The 21-carat gold price per gram today is £86.82. This high value reflects 21ct gold’s purity (87.5% gold content), meaning it trades at roughly 87.5% of the price of pure 24ct gold. For context, 24ct gold price per gram is currently £99.23, and one troy ounce of 24ct gold is £3,086.25 in the market – making a troy ounce of 21ct gold worth around 87.5% of that (£2,700.47).

21ct Gold Price Today

The 21ct gold price per gram is £86.82 based on the live gold price today. This reflects 21-carat gold’s purity of 87.5%, meaning it tracks closely to 87.5% of the 24ct spot price. The live 24ct gold price per gram is £99.23, and the troy ounce price of gold is £3,086.25. Because gold prices fluctuate daily, this live rate ensures an accurate valuation when buying or selling 21ct gold by weight.

Today's Live Gold Prices

Wondering what 21ct gold is worth right now? Our live gold price table below shows the live 21ct 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.

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 21ct gold sits in relation to other common gold finenesses.

How Much Is 21ct Gold Worth?

21ct gold is 87.5% pure, so its intrinsic worth is about 87.5% of the value of pure 24ct gold of the same weight. In simple terms, 21 carat gold’s metal value is calculated by taking the current pure gold (24k) price and multiplying by 0.875. For example, pure gold is £99.23 per gram, so a gram of 21ct gold contains 0.875g of pure gold and is worth roughly £99.23 x 0.875 = £86.82 in gold content.

However, the price you actually get or pay for 21ct gold can differ from this raw value. If you are selling 21ct gold (e.g. old jewellery or scrap), you typically won’t receive the full £86.82/g market value. Gold dealers will deduct a margin for refining, handling, and market risk. In fact, you will never receive the full live metal price for scrap gold from any dealer – they need to cover business costs and turn a profit. A reputable UK gold buyer might pay close to the intrinsic value (often a high percentage of the spot price), but always a bit less. Less scrupulous buyers might offer far less (sometimes only 40–60% of the metal’s true worth), so it pays to use established gold buyers. Unlike many high street buyers or other online services that pay significantly less, 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.

On the other hand, if you’re buying 21ct gold jewellery at retail, you will usually pay above the gold’s raw value. Jewellers add premiums for craftsmanship, design, branding, and VAT (in some cases). The market price of the gold is just one component; labour and overhead can significantly increase the price tag. It’s not unusual for finished gold jewellery to cost well above its weight in gold. In fact, experts note that any time you buy gold in smaller volumes or as jewellery, “you will have to pay a premium” over the base metal price. This premium covers the middleman’s costs, the jeweller’s skill and profit, and any additional materials (gemstones, etc.). In some cases, fine gold jewellery pieces (especially designer or intricate ones) might retail at 2-3 times the value of their gold content due to the added workmanship.

Bottom line: 21ct gold’s worth by weight is straightforward – about 87.5% of pure gold’s value. But sellers should expect slightly less than that figure when cashing in (due to buyers’ fees), and buyers should expect to pay more than that figure when purchasing jewellery (due to added costs for making and selling the piece). Knowing this helps set realistic expectations whether you are investing in 21ct gold or selling it.

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.

21ct Gold Hallmark

In the UK, 21ct gold is hallmarked with the number “875”. This 875 hallmark is the official stamp indicating that the item is 87.5% pure gold (21 parts gold out of 24). If you inspect a 21ct gold jewellery piece, you should find a tiny “875” mark inscribed on it – often alongside other assay symbols. UK hallmarking standards require gold items above a certain weight to be tested and marked by an Assay Office. The 875 mark is how you can confirm a piece is indeed 21 carat gold under these regulations.

Typically, a full UK hallmark will include a few elements: a maker’s (sponsor’s) mark, the millesimal fineness number (in this case 875), and the Assay Office symbol (like a leopard’s head for London, an anchor for Birmingham, etc.). The “875” fineness stamp is the numeric representation of 21ct purity in the millesimal system. So, when you see “875” on a gold ring, necklace or bangle, it’s a clear assurance you’re dealing with 21-carat gold. This helps buyers and sellers quickly identify the gold quality. Keep in mind that outside the UK you might simply see “21K” or “21kt” engraved, but the UK (and much of Europe) use the number system. An 875 hallmark on your jewellery means you can be confident it’s 21ct gold – nearly 90% pure gold by content.

