What decides what gold and silver are worth?
Three measured facts: the confirmed purity of the metal, its weight on calibrated scales, and the live market rate on the day of assessment. Multiply those together, take off the buyer’s margin, and that is the offer. Condition, brand and age make no difference to a scrap valuation.
- Purity. How much pure precious metal is actually in the item, confirmed by XRF assay, not assumed from the hallmark.
- Weight. Measured on calibrated scales to 0.01g, with mixed lots separated by carat first.
- The live market rate. The precious-metal spot price on the day of assessment, prices move continuously, so the rate is the rate on the day.
Your offer is purity × weight × live rate, less the buyer’s margin, and at GoldPaid every figure is shown in a written breakdown. The full method is on how we value gold.
Purity is expressed as millesimal fineness, the parts of pure metal per thousand. It is the figure that turns a weight into a price, so it is worth knowing where your items sit:
| Metal | Fineness | Indicative per gram |
|---|---|---|
| 9ct gold | 375 | £37.34 |
| 14ct gold | 585 | £58.25 |
| 18ct gold | 750 | £74.68 |
| 22ct gold | 916 | £91.21 |
| 24ct gold | 999 | £99.48 |
| Metal | Fineness | Indicative per gram |
|---|---|---|
| Sterling silver | 925 | £1.38 |
| 800 silver | 800 | £1.19 |
| Fine silver | 999 | £1.49 |
Why is a hallmark only a starting point?
A hallmark is a maker’s declaration of intended purity. Real items differ, solder, repairs and mixed alloys change the true content, which is why GoldPaid XRF-assays every item rather than relying on the stamp. See XRF testing explained and the gold hallmark guide.
How we value what you send
Every offer is built from three measurable facts: confirmed purity, accurate weight, and the live precious-metal market rate on the day we assess your items. You see each figure in a written breakdown before you decide anything. See how we value gold and XRF testing explained for the full method.
Common questions
What is the difference between an estimate and a valuation?
An estimate from a photo or a counter glance is a guess. A GoldPaid valuation is built from a measured XRF assay and calibrated weighing against the live rate, shown to you in a written breakdown before you decide.
Does a higher carat always mean more money?
Per gram, yes, higher-carat gold contains more pure metal. But the total offer also depends on weight, so a heavy 9ct piece can be worth more than a tiny 22ct one. The XRF assay and weighing settle it precisely.
Request a free prepaid Royal Mail label
Tell us where to send it. The label arrives by email, usually within about 30 minutes during working hours. Requesting one commits you to nothing: you get a written offer after the XRF assay, and if you decline, your items come back to you free.
Would you rather ask a question first, or send a photo? Message us on WhatsApp . It is the fastest way to get a sense of what something is worth before you post anything.