What is scrap gold worth, in plain terms
Scrap gold is worth its metal content: the confirmed purity multiplied by the weight, priced against the live gold market rate, less the buyer’s margin. Condition makes no difference. A broken, tangled or unhallmarked piece is worth exactly the same as an intact one of the same carat and weight, because you are paid for the gold, not the look.
How scrap gold value is worked out
"Scrap" gold is simply gold sold for its metal content rather than as a wearable piece, and condition makes no difference to that value. The calculation is the same for every item: confirmed purity × weight × the live market rate, less the buyer’s margin. A snapped 9ct chain and an intact 9ct chain of the same weight are worth exactly the same.
| Metal | Fineness | Indicative per gram |
|---|---|---|
| 9ct gold | 375 | £38.50 |
| 14ct gold | 585 | £59.90 |
| 18ct gold | 750 | £77.00 |
| 22ct gold | 916 | £94.10 |
| 24ct gold | 999 | £102.65 |
How carat changes scrap value
Carat is the single biggest factor in scrap gold value. 9ct gold is 37.5% pure, 14ct is 58.5%, 18ct is 75%, 22ct is 91.6% and 24ct is 99.9%. A gram of 18ct scrap therefore holds roughly twice the pure gold of a gram of 9ct, so it is worth roughly twice as much. If your scrap is a mix of carats, that is fine: each carat is separated and weighed on its own before valuing, so you are paid the correct rate for each part of the lot.
- Sort nothing yourself. Send mixed carats, broken pieces and unmarked items together. They are separated on arrival.
- Hallmarks help but are not required. The XRF assay confirms carat whether or not a stamp is present or readable.
- Weight is measured, not guessed. Items are weighed on calibrated scales, and the weight used is shown in your written breakdown.
What can reduce scrap gold value
Not everything in a "gold" lot is solid gold, and an honest figure reflects that. Final offers depend on inspection, item weight, purity, hallmarks, stones, non-gold components, condition and the live precious-metal market. Common things that reduce the figure:
- Plated or rolled-gold items. Pieces marked "rolled gold", "gold plated" or "GP" carry only a thin surface layer and have little recoverable value.
- Stones and non-gold parts. The weight of gemstones, clasps made of base metal and watch movements is not gold and is not paid as gold.
- Solder and repairs. Solder at clasp joints and old repairs is often a lower carat than the body of the piece, which the assay picks up.
None of this changes how scrap is bought, it only means the figure reflects what is genuinely there. If you are unsure whether something counts, send a photo on WhatsApp before posting.
How selling scrap gold by post works
GoldPaid is a UK-wide postal service. You send a photo on WhatsApp for a quick indicative figure, request a free tracked Royal Mail label, and post the scrap when you are ready. Each item is weighed and XRF-assayed, and you receive a written, itemised offer before deciding. Your parcel is insured up to £2,500 via Royal Mail Special Delivery. GoldPaid can confirm the appropriate postal option before you post. If you decline, everything is returned free by tracked, insured post. The full route is on sell scrap gold and sell gold by post UK.
Get a closer estimate
If you know the rough weight and carat of your scrap, the gold & silver calculator gives an indicative figure in seconds. For the full method see how we value gold, and to sell see sell scrap gold.
Why a firm figure needs an XRF assay
A rate-times-weight sum is only ever an estimate. Real items differ from their hallmarks, solder at clasp joints, old repairs and mixed alloys all change the true content. That is why a firm GoldPaid offer always follows an XRF assay of your specific items. Any buyer guaranteeing a price sight-unseen is guessing.
Common questions
How much is scrap gold worth per gram?
It depends on the carat, 9ct is 37.5% pure, 18ct is 75%, and so on. Indicative per-gram rates by carat are shown above. Your firm offer follows an XRF assay confirming the actual purity and weight.
Is broken or damaged gold worth less than wearable gold?
No. Scrap gold is valued on its metal content, so condition makes no difference. A broken chain and an intact chain of the same carat and weight are worth the same.
Can I work out my scrap gold value before I send it?
Yes, as an estimate. If you know the rough weight and carat, the gold & silver calculator gives an indicative figure. Final offers depend on inspection, item weight, purity, hallmarks, stones, non-gold components, condition and the live precious-metal market, so the firm offer follows an XRF assay.
Do you buy unhallmarked or mystery scrap gold?
Yes. A missing or worn hallmark does not mean an item is not gold. The XRF assay confirms the exact carat regardless of whether a stamp is present. Send a photo first if you would like a quick indicative figure before posting.
How do mixed carats in one lot get valued?
Each carat is separated and weighed on its own before valuing, so a lot containing 9ct, 18ct and 22ct pieces is paid the correct rate for each part. You do not need to sort anything yourself; send it as it is.
How do I sell scrap gold by post?
Send a photo on WhatsApp for an indicative figure, request a free tracked label, and post when ready. Your parcel is insured up to £2,500 via Royal Mail Special Delivery. GoldPaid can confirm the appropriate postal option before you post. If you decline the written offer, everything is returned free.