One thing to note is that 21ct gold items are relatively uncommon in Britain. You’re more likely to encounter 9ct, 14ct, 18ct or 22ct hallmarked pieces. So if you do find “875” on a piece, it might be an import or a special-order item. Thanks to global trading and online marketplaces, 21ct jewellery is becoming more available in the UK, but it’s still a bit of a rarity. Always look for the hallmark (and if in doubt, have the piece tested) to ensure you know the exact carat of gold you have.

Examples of official 21k gold hallmarks: This image illustrates how 21ct (21k) gold is legally hallmarked in the UK and internationally. The ‘875’ stamp confirms the gold purity as 87.5%, while accompanying symbols identify the maker, assay office, and additional certification marks. Recognising these ensures you’re buying or selling genuine 21ct gold.

What Is 21ct Gold?

21-carat gold is a high-purity gold alloy – it consists of 21 parts pure gold out of 24, which is 87.5% gold content by mass. In the millesimal fineness scale, 21ct is denoted as 875, meaning 875 ‰ (parts per thousand) of the metal is gold. The remaining 12.5% is made up of other metals (alloys) added to the gold. This composition gives 21ct gold some characteristics distinct from both pure gold and lower-carat gold:

1. Purity & Value: With 87.5% gold, 21ct is among the purest forms of gold used in jewellery. Only 22ct (91.6%) and 24ct (99.9%) are higher in purity. This means 21ct gold items have a high intrinsic value – more gold per gram than 18ct or 14ct pieces. They are often considered investment-grade jewellery in some cultures, as the high gold content means the piece retains significant value.
2. Appearance: 21ct gold has a rich, lustrous yellow colour that is closer to pure gold than 18ct gold is. Because of the high gold content, the colour only varies slightly based on the alloy mix. In its typical form (21ct yellow gold), it exhibits a deep yellow hue that many find attractive for traditional jewellery. It’s a touch less orangey than 22ct (since there’s slightly more alloy), but much richer in colour than 14ct or 9ct gold. If the alloy has more copper, the tone of 21ct gold can lean warmer (a faint reddish tint); if there is more silver or palladium, it might appear a bit lighter or “paler” yellow. However, overall 21ct remains very much golden – the alloys don’t drastically change its colour since gold dominates the mix.
3. Durability: Pure 24ct gold is extremely soft, so adding alloy metals makes gold harder. At 21ct, the gold is still quite soft and malleable compared to lower carats. It’s softer than 18ct gold (which has more alloy). This means 21ct jewellery can get scratched or bent more easily if knocked around. It’s often said that 21ct gold is not ideal for everyday wear on hands (like a daily ring) because it may wear down or deform over time. That said, it’s a bit more durable than pure 24ct gold – the 12.5% alloy does impart some strength. Many 21ct pieces are intended for occasional or ceremonial use (for example, wedding jewellery that isn’t worn 24/7). If you do wear 21ct gold regularly, you’d want to treat it with care to avoid scuffs. In contrast, 18ct or 14ct gold (with more alloy metal) can better withstand daily wear and tear, but they sacrifice some purity for that hardness.
4. Tarnishing & Corrosion: One advantage of 21ct’s high gold content is that it resists tarnish and corrosion very well. Pure gold does not tarnish or rust at all; it’s the other metals (like copper, silver, zinc) that can oxidise. Since 21ct has only a small fraction of base metals, it rarely dulls or discolours. Lower carat gold (like 9ct, which is only 37.5% gold) can tarnish over time because of the high percentage of copper/silver in the alloy. By contrast, 21ct gold jewellery tends to maintain its shine with minimal tarnish, requiring just the occasional gentle polish to gleam like new. It’s also largely resistant to sweat or water causing any significant corrosion (though it’s always wise to rinse chemicals or chlorine off any karat of gold).
5. Value & Use: Given its purity, 21ct gold commands a high price per gram (as detailed above). It straddles a middle ground between common jewellery gold and pure gold. In the UK and much of the West, 21ct is not very common – most jewellery here is 9ct, 14ct, 18ct, or in higher-end traditional pieces, 22ct. However, 21ct is popular in other parts of the world. It is notably used in Middle Eastern and South Asian jewellery. Many Arabic countries have 21k jewellery as a standard; you’ll find elaborate bridal sets and heirloom pieces in 21ct gold in those markets. In India, 22ct is more prevalent, but 21ct is also used for certain fine jewellery that balances purity with a bit more strength. Essentially, 21ct offers a lot of the prestige of very pure gold (deep colour, high value) while being slightly more practical for making wearable items than 24ct. It’s often chosen for investment-grade jewellery or special occasion gifts – pieces that are cherished for their gold value yet still meant to be worn for display on important days.

