---
title: "How to Sell Scrap Gold in the UK"
source: "https://goldealers.co.uk/knowledge/gold/how-to-sell-scrap-gold-uk"
date: "2025-12-02"
---

# How to Sell Scrap Gold in the UK

Selling scrap gold in the UK is straightforward if you know the steps. At Goldealers, we make the process easy by providing free appraisals and same-day payments. This guide explains how to prepare your gold, get an accurate quote, and complete the sale securely.

> **Quick Summary:** Prepare your gold by sorting by purity, get an instant quote online or by phone, send via insured Royal Mail Special Delivery (free with Goldealers), and receive payment within 24 hours once you accept our offer.

## Prepare Your Gold

Gather all gold items including broken jewellery, coins, and unwanted pieces. Remove any non-gold parts that can be easily detached. Knowing the carats of your pieces (e.g. 9ct, 18ct) helps in estimating value, though we'll confirm this through professional testing.

### Sorting by Purity

Understanding gold purity helps you estimate your items' value:

| Purity | Fineness | Gold Content |
|--------|----------|--------------|
| 9ct | 375 | 37.5% gold |
| 14ct | 585 | 58.5% gold |
| 18ct | 750 | 75% gold |
| 22ct | 916 | 91.6% gold |

[Learn more about gold hallmarks and purity](/knowledge/gold/gold-purity-hallmarks)

## Get an Instant Quote

Use Goldealers' online calculator or call for a real-time price based on weight and purity. We use live market prices to give you a transparent estimate before you send anything.

> Weigh your gold at home using kitchen scales for an approximate weight. This helps you get a more accurate initial estimate.

## Send Your Gold Securely

If selling by mail, package your gold safely using a padded envelope and send via Royal Mail Special Delivery for insurance. Goldealers offers free insured postage with our Gold Pack service.

[Complete guide to selling gold by post](/knowledge/postal/how-to-sell-gold-by-post)

### Security Checklist

- Use Royal Mail Special Delivery (insured up to £2,500)
- Never write "gold" or "jewellery" on the package
- Keep your tracking number safe
- Include your contact details inside the package

## Professional Appraisal & Payment

Once received, our experts test your gold without damage to confirm purity. We then make a formal offer based on current market prices. Accept to get paid within 24 hours (usually by bank transfer). If you decline, we return your items at no cost.

### Our Testing Process

We use professional XRF testing equipment that:
- Provides instant, accurate purity readings
- Doesn't damage your items
- Confirms hallmark authenticity
- Tests multiple points for accuracy

[Learn about our gold testing methods](/knowledge/testing/how-is-gold-tested)

## Maximising Your Return

> Compare offers from reputable dealers and sell when gold prices are high. At Goldealers, customer trust is paramount, so we ensure a transparent and hassle-free experience.

Tips for getting the best price:
- Monitor gold prices and sell during high periods
- Compare offers from established UK buyers
- Ensure there are no hidden fees
- Use insured, tracked delivery

[How to get the best price for your scrap gold](/knowledge/gold/best-price-scrap-gold)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How do I sell scrap gold in the UK?**  
A: Get a quote based on weight and purity, send your items to a reputable dealer like Goldealers for appraisal via insured post, and receive payment once you accept the offer. The entire process typically takes 1-3 business days.

**Q: How quickly will I get paid?**  
A: Goldealers typically pays the same day we receive and test your gold. Most customers receive payment within 24-48 hours of posting their items.

**Q: What if I don't accept your offer?**  
A: We return your items at no cost via fully insured delivery. There's absolutely no obligation to accept our offer.

**Q: Do I need to clean my gold before sending?**  
A: No, there's no need to clean or polish your gold. We pay for the gold content regardless of appearance, and cleaning doesn't increase the value.

## Next Steps

Ready to sell your scrap gold? Request a free Gold Pack from Goldealers or get an instant online quote to see what your gold is worth today.

**Useful Resources:**
- [What is scrap gold and how is it valued?](/knowledge/gold/what-is-scrap-gold-valued)
- [Is it safe to send gold by mail?](/knowledge/postal/is-it-safe-send-gold-mail)
- [How gold prices are determined](/knowledge/gold/gold-prices-determined)

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*Published by Goldealers Ltd · https://goldealers.co.uk/knowledge/gold/how-to-sell-scrap-gold-uk*