HOW TO SELL GOLD BANGLES,
NECKLACES & EARRINGS -
YOUR PRACTICAL UK GUIDE

If you’re looking to sell gold jewellery such as bangles, necklaces or earrings in the UK, this guide gives you the full rundown, from assessing value to choosing the right route, to avoiding common pitfalls.

Why you may want to sell.

There are many reasons people decide to part with gold jewellery: maybe you inherited pieces you don’t wear; fashion tastes have changed; items are broken or missing stones; or you simply want to turn unwanted jewellery into cash. Whatever the reason, the key is to get the best possible value and make a well-informed decision.

Step 1: Understand what you have.

Before you even approach a buyer, it’s worth doing your homework on the items you want to sell.

Check the carat.

Gold jewellery is typically hallmarked in the UK to show gold content. For example:

• 9ct = 37.5% gold.
• 18ct = 75% gold.

Knowing the carat helps you estimate a baseline minimum value.
Often, buyers will base their offer on the gold weight and carat, minus processing costs, unless the piece has extra value (designer brand, gemstones, etc).

Check condition & design.

Are the bangles, necklaces or earrings in good condition? Are any stones missing or damaged? Are there designer marks or branding? These factors affect value: good condition plus brand recognition can mean more than scrap gold value.
On the other side, heavily worn or broken items may only be worth their weight in gold.

Step 2: Decide how you want to sell.

There are various routes you can take – each with their pros and cons.

1. Specialist jewellery buyer / auction house

If your items are designer pieces, vintage or have gemstones, you may get more by going to an auction house or jewellery specialist rather than a pure scrap-gold buyer. If your jewellery has designer branding you may consider selling to a specialist jeweller rather than a scrap gold buyer.
Pros: possibility of premium value.
Cons: might take longer, may need to pay fees or commissions, may require the piece to be in excellent condition.

2. Scrap gold buyer or recycler

If your jewellery is broken, plain, or you just want quick cash, it may be worth considering selling your gold for scrap (based on weight of the item, not design)

Pros: Simple process, very quick payment.
Cons: Be aware of ‘pop up’ cash for gold stores, they may offer low prices. Do your research.

3. Online vs in-person

You can send items by post or visit a buyer in-person.

• In-person can allow you to inspect the buyer, ask questions, see immediate results.
• Online or post-in route can be convenient, but you must ensure insured shipping, trustworthy company, and be aware that you may get a lower offer and/or delays.

Step 3: Prepare your items and yourself.

Before contacting buyers, go through these steps:

Clean but don’t over-polish

You want the jewellery to look its best, but avoid drastic modifications (for example, removing hallmarks, heavy polishing that removes metal) that might reduce its integrity or traceability.

Gather information.

Write down the carat if you can find the hallmarks, weight if you have a scale, any designer/maker’s marks, condition notes such as missing stones etc. These help you get accurate quotes.

Get at least two quotations.

Don’t take the first offer blindly. Comparing two or more buyers gives you a sense of the realistic value.

Seeking out two or three quotes will ensure that you are getting the best deal.

Check the buyer’s credentials.

Look for reviews, accreditation (e.g., Trading Standards, UK jewellery trade associations). Ensure you understand if there are any hidden fees, whether your items are returned at your cost if you decline an offer.  Ensure that you ask the questions and do the research before you hand over your items.

Step 4: Understand what you’re being offered.

Once you have a quote, ask the right questions.

What’s the basis of the valuation?

• Carat, weight, purity?
• Current gold market price per gram?
• Any deduction for processing/refining, stone removal, repairs?

Good buyers are transparent and will be forthcoming with how they come to their price.

Is there added value beyond scrap gold?

If the piece has brand recognition, gemstones or designer provenance, these can increase value over and above mere gold weight. Designer jewellery often retains value beyond its gold content due to desirability.

What happens if I decline the offer?

Will you pay for return shipping? Is there a time limit to accept/decline? What if you change your mind? Make sure the terms are clear and you have a clear understanding of the process.

How will I be paid?

Cash on the spot? Bank transfer? If posting by mail, how soon will you receive payment after the buyer receives the items? It is important that you have established the payment process before handing over your jewellery.

Step 5: Complete the sale and protect yourself.

When you are satisfied with the quote and decide to proceed:

• If posting, use an insured, tracked courier; keep proof of posting.
• Ensure that you have researched the buyer, check reviews and accreditation.
• Have your ID to hand, most buyers will ask for ID for anti-money-laundering reasons.
• Once accepted: ensure payment process has been discussed and that you are happy.
• Keep records: valuation quote, receipt of sale, payment confirmation.
• Be aware of your rights: for example, you generally cannot reverse the sale once items are handed over and payment accepted.

Step 6: Tax & legal considerations

For the average person selling personal jewellery, there is unlikely to be tax on the proceeds if the items were acquired for personal use -UK Capital Gains Tax typically does not apply to personal possessions under certain thresholds. But if you are regularly buying and selling jewellery as a business, different rules may apply,  seek tax advice if unsure. Be sure to not misrepresent your items, for example , if you believe your item to be 18ct gold but it does not have a hallmark,  it is essential to have the gold tested to establish the exact carat and achieve the correct price.

Step 7: After-sale checklist

• Ensure you have received and confirmed payment.
• Ask for and keep a receipt of sale.
• Check you’ve removed any personal items (loose certificates, sentimental notes) from the jewellery.
• Update your records if you submitted items for insurance previously -if r.
• If you’re selling multiple items, consider how you price each and whether to group for convenience or sell separately for better returns.

Summary: Sell smart, don’t sell quick

To wrap up:

• Know what you have (carat, weight, condition, brand).
• Decide on your route (scrap buyer vs specialist vs online).
• Get multiple quotes, check credentials of buyers.
• Understand how the offer is calculated (gold content? brand value?).
• Ensure safe posting/payment or visit trusted premises.
• Keep records and make yourself aware of legal & tax aspects.

When done right, you can turn unwanted gold bangles, necklaces or earrings into cash with minimal stress and with confidence that you’ve got a fair deal.