Thinking about selling gold jewellery, coins, watches or other precious items? Before you accept a price based purely on the weight of your gold, it is worth finding out what you actually have.
Gold has a measurable metal value, but some gold items are worth considerably more than their scrap value. An antique ring, diamond jewellery, gold watch, sovereign, unusual necklace or collectable piece may attract interest from buyers who are prepared to pay for more than the gold content alone.
At Potteries Auctions, our specialists regularly value gold jewellery, watches, coins and other precious items for auction. We can provide a free, no-obligation valuation and advise whether your item may be better suited to auction or a straightforward scrap sale.
Or you can email us on: enquiries@potteriesauctions.com
What Is the Best Place to Sell Gold?
There isn’t one answer for every piece of gold.
The best place to sell depends on what you have, its condition, its purity, its age, its design and whether it has value beyond the metal itself.
Broadly, your options are:
- A high-street jeweller or gold buyer
- An online scrap gold buyer
- A specialist auction house
- Selling privately
For simple broken gold with little additional appeal, a scrap buyer may be appropriate.
However, if your item is antique, unusual, branded, collectable or contains valuable gemstones, it may be worth getting an auction valuation before selling it for scrap.
35+
Years of experience
FREE
No-obligation valuations
30+
Specialist categories
4
Global Online auction platforms
Gold Scrap vs Gold Jewellery: What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most important things to understand before selling gold.
A scrap gold buyer is generally interested in:
- The weight of the gold
- The purity of the gold
- The current gold price
- The cost of processing and refining it
An auction buyer may be interested in much more.
They may value:
- The design
- The maker
- The age
- The rarity
- The condition
- Gemstones
- Provenance
- Brand
- Collectability
- Historical interest
For example, a plain broken 9ct gold chain may primarily have scrap value.
A Victorian gold chain, an antique locket, a diamond ring or a Rolex gold watch could have significantly more value as a finished item.
That’s why it can be worth asking an expert before you decide to sell gold for scrap.
What Have Similar Gold Items Sold For at Potteries Auctions?
Auction results can demonstrate the difference between an item’s estimate, its eventual selling price and the potential demand from competing buyers.
Here are some recent examples from Potteries Auctions:
3.47ct Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring
Estimate: £3,000–£6,000
Sold for: £8,800
A natural old European cut diamond solitaire ring with a recent insurance valuation of £22,500.
18ct Gold Omega Constellation
Estimate: £4,000–£8,000
Sold for: £6,300
An 18ct gold Omega Constellation Chronometer automatic wristwatch with original paperwork, boxes and bracelet.
18ct Gold Pocket Watch
Estimate: £2,000–£3,000
Sold for: £3,400
A late 19th-century 18ct gold open-face pocket watch by J. Hargreaves of Liverpool.
9ct Gold Rolex Vintage Wristwatch
Estimate: £600–£1,200
Sold for: £1,300
A vintage 9ct gold Rolex wristwatch and bracelet.
9ct Gold Heavy Charm Bracelet
Estimate: £3,000–£4,500
Sold for: £3,500
A 106.2g 9ct gold charm bracelet containing more than 70 charms, several electronically testing at 14ct or 18ct gold.
5.55ct Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring
Estimate: £15,000–£25,000
Sold for: £15,000
A substantial natural diamond solitaire ring accompanied by a recent insurance valuation of £85,000.
These results are examples only and do not guarantee the value of any particular item. The value of your gold or jewellery will depend on its individual characteristics and the level of interest from buyers.
Have something similar?
It could be worth finding out what your item could achieve before selling it for scrap.
From Valuation to Auction: How It Works
Selling at auction doesn’t have to be complicated. Our simple three-step process takes you from your first enquiry to auction day, with our specialist team here to guide you along the way.
Get in Touch
Contact our team or submit your items through our easy online valuation form. You can also join us at one of our free valuation days for expert advice and an initial assessment.
