Scrap is a valuation basis, not a grade of metal
The word describes how an item is valued, not its quality. A wearable chain in an unfashionable style is scrap; so is one that snapped years ago. Both contain exactly the gold they always did.
What is bought as scrap
- Snapped, kinked and stretched chain of any length.
- Single earrings and studs whose partners are long gone.
- Rings cut off, resized, or bent beyond wearing.
- Broken clasps, bent bangles, worn wedding bands, damaged charms.
- Solid gold jewellery that is simply never worn.
What is not scrap gold
Plated and rolled gold — GP, GF, RGP, HGE — carry a negligible quantity of gold. Gold plated sterling silver is hallmarked as silver, not gold. These are identified and set aside rather than quietly weighed in.
Set aside before you scrap
Melting is irreversible, so anything with a maker's name, a substantial stone, obvious age, or a coin in a mount is identified first. Selling inherited gold covers what typically earns a second look.
How scrap is valued
Sorted by standard, then weighed standard by standard. Weight multiplied by fineness gives fine gold content, and that content is what is priced. Stones, steel pins and base metal fittings are separated out so you are neither paid for them nor charged their weight.
Bring it as it is
No cleaning, untangling or repairs. Repairs cost money that a scrap valuation will not return, and a tangle weighs the same as a neat pile.
