1. Sort before you go
Separate items by fineness mark — 375, 585, 750, 916 — and keep unmarked pieces apart. Set aside anything with stones, a maker's name, or obvious age. This takes ten minutes and stops different standards being lumped together.
2. Weigh what you have
Even approximate weights help you sanity-check a valuation. Use the gold purity conversion chart to turn weight and standard into fine gold content, and read how much is my gold worth for the full method.
3. Know your options
| Route | Suited to | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist gold buyer | Scrap, broken and unwanted gold of any standard | Ask how the standard is established and how weight is recorded |
| Jeweller or antique dealer | Complete pieces with design or maker value | Metal-only offers on items that deserve more |
| Auction | Period, signed or collectable jewellery | Commission, fees and a wait of weeks |
| Postal buyer | Convenience | Items leave your possession before valuation |
| Private sale | Wearable jewellery | Payment risk and no verification of the buyer |
4. Ask the right questions
How is the standard established? Can I watch it being weighed? Is the offer per standard or blended? How long does the price hold? What happens if I say no? A buyer who answers all five plainly is one worth dealing with — see questions to ask a gold buyer.
5. Bring identification
Reputable buyers record the seller's identity and details of the goods. Expect to show photographic ID such as a passport or driving licence, and possibly proof of address. It protects both sides and is normal practice in the trade.
6. Decide without pressure
A valuation is not a commitment. If an offer is not right, nothing changes hands. Gold does not spoil, and the market will still be there.