Receive Your Valuation
Our specialists will assess your items using their knowledge of the market, previous auction results and current collector demand. If we believe your items are suitable for auction, we’ll explain the next steps and how we can help you achieve the best possible result.
We Take Care of the Rest
Once you’re happy to proceed, we handle the auction process for you — from cataloguing and photography to marketing, bidding and the final sale. You can then follow your items through to auction and see the results.
Why Can Gold Be Worth More Than Its Scrap Value?
When you sell gold for scrap, the buyer is primarily interested in the recoverable precious metal.
When an item is sold at auction, however, buyers can compete for the object itself.
That distinction can be particularly important for:
- Antique gold jewellery
- Diamond rings
- Designer jewellery
- Vintage watches
- Gold pocket watches
- Gold sovereigns
- Rare coins
- Unusual jewellery
- Pieces with interesting provenance
- Collectable or historically significant items
A piece may therefore have two different potential values:
Melt or scrap value
The approximate value of the precious metal contained within the item.
Market or auction value
What a buyer may be prepared to pay for the complete item.
The two values are not necessarily the same.
What Gold Items Can You Sell at Auction?
You don’t need to have a large collection or know exactly what your items are worth.
We regularly consider a wide range of gold and precious items.
Gold Jewellery
This can include:
- Gold rings
- Engagement rings
- Wedding rings
- Gold necklaces
- Gold chains
- Bracelets
- Bangles
- Earrings
- Brooches
- Lockets
- Pendants
- Gold charms
- Antique jewellery
- Designer jewellery
- Jewellery containing diamonds or gemstones
Gold jewellery can be particularly interesting when it combines precious metal with age, design, craftsmanship, gemstones or a recognised maker.
Gold Watches & Pocket Watches
Gold watches can have value for several reasons.
The gold case may have significant intrinsic value, while the watch itself may also appeal to collectors.
Factors can include:
- Maker
- Model
- Age
- Case material
- Gold carat
- Condition
- Movement
- Originality
- Provenance
- Box and papers
Recent Potteries Auctions results include gold Rolex, Omega and antique pocket watches.
Have an old gold watch or pocket watch? Don’t assume it is only worth its weight in gold.
Gold Coins & Sovereigns
Gold coins can have both bullion and collector value.
Examples include:
- Gold sovereigns
- Half sovereigns
- Gold commemorative coins
- Krugerrands
- Other gold bullion coins
- Historic gold coins
The value of a gold coin can depend on its:
- Date
- Mint mark
- Condition
- Rarity
- Type
- Historical significance
- Gold content
- Collector demand
A sovereign that appears to be worth only its gold content may be worth more if it is particularly rare or desirable to collectors.
Gold Chains, Broken Jewellery & Scrap Gold
You can still ask us about broken or damaged gold.
Examples include:
- Broken chains
- Single earrings
- Damaged rings
- Broken bracelets
- Unwanted jewellery
- Mixed jewellery collections
However, not every broken item will be suitable for auction.
Some pieces may simply be worth their precious-metal content.
That is why a valuation can be useful: our specialists can assess whether there is additional value beyond the scrap price.
Antique & Vintage Gold Jewellery
Age can make a significant difference to the desirability of an item.
Victorian, Edwardian and earlier jewellery can appeal to collectors because of its:
- Design
- Craftsmanship
- Materials
- Rarity
- Historical interest
- Provenance
An older piece shouldn’t automatically be treated as scrap simply because it is no longer fashionable.
If you have inherited old gold jewellery, it is worth getting it assessed before deciding what to do with it.
What Determines the Value of Gold Jewellery?
The gold content is important, but it isn’t the only factor.
1. Gold purity
Gold jewellery is commonly marked according to its fineness or carat.
For example:
- 9ct
- 14ct
- 18ct
- 22ct
Generally, higher-carat gold contains a greater proportion of pure gold.
However, higher carat does not automatically mean higher overall value. The design, maker, gemstones and collectability of the item can also matter.
2. Weight
For scrap gold, weight is particularly important.
