Live 18ct Gold Price Per Gram
£74.48
Based on the live gold price in the UK. Updates every 60 seconds.
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The 18ct gold price today is £74.48 per gram in the UK. In other words, a one-gram piece of 18-carat gold contains about £74.48 worth of pure gold at current market rates. This directly reflects gold’s high market value, since 18ct gold is 75% pure gold. (The remaining 25% is other metals.)
Key Takeaways
- Current 18ct Gold Price: 18ct gold is currently £74.48 per gram in the UK right now. This is about 75% of the price of pure 24ct gold (with 24ct gold at £99.31 per gram, or £3,088.73 per troy ounce).
- Value and Purity: 18-carat gold is 75% pure gold. Its value is therefore approximately 75% of the spot price of 24-carat gold for the same weight. For example, 0.75 x the pure gold price per gram equals the 18ct gold price per gram (£74.48).
- Hallmark “750”: In the UK, genuine 18ct gold jewellery is hallmarked with the number 750, certifying it as 75% gold. All gold items over 1 gram must be hallmarked by a UK Assay Office. The “750” stamp (often alongside a maker’s mark and Assay Office symbol) guarantees the item’s gold purity.
- Selling vs Buying Prices: When selling 18ct gold, expect offers slightly below the market spot price. Gold buyers typically pay around 80–90% of the gold content’s value (to cover refining costs and margins). Conversely, buying 18ct gold jewellery retail costs more than the raw gold value – you pay for craftsmanship, design, VAT, and retailer markup on top of the gold’s melt value.
- 18ct Gold Quality: 18ct gold is a high-quality alloy ideal for fine jewellery. It has a rich golden colour, high intrinsic value, and good durability for daily wear. At 75% purity, it’s far less likely to tarnish than lower carat gold. Many consider 18ct the sweet spot for luxury jewellery – blending the beauty of near-pure gold with enough strength from alloys to last for generations.
18ct Gold Price Today
The 18ct gold price today is £74.48 per gram. This price represents the intrinsic melt value of 18-carat gold per unit weight. It’s derived from the current gold market: pure 24ct gold is currently trading at £99.31 per gram (which is £3,088.73 per troy ounce), so 18ct gold (which is 75% pure) is worth roughly 75% of that per gram.
It’s important to note that £74.48 per gram is the market (spot) price equivalent for the gold content. If you sell or melt down 18ct gold, this is the ballpark figure used to calculate its worth. If you are buying finished jewellery, the price tag will be higher than this gram rate (more on that below). But as a direct answer to “18ct gold price per gram” – today it’s £74.48 for each gram of 18-carat gold’s weight.
Today's Live Gold Prices
Wondering what 18ct gold is worth right now? Our live gold price table below shows the live 18ct gold price per gram, updated in real time alongside other popular gold purities. These figures are based on the current global spot price of gold, a market-driven rate influenced by factors such as supply and demand, central bank reserves, economic uncertainty, and currency strength.
Live Gold Price Per Gram
Gold price last updated:
The LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) spot price changes daily.
The prices displayed are based on the global market rate for gold, known as the gold spot price. Like all gold buyers, GoldSell pays a percentage of this rate to account for assaying, refining, secure logistics, market volatility, and handling costs. We consistently offer among the highest payout rates in the UK, with the exact percentage increasing based on the weight and purity of the gold you sell.
The table below shows how the live price per gram of gold increases in line with its purity. Because gold is priced based on its fine gold content, higher carat values (like 18ct or 24ct) contain a greater proportion of pure gold — and therefore hold more intrinsic value. This comparison helps you understand exactly how the value of 18ct gold sits in relation to other common gold finenesses.
| Gold Fineness | Live Price per Gram |
|---|---|
| 9 carat (37.5 % pure) | £37.24 |
| 14 carat (58.5 % pure) | £57.93 |
| 18 carat (75 % pure) | £74.48 |
| 21 carat (87.5 % pure) | £86.89 |
| 22 carat (91.6 % pure) | £91.03 |
| 24 carat / Fine gold (99.9 % pure) | £99.31 |
How Much Is 18ct Gold Worth?
