Published 29 December 2025
Why "broken" does not change the gold
A chain breaking does not remove gold from it. The same atoms are still there; they are just in two pieces. Any buyer pricing the metal content (XRF-confirmed purity, calibrated weight, live rate) ends up with the same figure whether the chain is one piece or several. There is no "condition deduction" in a metal-content valuation.
Why repair almost never makes sense
A jeweller's repair on a chain costs time and a small amount of solder. The solder added is usually a lower carat than the body of the chain. If your plan is to sell, paying for a repair only reduces the net proceeds and may slightly dilute the assay. Send it as it broke.
What about lone earrings and bent rings?
Exactly the same logic. Single earrings, bent rings, snapped clasps and damaged catches are all bought for their gold content. The only thing the buyer needs is the metal itself; the form it is in does not affect the offer.
How to send it
- Tuck small broken pieces into a sealed bag inside a padded envelope.
- Request a free Royal Mail Special Delivery label.
- Post at a counter and keep the receipt.
- Receive a written valuation by return.
Common questions
Should I get a broken gold chain valued before selling?
You do not need a separate valuation, a postal buyer's written, no-obligation offer is exactly that, and free.
Does a buyer pay less for kinked or bent chains?
A buyer pricing on metal content does not. If a buyer quotes you a lower figure citing "condition," they are pricing as if the item were for resale rather than refining.
Is it worth bundling lots of small broken pieces together?
Yes. There is no extra postage cost and the lot is weighed and assayed as a whole, so the offer adds up properly.