In summary, 21ct gold is a high-purity gold alloy (87.5% gold) that boasts a gorgeous colour and high value. It’s somewhat softer and more expensive than 18ct, but more durable than pure 24ct. 21ct gold jewellery tends to be coveted for its purity in cultures where gold is both adornment and savings. If you own a 21ct item, you have something quite special – it’s almost pure gold, with just enough alloy to shape it into a lasting piece of jewellery.

What Is 21ct Gold Made Of?

21ct gold is made of 21 parts gold and 3 parts other metals. In percentage terms, it’s about 87.5% gold and 12.5% alloy. The alloying metals can vary, but commonly include copper, silver, and sometimes nickel or zinc. These metals are mixed with pure gold to create a 21-carat alloy that is harder (and often a bit less expensive) than 24ct gold, while still retaining the vast majority of gold in the mix.

1. Gold (87.5%): This is the primary component, giving 21ct gold its high value and yellow colour.
2. Other Metals (12.5%): Jewellers add one or more metals such as copper, silver, zinc, nickel, or palladium to make up the remaining portion. The choice of alloy affects the gold’s hue and hardness. For yellow 21ct gold, usually a combination of copper and silver is used (for example, an alloy mix might be around 8% silver and 4.5% copper, approximately, to total 12.5%). Copper tends to impart a warmer, reddish tint, while silver gives a lighter yellow tint. The balance is chosen to keep the colour a rich yellow while improving hardness slightly.

In practice, 21ct yellow gold alloys are formulated to preserve that classic gold appearance. Because the gold percentage is so high, a 21ct yellow gold piece will always look yellow – the 12.5% of additives can only slightly tweak the shade. If more copper is in the mix, the gold might have a subtle rose or orange cast; if more silver (or palladium) is used, the gold might be a tad paler. But unlike lower carats, you won’t see dramatic colour differences – 21ct remains unmistakably gold in look.

It’s also possible to have 21ct white gold or 21ct rose gold, though these are less common. White gold at 21k fineness would be created by alloying gold with white metals (like palladium or nickel) in that 12.5% portion, plus usually a rhodium plating to enhance whiteness. However, due to the high gold content, 21ct white gold may still show a faint yellow hue through the plating over time. Similarly, a 21ct rose gold could be made with a larger copper proportion for a stronger pink tone, but 21ct rose gold is rare because the market that uses 21ct (Middle East/Asia) typically prefers yellow gold.

To sum up, 21ct gold is made of pure gold mixed with a small percentage of other metals to form an alloy that is 87.5% gold. The exact recipe can vary, but it’s usually gold + copper + silver in some ratio for yellow gold. This alloying is what makes the gold sturdy enough for jewellery, since 24ct on its own would be too soft. Importantly, the “875” stamp on 21ct jewellery assures you that no matter the alloy mix, the gold content is the same – 87.5% pure gold in that piece.

Looking To Sell 21ct Gold?: Here's What You Need To Know

If you’re considering selling 21ct 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 21ct gold? It couldn’t be simpler:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

Interested in selling gold with the UK’s highest paying gold buyer? Visit our Sell Gold page to get a competitive valuation – we provide fully insured postage and fast payment.

For more insights and the latest gold price today, keep an eye on our live charts and blog updates.