18ct gold is worth about 75% of the equivalent weight in pure 24ct gold. This is because 18ct gold is 18/24 parts gold (75% purity). To calculate the value of 18ct gold, you take the current 24ct gold spot price and multiply it by 0.75. For example, with 24k gold currently at £99.31, an 18k gold gram is worth £99.31 x 0.75 ≈ £74.48. In general, whatever the pure gold price is, 18ct will be three-quarters of that per gram.
However, the amount you actually receive or pay for 18ct gold can differ from the raw spot value:
- Selling 18ct Gold: If you sell 18ct gold (as scrap or to a gold buyer), you will typically get slightly less than the full £74.48 per gram market value. Buyers need to cover refining costs, handling, and profit margin, so they pay under spot. In the UK, reputable gold buyers might offer around 80%–90% of the 18ct gold spot price, especially for larger quantities or high-quality pieces. For instance, at £74.48/gram spot, a fair offer might be on the order of £59.58–£67.03 per gram for scrap 18ct gold. Unlike many high street buyers or other online services that pay significantly less—sometimes only 60–70% of the melt value—we’re able to offer higher prices for your gold. That’s because we don’t operate costly physical stores and, more importantly, we refine gold ourselves. This means there are no middlemen in our process, allowing us to pass those savings directly to you. In fact, many other gold buyers ultimately sell their gold through us because we pay more. So while some companies offer reduced rates to cover overheads and earn a hefty profit, we offer you the best price for gold upfront.
- Buying 18ct Gold Jewellery: When you buy a new piece of 18ct gold jewellery, you generally pay more than the metal’s melt value. Jewellers add charges for craftsmanship, design, brand premiums, business overheads, and often 20% VAT (tax) on top of the raw gold cost. For example, a gold ring containing £200 worth of 18ct gold by weight might retail for £400 or more, once labour and taxes are factored in. This markup is the price of owning a beautifully designed piece rather than just raw gold. Antique or second-hand jewellery may sometimes be closer to gold content price, but anything from a retail shop will include a substantial premium. Essentially, the price tag on 18ct jewellery reflects gold content + craftsmanship + tax + profit.
This difference between buy (retail) price and sell (scrap) price is often called the spread. Gold’s spread means you should have realistic expectations: even though 18ct gold is £74.48/gram in theory, you won’t get that full amount when selling small amounts, and you’ll pay more than that when buying finished jewellery. Gold’s value is very real, but transactions involve these practical adjustments. Overall, 18ct gold is highly valuable, but “worth” can depend on context – whether it’s being sold as raw material or purchased as a crafted item.
What Is The Gold Spot Price?
The gold spot price is simply the live market price for gold for immediate delivery (usually quoted per troy ounce). In practice it’s the baseline “raw” value of gold, set by international bullion markets (London Bullion Market, COMEX, etc.). It does not include any retailer premiums or manufacturing costs. In effect, the spot price is the intrinsic value of pure gold at any moment.
Key factors that drive the gold spot price include:
- Inflation and currency: When inflation is high, investors flock to gold as a hedge, pushing the spot price higher. Likewise, a weaker US dollar makes gold cheaper for holders of other currencies, often boosting demand. Conversely, a strong dollar can pressure gold prices down.
- Interest rates: Gold is non-interest-bearing. When real interest rates fall (or are negative), gold becomes more attractive than bonds, lifting its price. Lower rates tend to correlate with higher gold demand.
- Central bank and institutional demand: Central banks (especially in recent years) have purchased large amounts of gold to diversify reserves. These big buyers can drive prices up when they add to their holdings. Industrial uses and jewellery demand (from tech and emerging markets) also add steady baseline demand.
- Geopolitical events: Gold is famously a “crisis commodity.” Wars, political unrest or financial turmoil prompt safe-haven buying. For example, conflicts in Europe or the Middle East, or major election uncertainties, have recently triggered gold price spikes.
18ct Gold Hallmarks
UK hallmarking for 18ct gold ensures you’re really getting 75% gold purity. British law requires any gold item above 1 gram to be officially hallmarked at an Assay Office. The hallmark is a small series of stamps on the metal that tell you the purity and origin of the piece. For 18-carat gold, the key hallmark to look for is the number “750”.
