Scrap Gold Calculator: Find the Honest Value of Your Broken Jewelry
That tangled necklace, single earring, or outdated ring is worth more than you think. Before you sell, use our tool to find its true melt value based on today’s live gold price. No fees, no sign-ups, just an honest number.
Understanding Your Result: Melt Value vs. A Cash Offer
The value shown by our calculator is the 100% full melt value of the raw gold content. Think of this as the raw material’s price on the global commodities market. It is your most powerful piece of information.
A gold buyer (a pawn shop, jeweler, or online mail-in service) must cover their costs, refining fees, their own business overhead, and a profit margin. Therefore, you should expect a cash offer between 70% and 90% of the melt value.
Our calculator gives you the 100% number so you can instantly know if an offer is fair. It’s your secret weapon for negotiation.
Don’t Know the Details? Here’s How to Check.
Look for a Hallmark (A Tiny Stamp)
Look closely at the clasp, inside the band, or on the post for a small stamp. You might need a magnifying glass. You’ll often see 10k, 14k, 18k, or a number like 417 (10k), 585 (14k), or 750 (18k). This stamp tells you the purity.
Weigh Your Gold
For a very good estimate, a digital kitchen or postage scale set to grams is perfect. Don’t have one? A US nickel weighs exactly 5 grams. You can use one to get a rough idea on a simple balance scale. Remember to remove any large non-gold parts like gemstones first.
What is ‘Scrap Gold’? More Than You Think.
You’re in the right place. “Scrap Gold” simply refers to any gold item where the value is in the raw metal itself, not its design or function. This includes:
Knowledge is Your Best Asset
You have the melt value. You understand what a fair offer looks like. Now, the final step is learning how to sell your scrap gold safely and for the highest price, whether you choose a local jeweler or a reputable online buyer.