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

# How to Sell Scrap Gold

Selling scrap gold can be straightforward when you understand the process and know what to expect from reputable dealers.

> **Quick Summary:** Scrap gold is valued based on its purity (karat), weight, and current market prices. Reputable dealers use XRF testing to accurately determine gold content.

## Understanding Your Scrap Gold

Before selling, it's important to understand what you have:

- **9ct gold** contains 37.5% pure gold
- **14ct gold** contains 58.5% pure gold
- **18ct gold** contains 75% pure gold
- **22ct gold** contains 91.7% pure gold

[Learn more about 9ct gold valuation](/knowledge/gold/what-is-9ct-gold-worth)

## The Selling Process

### 1. Initial Assessment

Dealers will examine your items and identify:
- Gold purity (karat markings)
- Item weight
- Condition and any attachments

### 2. Testing

Reputable dealers use [XRF testing equipment](/knowledge/testing/how-does-xrf-testing-work) to non-destructively verify gold content.

> Always choose dealers who test items in front of you and explain their process.

### 3. Pricing

Your gold's value is calculated based on:
- **Weight** (measured in grams)
- **Purity** (percentage of pure gold)
- **Current gold price** (spot price in GBP)
- **Dealer margins** (processing costs)

### 4. Payment

Reputable dealers offer various payment options:
- Bank transfer
- Cash (for in-person transactions)
- Cheque

> Be cautious of dealers offering prices that seem too good to be true or pressuring quick decisions.

## What Affects Scrap Gold Prices?

Several factors influence how much you'll receive:

1. **Market conditions** - Daily spot prices fluctuate
2. **Item purity** - Higher karat = higher value
3. **Refining costs** - Dealers factor in processing expenses
4. **Competition** - Shop around for best rates

[Read our detailed guide on pricing factors](/knowledge/gold/what-affects-scrap-gold-price)

## Postal Gold Services

If visiting a dealer isn't convenient, many UK dealers offer [postal gold services](/knowledge/postal/how-to-sell-gold-by-post) with:
- Free insured postage
- Professional testing
- Quick payment

## Common Questions

**Q: Do I need to clean my gold before selling?**
A: No, dealers assess gold by weight and purity, not appearance.

**Q: Will broken jewelry affect the price?**
A: No, scrap gold is valued by content, not condition. [Learn more about selling broken jewelry](/knowledge/gold/can-broken-jewellery-be-sold)

**Q: How is melt loss calculated?**
A: [Melt loss](/knowledge/gold/what-is-melt-loss) accounts for non-gold materials that burn away during refining.

## Tax Considerations

Selling personal gold items typically doesn't incur tax, but there are exceptions. See our [guide on tax implications](/knowledge/tax-vat/do-i-pay-tax-when-selling-gold).

## Next Steps

Ready to sell? Contact us for a free, no-obligation valuation or explore our other guides:

- [How is scrap gold tested?](/knowledge/gold/how-is-scrap-gold-tested)
- [How dealers price scrap gold](/knowledge/dealer-process/how-dealers-price-scrap-gold)
- [Is it safe to post gold?](/knowledge/postal/is-it-safe-to-post-gold)

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