The UK hallmark for 18ct gold will include the 750 stamp (meaning 750/1000 parts gold). Often it’s accompanied by a traditional fineness symbol (a crown icon to signify gold) and the Assay Office mark. For example, a London-hallmarked 18ct piece might have a leopard’s head symbol (London’s mark) next to “750”, while Birmingham uses an anchor, Sheffield a rose, and Edinburgh a castle. You’ll also see a maker’s (sponsor’s) mark — usually initials of the jeweller or company. These stamps are usually tiny and located in discreet spots (inside ring bands, on necklace clasps, or the underside of a pendant or watch case).
If you see “18K” or “18kt” stamped on a piece, that’s a common international mark indicating 18-carat gold. But in the UK the official hallmark will be 750. The hallmark gives peace of mind that the item is genuine 18ct gold, independently tested. Always look for the hallmark when buying gold jewellery – it’s your proof of authenticity and quality. If an item lacks a hallmark (and weighs over 1g), it might not be legally sold as gold in the UK, so that’s a red flag.
Example of a UK 18ct gold hallmark with a 750 stamp. This hallmark confirms the item is 75% pure gold. The “750” stamp indicates 18ct gold, while accompanying marks show the maker’s mark, gold standard (crown), Assay Office symbol (leopard’s head for London), and date letter. UK hallmarking provides legal assurance of gold purity and authenticity for any item over 1 gram in weight.
What Is 18ct Gold?
18ct gold is gold alloyed with other metals such that it is 75% pure gold. In other words, 18 out of 24 parts are gold, hence the “18 carat” designation (also expressed as a fineness of 750 parts per thousand). The remaining 25% is made up of other metals like copper, silver, zinc or palladium, which harden the gold and can adjust its colour. This composition gives 18ct gold a bright, lustrous yellow appearance that is close to pure gold but with more durability.
18ct gold hits a sweet spot for jewellery: it’s significantly more valuable and gold-rich than 9ct gold, yet more robust and less soft than 24ct gold. Because of its high gold content, 18ct has a deep warm yellow tone (almost as rich as 22ct) and is highly resistant to tarnish and corrosion (pure gold doesn’t tarnish, so 75% of the alloy is tarnish-proof). It also tends to be hypoallergenic for most people – the higher gold content means fewer base metals that might cause skin reactions (nickel is rarely used in modern UK alloys for allergy reasons).
While 18ct gold is a bit softer than lower carats like 9ct (which have more hard base metals), it is still plenty durable for everyday wear. In fact, 18ct gold is commonly chosen for engagement rings, wedding bands, watches, and other fine jewellery that are meant to last. It’s sturdy enough to hold gemstones securely and withstand years of use, provided you treat it with normal care. Some very delicate designs or pieces that see rough wear might use 14ct or 9ct for extra hardness, but generally 18ct gold jewellery “holds its own” over time.
Value-wise, 18ct gold is considered a premium material. With 75% gold content, it commands a higher price than 9ct (which is only 37.5% gold). Jewellery crafted in 18ct gold will be more expensive than the same in 9ct, but you are getting a richer colour and nearly double the gold content. Many people choose 18ct for its ideal balance: it offers the luxury feel of high-purity gold without some of the drawbacks of 24ct (which can be too soft and costly). In the UK, 18ct is a traditional standard for high-end jewellery – it’s even seen as an heirloom-quality choice. All in all, 18ct gold provides an excellent mix of purity, beauty, and durability, making it one of the top choices for fine jewellery.
What Is 18ct Gold Made Of?
18ct gold is made of 75% pure gold, alloyed with 25% other metals to enhance its strength and modify its colour. The exact mixture of the other metals can vary:
- 18ct yellow gold: The alloy typically includes silver and copper (and sometimes a bit of zinc). For example, a classic 18ct yellow might be 75% gold, ~15% silver, ~10% copper (just as a rough idea). This yields a rich yellow hue. The silver in the mix also contributes to making 18ct gold more resistant to tarnish and gives it a slightly lighter yellow tone than 24ct.
