Is it Worth Selling Gold Jewellery?

Gold has long been revered as a valuable commodity. From the treasures found in ancient Egyptian tombs to the legendary myths of lost Inca gold, it has been prized from ancient civilizations to the modern day. Determining where and when to sell your gold jewellery can be a tricky process to navigate. There are several factors to consider in the process.

^{A Kutchinsky platinum and 18ct yellow gold diamond bracelet}

^{Sold for £14,000}

Current trends: Like all fashions, yellow gold comes and goes. From the bold and organic yellow-gold jewellery styles that were all the rage during the 60s, 70s and 80s to the more subdued gem-set white gold jewellery prevalent during the 90s, each decade has its own distinct jewellery style. More recently, the trend has swung back to an emphasis on bolder yellow gold jewellery with retro and mid-century modern pieces selling particularly well.

Purity: As gold is mixed with other alloys such as silver and copper, the purity of gold or its 'carat weight' is important in determining the value of your jewellery. 24ct gold is 99.99% gold, 18ct gold is 75% gold, while 9ct gold is 37.5% gold. These percentages are reflected in the hallmarks found on your jewellery (e.g. '375' indicates 9ct, '750' indicates 18ct, etc). There are different minimum carat percentages across countries with 9ct gold used in the UK, 10ct gold in the USA and the minimum carat weight at 8ct in Greece and Denmark.

^{Graff. An 18ct yellow gold and diamond bangle}

^{Sold for £13,500}

Current Market: Gold can fluctuate according to market dynamics. International affairs, political unrest or change in leadership, and the state of the economy could all influence how well your jewellery may sell. Gold has increased steadily over the last seven years; however, this could drop at any stage. Understanding the current market can help to determine the best time to sell your gold.

Craftmanship & Designers: Quality craftsmanship will always be valued in its own right. Whilst, Brands that have been trendsetters in design and forerunners in craftsmanship will always fetch a premium for their pieces. Checking for potential maker's marks will help to determine if this is a particularly special piece.

^{Hermes, Paris. An 18ct yellow gold chaine d'ancre necklace}

^{Sold for £8,500}

Sentimental Value: An important factor to consider is the sentimental value of jewellery. Some pieces may hold deep personal significance; often the emotional attachment can far outweigh the financial gain. In such cases, it may be worth holding onto the item, especially if the monetary value is not as high as you hoped.

Selling unworn or unwanted gold jewellery can be a liberating and financially beneficial experience, but understanding the market, evaluating the true worth of your items and weighing up options can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your priorities. Ultimately the decision to sell your gold jewellery should be a carefully considered one and taken using reliable professional advice – here at Dawsons, we have the expertise to provide you with sound advice.

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Are you considering selling any gold jewellery?

With a global audience of over 10 million known bidders, Dawsons can secure the best prices.

Get in touch with an expert Valuer for confidential sales advice, we would be delighted to help you:

0207 431 9445 / info@dawsonsauctions.co.uk