The heavier the piece and the higher its gold purity, the greater its potential metal value.
But don’t assume that weighing your jewellery is enough to determine its selling price.
3. Maker or brand
A recognised maker or luxury brand can significantly affect the value of an item.
This can be particularly important with watches and designer jewellery.
4. Gemstones
Diamonds and other precious gemstones can add considerable value.
A gold ring containing a substantial natural diamond should not automatically be valued simply as gold.
5. Age and rarity
Antique and unusual pieces can attract collectors who value the object itself rather than simply its precious-metal content.
6. Condition
Condition can affect both collector appeal and auction value.
However, don’t automatically discard or scrap damaged jewellery. Some antique or unusual pieces can still be desirable.
7. Provenance
Where an item came from can sometimes add interest and value, particularly where there is documented history or an interesting previous owner.
How Do I Know If My Gold Is Real?
Hallmarks can provide useful information about precious-metal items.
Depending on the item and its age, hallmarks may help identify:
- The metal
- Purity
- Assay office
- Date
- Maker or sponsor
Look for marks inside rings, on clasps, on the backs of jewellery and on watch cases.
However, the absence of an obvious hallmark does not necessarily mean an item isn’t valuable.
Some items may require further examination or testing.
If you aren’t sure what the marks mean, photographs can help our specialists assess the item.
What Is 9ct, 14ct, 18ct and 22ct Gold Worth?
The value of gold depends partly on its purity.
As a general guide:
However, the value of a finished piece of jewellery cannot always be calculated simply by multiplying its weight by the current gold price.
A diamond ring, antique locket or collectable watch may have significant value beyond its metal content.
This is one of the reasons an expert valuation can be useful.
Should I Sell My Gold for Scrap or at Auction?
This depends on what you have.
Scrap may be appropriate when:
- The item is broken
- It has little design or collector appeal
- It is a common mass-produced item
- Its main value is the precious metal
- You want a quick sale
Auction may be worth considering when:
- The item is antique
- It is unusual or rare
- It contains diamonds or gemstones
- It has a recognised maker or brand
- It is a collectable watch
- It is a gold coin or sovereign
- It has interesting provenance
- The jewellery is attractive and wearable
- You have a collection of different items
If you’re unsure, get a valuation before deciding. Remember there is no obligation to sell through Potteries Auctions.
Is Now a Good Time to Sell Gold?
Gold prices can change significantly over time, so it is understandable that people ask whether now is a good time to sell.
However, there is another question that can be just as important: What exactly are you selling?
If you have a simple piece of scrap gold, the gold price may be the main consideration.
If you have an antique gold ring, diamond jewellery, a Rolex, an Omega, a gold pocket watch or a rare coin, the item’s individual market value may be more important than simply the current scrap price.
If you’re considering selling, the first step is to find out what you actually have.
Read our guide: Should I Sell My Gold Now?
How Does Selling Gold at Auction Work?
If your item is suitable for auction, the process is straightforward.
1. Get a valuation
Send photographs and details of your items, email our team or arrange an appointment.
2. Our specialists assess the items
We’ll consider factors such as gold content, condition, age, maker, gemstones, rarity and likely buyer demand.
3. We discuss the options
If auction is appropriate, we’ll explain the process and what happens next.
4. Your items are catalogued
Suitable items are photographed, described and included in an appropriate auction.
5. Buyers compete
Your items are offered to our network of auction buyers and collectors.
6. You receive the proceeds
If your item sells, the sale proceeds are paid to you in accordance with our terms.
You don’t need to know the value before contacting us. That’s what our specialists are here for.
What Should I Do Before Selling Gold?
If you’re thinking about selling, there are a few simple things you can do.
Don’t throw away boxes or paperwork
Original boxes, certificates, receipts, valuations and other paperwork can be useful.
Don’t clean valuable jewellery aggressively
Over-cleaning or polishing can potentially damage surfaces or remove signs of age.
Look for hallmarks
Check rings, clasps, watch cases and other areas for marks.