- 18ct white gold: The 25% alloy is made up of white metals. Commonly this is a mix of palladium or platinum, plus silver and sometimes nickel or zinc. Palladium in particular is often used in modern white gold and makes the alloy harder. 18ct white gold usually has a greyish-white tone (often it’s rhodium-plated to be extra white). The composition might be 75% gold, with the rest palladium, silver, etc., giving a strong and white metal suitable for settings.
- 18ct rose gold: The alloy is mostly copper (to impart the pinkish-red colour) with possibly a bit of silver. Rose gold might be 75% gold, 20% copper, 5% silver (as an example). The high copper content gives it a warm rosy blush.
Essentially, 18ct = 18/24 parts gold + 6/24 parts other metals. Those other metals (copper, silver, zinc, nickel, palladium, etc.) are chosen in different ratios to produce different gold colours and to harden the metal.
This image shows the distinct appearance of different 18ct gold types: white gold with a silvery hue (usually alloyed with palladium or nickel), rose gold with a warm coppery tone (high copper content), and classic yellow gold with a rich golden shine (balanced copper and silver alloy). The choice of 18ct gold colour not only affects aesthetics but can also influence wear resistance and suitability for different skin tones.
Looking To Sell 18ct Gold?: Here's What You Need To Know
If you’re considering selling 18ct gold, GoldSell makes the process easy, secure, and highly rewarding. Thanks to our proprietary Live Price Checker™, we consistently track UK gold prices to ensure you receive the highest payout available. Our in-house gold refining cuts out middlemen and extra fees, ensuring more money directly in your pocket.
With our exclusive 7-Day Gold Price Lock, your valuation is protected from market drops. As soon as you drop your items at the Post Office, our system automatically locks in the highest gold price from that moment until your gold arrives with us. Additionally, our Best Price Guarantee ensures that if you find a better offer elsewhere, we promise to match or beat it. And with same-day payment upon accepting your valuation, your money reaches you within minutes of accepting our valuation.
Ready to sell your 18ct gold? It couldn’t be simpler:
- Order Your Free Gold Selling Pack: Receive everything you need, including clear instructions and a short valuation form to select your preferred payment method. We’ve partnered with Royal Mail for pre-paid, discreet, fully insured Special Delivery, ensuring your items travel safely. Simply drop your pack at the Post Office and keep your proof of postage.
- Professional Gold Valuation & Secure Storage: Upon arrival, your gold undergoes precise XRF testing to accurately measure its true gold content. Every item is meticulously valued regardless of hallmark, size, or condition, ensuring you receive an accurate offer. Whether you’re sending a few small rings or a mixed selection of jewellery, we use XRF analysis to test each item individually—so you’re paid for every single gram of gold you send. Unlike some local jewellers or gold buyers who offer rough estimates or visual checks, we treat each piece with the same expert care to maximise your payout. Your gold remains secure in our CCTV-monitored vault throughout.
- Immediate Payment Within 20 Minutes: A friendly member of our team will contact you with your valuation the same day your gold arrives. Once you accept, we process your payment within just 20 minutes—no admin delays, no waiting. As the UK’s fastest paying gold buyer, we make sure your money gets to you quickly and securely, because it’s yours, and you shouldn’t have to wait for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is 18ct gold?
18ct gold is currently worth £74.48 per gram based on today’s gold spot price. This reflects 75% of the 24ct gold value, as 18ct gold contains 75% pure gold. Remember, gold buyers typically pay slightly less than spot price to account for refining and overhead costs, while retailers charge more due to VAT, design, and branding premiums.
Is 18ct gold good?
Yes, 18ct gold is a high-quality gold alloy ideal for fine jewellery. Containing 75% pure gold, it offers a rich golden colour, excellent resistance to tarnish, and is less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to lower-carat gold. It’s also durable enough for daily wear but soft enough for detailed craftsmanship. It strikes a perfect balance between purity, beauty, and practicality, making it a popular choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and luxury watches.
What is 18ct gold vermeil?
