold rings (often rhodium-plated 18ct) are tested through the plating. The metal underneath determines the offer.
When a single ring is enough
There is no minimum. A single 9ct wedding band is a normal parcel for us. The prepaid label is the same whether you send one ring or twenty. If you only want to test the process before sending more, start with the ring you care about least.
Common questions
Will you melt my late mother's wedding band?
Only if you accept the offer in writing and confirm in your reply. Up to that point the ring is held intact and can be returned tracked at our cost.
What if I want to keep the stone?
We remove and return the stone in a small bag with the offer. Just say so on WhatsApp before posting.
Are platinum or palladium rings included?
Yes. We XRF-test and pay for platinum and palladium against the live market on the day, same process as gold.
My ring has no hallmark. Is it worth posting?
Yes. XRF reads the actual purity, hallmark or not. Many older or imported rings are unmarked but turn out to be solid gold.
How is the parcel insured?
Your parcel is insured up to £2,500 via Royal Mail Special Delivery, built into the prepaid label.
How quickly do I get paid?
Same UK working day you accept the written offer, by bank transfer.
Can I sell only some of the rings I sent?
Yes. The written offer is per ring. Reply "accept rings 1, 3, 4, return 2" and that is how we action it.
Do you buy engagement rings with certificated diamonds?
Yes. Send the GIA or HRD certificate photo on WhatsApp first. Certificated stones are often quoted separately above the metal value.