Keep items together
If you have an inherited collection, don’t separate items until you’ve had it assessed.
Photograph the items
Clear photographs of the front, back, hallmarks and any notable details can help with an initial valuation.
Don’t assume something is scrap
This is perhaps the most important point.
If you’re unsure, ask before you sell.
What If I’ve Inherited Gold Jewellery?
Inherited jewellery is one of the most common reasons people find themselves wondering where to sell gold.
You may have:
- A family jewellery box
- Wedding rings
- Gold chains
- Old watches
- Brooches
- Lockets
- Sovereigns
- Unidentified pieces
You don’t need to know what everything is.
Our specialists can help identify potentially valuable pieces and advise whether they may be suitable for auction.
If the items are part of an estate, collection or larger group of possessions, we can also discuss the wider valuation and consignment process.
What If I Only Have One or Two Items?
That’s fine.
You don’t need a large collection to ask for a valuation.
A single gold ring, watch, coin or piece of jewellery may be worth investigating.
For example, our recent auction results include individual items achieving several thousand pounds.
The important thing is the item itself, not simply the size of the collection.
What If My Gold Is Broken?
We can still advise you.
Broken jewellery may have primarily scrap value, but this isn’t always the case.
An unusual antique piece, a damaged designer item or jewellery containing valuable gemstones may still have a market beyond its gold content.
Send us photographs and we’ll advise on the best next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to sell gold in the UK?
The best place depends on what you’re selling. Simple scrap gold may be suitable for a gold buyer, while antique jewellery, watches, coins, gemstones and unusual pieces may be worth assessing for auction before being sold for their metal value.
Where is the best place to sell gold jewellery?
Gold jewellery can be sold through jewellers, gold buyers or auction houses. If the jewellery has gemstones, age, a recognised maker, unusual design or collector appeal, it can be worth obtaining an auction valuation before accepting a scrap price.
Is it better to sell gold for scrap or at auction?
It depends on the item. Scrap buyers primarily value the precious metal, while auction buyers can also pay for design, rarity, brand, gemstones, age and collectability. Getting a valuation can help you understand which route is most appropriate.
How much is my gold jewellery worth?
The value depends on gold purity, weight, current gold prices, condition, design, maker, gemstones, age, rarity and buyer demand. A finished piece of jewellery may be worth more than its scrap value.
Can I sell broken gold jewellery?
Yes. Broken gold jewellery can be sold as scrap, although some damaged or unusual pieces may have additional value. An expert valuation can help determine the most appropriate route.
Can I sell 9ct gold?
Yes. 9ct gold jewellery can be sold for its metal content, but finished pieces may also have additional value depending on their design, condition, maker and other characteristics.
Can I sell 14ct gold?
Yes. 14ct gold contains approximately 58.5% pure gold. Its value depends on its weight and current gold prices, but finished jewellery may have additional value beyond its scrap content.
Can I sell 18ct gold?
Yes. 18ct gold contains approximately 75% pure gold. Rings, chains, watches and other 18ct gold items can be assessed for both their metal value and any additional collector or market value.
How much is a gold sovereign worth?
The value of a gold sovereign depends on its gold content, current gold prices, date, condition, rarity, mint mark and collector demand. Some sovereigns may be worth more than their bullion value.
Are gold watches worth more than their scrap value?
They can be. A gold watch may have value based on its gold case as well as its maker, model, movement, age, condition, originality and collector demand.
How can I find out what my gold is worth?
You can send photographs and details to Potteries Auctions for a free, no-obligation valuation. Clear photographs of the item, hallmarks and any paperwork can help our specialists assess it.
Do I need to know the value of my gold before contacting an auction house?
No. You don’t need to identify the maker, age or value yourself. Providing photographs and any information you have is enough for an initial assessment.
Is it safe to sell gold at auction?
As with any sale method, you should understand the terms, fees and process before proceeding. At Potteries Auctions, our specialists can explain the auction process and whether your items are suitable before you decide whether to consign them.