How much is used gold worth?

Hallmarks and pure gold percentages

European hallmarks stamped into jewelry tell you exactly how much pure gold it contains: 999 means 24K (100% pure), 750 means 18K (75%), 585 means 14K (58.5%), and 375 means 9K (37.5%). If the mark is worn or missing, a buyer will test the metal directly.

Multiply the live 24K price per gram, shown in both euros and US dollars, by the percentage for your hallmark, then by the weight in grams to get the theoretical melt value of your piece.

What buyers pay and how to negotiate

A specialist gold buyer typically pays the metal's value directly, while a jeweler or used-goods reseller may pay more for a piece with brand or design value — for example a well-known watch or a signed design — since that price isn't tied to weight alone.

To avoid being underpaid: check today's price, weigh your items yourself, calculate the theoretical value, get at least three quotes, and ask each buyer to state the percentage of gold value they're actually paying.

Frequently asked questions

How much is used gold worth per gram?

Used gold isn't worth less than new gold of the same purity — an 18K piece is worth 75% of the pure gold price per gram, minus the buyer's margin, regardless of whether it's new or used.

How do I find out my jewelry's purity?

Look for the hallmark: 750 means 18K, 585 means 14K, 375 means 9K, and 999 means pure gold. If it's unreadable, a buyer will test it with acid or an X-ray spectrometer.

Should I sell to a jeweler or a specialist gold buyer?

A specialist gold buyer pays for the metal's value; a jeweler or vintage reseller may pay more if the piece has brand or design value, such as a well-known watch or designer jewelry.

What do I need to sell gold?

A valid photo ID is standard practice everywhere, and payment is usually made by bank transfer or check above certain cash thresholds, which vary by country.

How do I avoid being underpaid?

Check today's live price, weigh your jewelry at home, calculate the theoretical value, get at least three quotes, and ask each buyer what percentage of the gold's value their offer represents.