Gold Selling Guide UK: How to Get a Fair Price for Your Gold

That unused gold chain in a drawer or a single earring with no matching pair could be worth more than you expect.

Whether you've got unwanted jewellery, broken gold or pieces you simply no longer wear, understanding what your gold is worth can help you make a more informed decision when selling.

This UK gold selling guide explains what buyers look for, how gold is valued and what to do before visiting a store.

At Cash Generator, we make selling unwanted gold straightforward, with free, no-obligation valuations and instant cash in-store if you're happy with the offer.

Gold isn't valued in the same way as an ordinary second-hand item. Its price is mainly tied to weight and purity, but design, gemstones, condition and brand can all affect the offer.

So, before you sell, here's what you need to know.

Gold Selling Guide UK: Start With What You Own

Lay your items out separately before taking them in. Rings, bracelets, chains, earrings, pendants, watches and broken jewellery can all contain gold.

A snapped chain, a bent ring or one earring can still have value if it is genuine gold.

Don't assume every gold-coloured item is gold. Some pieces are plated, filled or made from another metal. These may look convincing, but they contain little or no solid gold for valuation purposes.

Equally, don't dismiss older or damaged pieces because they are worn. The gold content is often what matters most.

Keep matching sets together where possible. If you have branded jewellery, an unusual vintage piece or an item with clear craftsmanship, point this out.

It may be worth more as jewellery than simply for its gold content, particularly when it's in good condition and has recognisable maker marks.

Check for Hallmarks

A hallmark is a small stamp, usually found on the inside of a ring, the clasp of a chain or the back of an earring.

It gives a useful indication of the metal's purity. Common gold fineness marks include 375, 585, 750, 916 and 999.

The number shows how many parts per thousand are gold. For example, 375 is usually 9ct gold, while 750 is 18ct.

Higher-purity gold contains more gold by weight, so two items that weigh the same can have very different values.

Older pieces may carry traditional carat marks such as 9ct, 14ct, 18ct or 22ct rather than a three-digit number.

Hallmarks are helpful, but a buyer may still test the item to confirm the metal. This helps provide a more accurate valuation.

How Is the Price of Gold Worked Out?

The price paid for gold changes regularly because the wider gold market moves.

That means an offer today may not be the same next week, even for exactly the same ring.

A straightforward gold valuation normally considers three things:

• Purity: The carat of the gold.
• Weight: How much gold the item contains.
• Additional resale value: Whether the item has value beyond its gold content.

For example, a heavy 9ct chain may contain more total gold than a light 18ct ring, while the 18ct ring has a higher proportion of gold.

There's no single answer without weighing and assessing each item.

Gemstones may also need a separate assessment.

In many pieces, small stones don't significantly change the price, especially if they're difficult to remove or identify.

Larger diamonds, quality gemstones and desirable branded pieces can be different.

At Cash Generator, our store teams can assess your unwanted gold and provide an offer based on the individual item, its gold content and any additional resale potential.

Why the Scale Weight Isn't Always the Final Weight

Gold jewellery can include stones, clasps, springs, non-gold fittings or sections made from another material.

These parts may not be included when calculating the gold value.

You can weigh items at home for a rough indication, but household scales are rarely precise enough for a final valuation.

Don't try to remove stones, pull apart settings or alter an item before bringing it into store. You could damage a piece that has resale value beyond its gold content.

Get Your Gold Ready for a Store Valuation

A little preparation can make selling your unwanted gold even easier.

Place different carats in separate small bags or envelopes if you can identify them. Keep watches and jewellery apart, and bring any boxes, certificates or proof of authenticity for higher-value branded pieces.

There's no need to spend money having ordinary gold jewellery professionally cleaned.

A gentle wipe with a soft cloth is usually enough to remove loose dust and help hallmarks show more clearly. Avoid harsh cleaning products, particularly on items with pearls, stones or delicate settings.

