How to Sell Gold Jewellery — Getting the Best Price in 2026

Three Categories of Gold Jewellery

Before choosing a channel, classify what you are selling. Scrap-value pieces — unsigned, damaged, or low-karat — should expect 70–90% of the metal's spot value. Secondary-market pieces — Cartier, Tiffany, Georg Jensen, David Yurman — sell significantly above scrap. Collectable pieces — significant watches, antique signed jewellery — need specialist auction houses to realise full value.

Getting a Valuation

Obtain at least two independent valuations before selling anything of significance. For watches, platforms like WatchCharts aggregate realised prices and give a reliable market reference. Always calculate the metal value yourself as a floor: weight × fineness × current spot price.

Where to Sell

For significant pieces: Bonhams, Christie's, or Sotheby's — they take a seller's commission but reach the right buyers. For quality online sales: 1stDibs, Worthy, or specialist dealers. For reputable outright or consignment sales: established jewellery dealers in major cities. For scrap only: high-street gold buyers.

What to Avoid

Gold-by-post services are for scrap only and typically offer below-market rates. Pawnbrokers will price a Cartier bracelet as scrap. Unsolicited "gold party" buyers pay the least of anyone in the market. If the piece has any signed or collectable element, it deserves a specialist channel.

Liquidity Planning

If you want gold exposure that is faster and cleaner to liquidate than jewellery, bullion from a dealer like SilverGoldBull sells back easily at tight spreads. Jewellery is a wearable store of value; bullion is the liquid version.

Frequently Asked Questions