18ct gold vermeil is sterling silver coated with a thick layer of 18ct gold. For jewellery to qualify as vermeil, UK standards generally require at least 2.5 microns of 18ct gold plating over 925 sterling silver. It offers the luxurious look of real gold at a lower price point. Unlike regular gold-plated items, vermeil lasts longer and is more skin-friendly, making it a preferred option for mid-range jewellery with better durability and visual appeal.
Is 18ct gold better than 9ct?
Yes, 18ct gold is generally better than 9ct gold in terms of purity, colour, and value. With double the gold content (75% vs 37.5%), 18ct gold has a richer hue, superior tarnish resistance, and higher intrinsic worth. It’s also more hypoallergenic. However, 9ct gold is harder and more affordable, making it practical for rugged wear. For sentimental or luxury pieces, 18ct is preferred; for budget-conscious or high-contact items, 9ct may be more suitable.
Is 18ct gold plated good?
18ct gold plated jewellery offers aesthetic appeal but limited durability. It involves applying a thin layer of 18ct gold over a base metal like brass or stainless steel. While it initially mimics the look of solid gold, the thin coating can wear off with regular use, revealing the cheaper core material. It’s affordable and ideal for fashion jewellery, but not suitable for long-term wear or resale value. Solid gold or vermeil are better alternatives for durability.
Is 18ct gold vermeil good?
Yes, 18ct gold vermeil is one of the best forms of gold-plated jewellery. It uses a sterling silver base and a thick 18ct gold coating, making it more durable and hypoallergenic than standard gold-plated pieces. Vermeil offers the appearance and feel of real gold at a lower price, with better longevity. While it’s not solid gold, it’s ideal for those wanting quality, luxury aesthetics, and affordability. Proper care extends its life, making it a worthwhile choice.
Is 18ct gold real?
Yes, 18ct gold is 100% real gold. It contains 75% pure gold blended with 25% alloy metals like copper or silver to enhance strength and durability. In the UK, it must be hallmarked “750” to certify its authenticity. Unlike plated or filled items, 18ct gold is solid throughout and holds high intrinsic value. It’s widely used in high-end jewellery for its rich colour, lasting quality, and hypoallergenic properties, making it a trusted investment in fine jewellery.
Is 9ct gold stronger than 18ct?
9ct gold is harder than 18ct gold but not always stronger. Its higher alloy content makes it more scratch-resistant, but also more brittle, meaning it can crack under stress. 18ct gold is softer due to higher gold content but more ductile, so it bends rather than breaks. For everyday wear, both are suitable, but 18ct is typically preferred for its beauty, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability in luxury jewellery.
What is the hallmark for 18ct gold?
The hallmark for 18ct gold in the UK is “750”, indicating the piece is 75% pure gold. It may be accompanied by additional symbols such as a crown (denoting gold), an Assay Office mark (e.g. a leopard’s head for London), and the maker’s mark. This hallmark guarantees the authenticity and fineness of the gold. By UK law, all gold items over 1 gram must be hallmarked, offering buyers confidence in purity and provenance.
Does 18ct gold scratch easily?
18ct gold can scratch more easily than lower-carat gold due to its higher pure gold content, which is a softer metal. However, it’s still durable enough for everyday wear and can be polished to restore its shine. Rings and bracelets, which endure more contact, are more prone to light surface scratches. Proper care, such as removing jewellery during manual tasks, helps maintain its appearance. Despite this, 18ct gold is valued for its balance of softness and strength.
How to calculate 18ct gold price?
To calculate the price of 18ct gold, multiply the current 24ct gold spot price by 0.75. This reflects the 75% gold purity found in 18ct gold. The result gives you the intrinsic value per gram.
What is the gold spot price?
The gold spot price refers to the current trading price for one troy ounce of pure 24ct gold, settled "on the spot" for immediate delivery in global markets. It represents the baseline value of raw gold before refining or fabrication and is used to price all gold items, regardless of purity. Today’s live gold spot price is £3,088.73 per troy ounce, which equals £99.31 per gram. This price fluctuates daily with global economic conditions.
What is a troy ounce?