Remember to bring valid identification, as this is required when selling items to Cash Generator.

Our store teams can explain how your gold has been assessed and provide a free, no-obligation valuation, leaving you to decide whether you'd like to accept the offer.

When Jewellery Can Be Worth More Than Its Gold Weight

Not every gold item should be treated as scrap.

A recognised brand, a sought-after watch, a well-made antique piece or jewellery with sizeable quality stones may have additional resale value.

Original presentation boxes, certificates and matching paperwork can help establish what the item is.

Condition still matters.

A desirable item with light wear can be easier to resell than one that's heavily damaged, but even damaged branded jewellery may have value.

Be realistic too. A brand name doesn't automatically mean a high price if the piece is common, incomplete or badly worn.

If you've got several items, it's worth having them assessed individually.

One could be plated, another might be 9ct gold, while another could be 18ct with additional resale value of its own.

At Cash Generator, our teams can assess your items and help you understand what they're worth before you decide whether to sell.

What to Expect When You Sell Gold at Cash Generator

Selling unwanted gold at Cash Generator is designed to be straightforward.

Simply bring your gold jewellery or other eligible gold items into your local store.

Our team will assess the items, checking factors such as their purity, weight, condition and any additional resale potential.

You'll then receive a free, no-obligation offer.

If you're happy with the valuation and decide to sell, you'll receive instant cash in-store.

There's no obligation to accept, and you can ask questions about the valuation before making your decision.

With Cash Generator stores across the UK, you can find your nearest location using our Store Finder.

At many locations, you can also contact the store via WhatsApp before visiting to discuss the items you're considering selling. Any valuation discussed remotely will need to be confirmed following an in-store assessment.

Not Ready to Say Goodbye to Your Gold? Consider BuyBack

Sometimes you might want to turn your unwanted gold into cash without necessarily saying goodbye to it for good.

At Cash Generator, our BuyBack option gives you the flexibility to sell your gold jewellery for instant cash, with the option to buy it back within an agreed period if you choose.

And here's the important bit: the cash valuation you receive is exactly the same whether you choose to sell your gold outright or take advantage of our BuyBack option.

Please note that the BuyBack service is entirely optional, meaning it simply provides you the freedom to decide whether you'd like to purchase your item back within the agreed timeframe or not.

Whether you'd prefer to sell your gold outright or explore our BuyBack option, the choice is entirely yours to make. Speak to your local Cash Generator store today to find out more.

BuyBack is subject to applicable terms and conditions. Additional costs apply if you choose to repurchase your item.

Turn Your Unwanted Gold Into Instant Cash

Gold prices change, but one thing remains the same: unwanted gold could still have real value.

That broken chain, old ring, single earring or piece of jewellery you haven't worn for years could be worth finding out about.

There's no need to guess what your gold might be worth.

Bring it into your local Cash Generator for a free, no-obligation valuation and let our team assess it for you.

If you're happy with the offer, you can walk away with instant cash in-store.

Find your nearest Cash Generator using our Store Finder and discover what your unwanted gold could be worth.

Terms & Conditions

All gold valuations are free and without obligation. Any valuation discussed before visiting a store is subject to an in-store inspection and assessment before a final offer can be confirmed. Gold valuations are based on factors including weight, purity, condition, prevailing gold market prices and any additional resale potential. Offers may vary depending on the individual item and market conditions.

All gold must be assessed and sold in-store. Valid identification is required when selling items, and customers must be aged 18 or over. Acceptance of any offer is entirely optional.

The initial cash valuation offered for an eligible item is the same whether the customer chooses to sell outright or use our BuyBack option. BuyBack is available on eligible items and provides customers with the option to repurchase their item within an agreed period. Additional costs apply if the customer chooses to repurchase their item, and full details will be provided in-store before proceeding.

All transactions, including BuyBack, are subject to applicable terms and conditions. Please speak to your local Cash Generator store for further information.