A UK guide before you sell

An unworn gold bracelet. A broken chain. A silver ring tucked away in a drawer. Before you decide to sell, it helps to understand what you own and what a valuation should consider.

The precious metal content is a useful starting point. But an item’s maker, gemstones, age and desirability can also affect its resale value.

This guide explains how to estimate gold and silver value, what common purity marks mean, and what to check before accepting an offer.

Start with an estimate using Imperial Time’s gold scrap calculator. The result is an indicative metal value, rather than a guaranteed purchase offer.

How is the value of scrap gold calculated

Three factors determine an estimate of the gold content’s value:

1. Metal weight: how much gold alloy the item contains, excluding stones and other components.

2. Purity: the proportion of that alloy that is gold.

3. Reference price: the fine gold price per gram used for the calculation.

The basic calculation is:

Metal weight in grams × gold purity × fine gold reference price per gram.

For example, a plain 10g piece of 9ct gold contains approximately 3.75g of pure gold. A plain 10g piece of 18ct gold contains approximately 7.5g.

That is why two chains with the same weight can have different metal values.

A buyer’s offer can differ from this estimate because testing, refining costs and the buyer’s margin may apply. A complete piece may also have resale value beyond its gold content.

Read how our gold and silver calculations work for more detail about the reference prices, purity and assumptions behind an estimate.

What do 375 585 and 750 mean on gold

Small numbers stamped on jewellery can help identify its stated purity.

375 means 9ct gold, containing 37.5% gold.

585 means 14ct gold, containing 58.5% gold.

750 means 18ct gold, containing 75% gold.

916 means 22ct gold, containing approximately 91.6% gold.

999 means fine gold, commonly described as 24ct, containing 99.9% gold.

You may find these marks inside a ring or near a chain’s clasp. A fineness number is only one part of a full UK hallmark, and a stamp alone should not replace professional assessment if the metal’s identity is uncertain. The London Assay Office’s hallmarking guidance explains the recognised standards.

How much is 9ct gold worth per gram today

The answer changes with the gold market and the reference price in pounds.

Because 9ct gold contains 37.5% gold, its indicative gold content value per gram is 37.5% of the fine gold reference price per gram.

Use the gold value calculator, select 9ct and enter the relevant weight. Check the reference timestamp shown with the result.

If you have several pieces, separate different purities before calculating. A 9ct bracelet and an 18ct ring should not be entered together as one 9ct item.

For a mixture of metals, use our combined calculator to estimate your gold and silver value, calculating each metal and purity separately.

What is 925 silver worth

Sterling silver marked 925 contains 92.5% silver. Other silver standards include Britannia silver, marked 958, and fine silver, marked 999.

For an initial estimate, use Imperial Time’s silver scrap calculator, selecting the appropriate purity and weight.

Objects with silver plating need a different assessment: their total weight cannot be treated as solid sterling silver. Filled or weighted objects can also contain substantial material that is not silver.

As with gold, an attractive antique, signed piece or collectable object may deserve an assessment as a complete item before you consider its metal value alone.

Can broken jewellery still have value

Yes. A broken clasp or snapped chain does not remove the precious metal it contains.

However, damage does not automatically mean that scrapping is the most suitable route. Before selling, consider whether the item has a recognisable maker, valuable stones, unusual craftsmanship or collectable interest.

Keep any receipts, certificates, original packaging or information about its history together. These can help a specialist understand what you have. Alternatively if you required a repair or to restore your Jewellery we also have an instore watch maker who specialises in repairs and restoration 

What about gold coins and bullion bars

Bullion coins and bars are usually assessed with close attention to their metal content, authenticity and market demand.

Coins can also have collectable value. Their date, condition, rarity and type may matter, so a calculation based solely on metal content should not be treated as a complete coin valuation.

Record any visible mint, refiner, weight and purity details. Keep packaging and certificates where available, and avoid cleaning coins before getting advice.

Can platinum palladium and rhodium be valued in the same way

Platinum and palladium have their own market prices and purity standards. They need an assessment based on the correct metal; a gold or silver calculator will not give an appropriate estimate.

At Imperial Time we welcome enquiries about platinum and palladium items, as well as coins and bullion. Learn how to sell precious metals with Imperial Time and send details and photographs for an initial review. Any final offer follows specialist assessment.

Rhodium is often encountered as a surface plating on white gold jewellery. A ring plated with rhodium is therefore not valued as though its full weight were solid rhodium. GIA explains how rhodium is used on white gold and silver.

If you are unsure which metal you own, ask for identification before relying on a price calculation.

What should you check before selling

Before accepting an offer:

1. Identify each item. Note any purity marks, maker’s marks and supporting documents.

2. Separate different metals and purities. This makes estimates easier to understand.

3. Check the reference value. Treat it as a starting point for discussion.

4. Ask what the offer includes. Find out how stones, branded pieces and any deductions are handled.

5. Understand the terms. Confirm the final amount, payment arrangements and any fees before agreeing.

If comparing offers, do so as close together in time as practical because metal prices can move.

Have your jewellery assessed before you decide

Knowing the approximate metal value helps you ask better questions. Understanding the whole item helps you make a more informed decision.

Imperial Time offers specialist assessment at 79 Kensington Church Street, London W8 4BG. Get to know our Kensington showroom and team, or explore selling gold with Imperial Time.

Ready to discuss your items? Contact Imperial Time about your jewellery and share any photographs, purity marks and supporting details you have.

Check the metal value first. Then find out what the complete piece could be worth.