A troy ounce is a unit of measurement used for precious metals like gold. One troy ounce equals 31.1035 grams and is heavier than a standard (avoirdupois) ounce, which equals 28.35 grams. All international gold pricing is quoted in troy ounces, including spot prices.
What's the difference between troy ounce and regular ounce?
The troy ounce (used for precious metals) weighs 31.1g, whereas a standard ounce (used in everyday weight) weighs 28.35g. This difference matters when valuing gold, as even small discrepancies affect price. Always ensure gold weights are quoted in troy ounces or grams for accuracy.
Is gold tax free in the UK?
Yes, certain types of gold are tax-free in the UK. Investment-grade gold bullion (bars or coins) is exempt from VAT and certain UK gold coins (like Sovereigns and Britannias) are CGT-exempt. However, jewellery is not CGT-exempt and VAT may be charged on new jewellery sales. Selling your gold privately typically doesn’t incur tax unless total annual gains exceed the CGT allowance.
What is 9ct gold?
9ct gold is an alloy containing 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% base metals such as copper and silver. It is the most common gold purity in UK jewellery due to its strength, affordability and practicality. Though less pure than higher-carat gold, it’s still real and widely hallmarked as “375”.
What is 14ct gold?
14ct gold is made of 58.5% pure gold and 41.5% alloy metals. It's hallmarked as “585” and offers a good balance between purity, durability and colour. Popular in the US and Europe, 14ct gold has a brighter finish than 9ct and holds more intrinsic value, while still being harder than 18ct or 24ct.
What is 18ct gold?
18ct gold is 75% pure gold, hallmarked as “750”. The remaining 25% is made up of other metals to improve durability. It has a rich, warm yellow tone and is often used in engagement rings and fine jewellery. It’s softer than 9ct or 14ct, but higher in value and purity.
What is 21ct gold?
21ct gold is 87.5% pure gold, hallmarked as “875”. It’s used in traditional jewellery in Asia and the Middle East but less common in the UK. It’s softer than 18ct gold but has a deeper yellow tone and higher intrinsic value, making it desirable for cultural and investment purposes.
What is 22ct gold?
22ct gold is 91.6% pure gold, hallmarked as “916”. It has a rich golden appearance and is typically used in high-value jewellery and some bullion coins. Because of its softness, it’s less suited for items like rings which undergo daily wear but remains popular for its purity and beauty.
What is 24ct gold?
24ct gold is 99.9% pure gold, hallmarked as “999”. It’s the highest possible gold purity and is used primarily in bullion bars and investment coins. Due to its softness, it’s not ideal for everyday jewellery, but it holds the most value by weight and is considered the purest form of gold.
What does 375 mean on gold?
“375” is a gold hallmark that indicates 9ct gold, or 37.5% pure gold content. It confirms that the jewellery meets the legal UK standard for 9ct and that it contains real, measurable gold content. It’s a common stamp found on British gold jewellery.
What does 585 mean on gold?
“585” is the hallmark for 14ct gold, meaning the piece contains 58.5% pure gold. It’s commonly used in jewellery across Europe and the US, striking a good balance between durability, affordability and gold value.
What does 750 mean on gold?
“750” refers to 18ct gold, which contains 75% pure gold and 25% alloy metals. This hallmark assures a high level of purity and makes it a popular choice for high-end jewellery, offering excellent colour and value.
What does 875 mean on gold?
“875” is the hallmark for 21ct gold, meaning the item contains 87.5% pure gold. This purity level is less common in the UK but frequently seen in Asian and Middle Eastern jewellery. It offers excellent intrinsic value and a vibrant yellow colour.
What does 916 mean on gold?
“916” marks 22ct gold, indicating the piece contains 91.6% pure gold. This high-purity gold is popular in traditional jewellery, especially in Indian, Chinese and Middle Eastern markets, and provides excellent resale value due to its high gold content.
What does 999 mean on gold?
“999” is the hallmark for 24ct gold, meaning it’s 99.9% pure with virtually no alloy metals. This is the standard used for investment-grade bullion and high-purity coins, offering maximum value per gram but low durability for everyday wear.
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