How To Sell Gold In The UK

Selling gold in the UK can be simple and rewarding when you choose the right method. You’ve got a few options: visiting a local jeweller or pawn shop, trying a high street “cash for gold” buyer, or using an online gold buying service. In most cases, the quickest and most profitable route is going online. Selling from home is not only convenient, but often comes with better payouts than you’d find on the high street. That’s why we’ve made it easy — with free insured postage packs, competitive prices, and a process designed to give you the best possible return. In this guide, we’ll explain how to sell your gold, what to know about coins and jewellery, where to get the best price, and answer the questions UK sellers ask most.

How To Sell Gold In The UK

There are several avenues for selling gold in the UK, each with its own advantages. Let’s explore your options – and why more and more people are turning to trusted online gold buyers like us as their preferred route:

Local Jewellers & Pawn Shops: These are the traditional options. You can walk into a local jewellery store or pawn shop and sell your gold items on the spot. The upside is you get immediate cash and a face-to-face transaction. However, convenience comes at a cost: high street buyers often pay significantly less for your gold. In fact, typical high street jewellers or pawn shops might offer only 70–85% of the gold’s market value. They need to cover store overheads and leave room for profit, so the price per gram you receive is often much lower than your gold is actually worth. If you’ve only got a small amount of gold or need quick cash, this might work – just be aware you’re unlikely to get the best return.

High Street “Cash for Gold” Buyers: These are the dedicated gold-buying kiosks or shops you’ll find in town centres, usually with signs like “We buy gold” or “Cash for your unwanted jewellery.” They work much like pawn shops: they weigh your gold, give you a quick valuation, and offer cash on the spot. Some are reputable, but others are known for lowball offers or high-pressure tactics. Just like with jewellers, the payouts tend to be on the lower end. It’s not unusual for these shops to quote well below the live gold price – keep in mind they often resell the gold to refiners at a profit. If you do consider this route, it’s always worth getting a quote, but don’t feel pressured to accept straight away. You’re free to walk away and compare.

Online Gold Buyers: Selling gold online has become increasingly popular – and for good reason. With us, you’ll typically get a better price, more transparency, and a far more convenient process, all from the comfort of your home. Here’s how it works: you request a free gold selling pack through our website, we send you a pre-paid, fully insured envelope (via Royal Mail), and you send us your gold – fully tracked. As soon as it arrives with us the next day, we accurately test your items using XRF analysis and get in touch with our valuation. If you accept, payment is usually made immediately. Meaning you can have cash for your gold within just a day of sending off your pre-paid envelope. If you decline, we can arrange for the return of your items. Because we operate solely online and operate with lower overheads, we’re able to offer payouts closer to the gold’s market value – often far better than what you’d get locally or with other gold buyers.

We use our Live Price Checker™ to scan competitor gold prices across the UK twice a day—right when the global gold price (LBMA) is fixed—so we can guarantee the highest payout possible. This means you don’t need to waste time comparing rates elsewhere; we’ve already done the work for you. And with our 7-Day Gold Price Lock, your rate is secured from the moment you post your pack. If the market price drops while your items are in transit, you’re protected and we honour the higher gold price. If the gold price goes up after you send your items, we base our valuation on this higher price so you simply cannot lose. When your gold arrives, it’s carefully sorted under 24/7 CCTV surveillance in our secure facility, where every item is logged and stored safely. Since we also refine gold in-house, there’s no middleman—so more of the gold’s value comes straight back to you.

Why Online Gold Buyers Are Superior: We believe online gold buying offers the best combination of price, security, and service. Unlike high street buyers with limited pricing flexibility, we update our prices in real time and, as a family business, operate under strict customer service standards — because ultimately, our customers are the reason we’re in business. Trusted online buyers like us are built on transparency, trust, and thousands of verified reviews from happy customers. With features like insured free postage, real-time price tracking, fast electronic payments, and a no-pressure returns guarantee, the process is built around your peace of mind. Always take a moment to read reviews and compare prices – but in most cases, you’ll find the best deal online.

Today's Live Gold Prices

Below are today’s live UK spot prices, giving you a snapshot of just how high the market has climbed. Use them to gauge the real-time value of any scrap jewellery you’re thinking of selling—or to sense-check whether buying now still makes sense at these elevated levels.

Live Gold Price Per Gram

Gold price last updated: Wednesday, 21st October 2026, 14:15

Gold Price Per Troy Ounce: £3,088.73

To put this in context, the 24 ct figure is more than double its 2020 level—underscoring why so many owners are cashing in old chains and bangles right now. Remember, these numbers fluctuate minute-by-minute with global trading, so lock in a quote quickly if you’re looking to sell or hedge at today’s record highs.

Selling Gold Sovereigns? – Here’s 5 Things You Should Know

If you have gold Sovereign coins to sell, you’re in luck – Sovereigns are one of the most seller-friendly gold items in the UK. But there are some special considerations with coins. Here are five key things to know before you sell your Sovereigns:

1. They’re Capital Gains Tax Free: One big benefit of UK gold Sovereigns is that any profits from selling them are exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). This is because Sovereigns (minted after 1837) are legal tender in the UK, so they’re not subject to CGT as “chargeable assets”. In practical terms, if you bought a Sovereign years ago and it’s gone up in value (thanks to the rising gold price or collector demand), you won’t owe any tax on the profit when you sell Sovereign coins. This tax advantage also applies to Britannia gold coins, since they’re UK legal tender too. It’s a nice perk that other forms of gold (like gold bars or foreign coins) don’t necessarily have. So, selling Sovereigns can be more profitable on an after-tax basis, especially for larger collections.
2. Purity & Gold Content: Gold Sovereign coins are 22 carat coins, meaning the gold is 91.67% pure (the rest is usually copper or other alloy for hardness). A full Sovereign coin weighs about 7.98 grams in total, which contains approximately 7.32 grams of pure gold (that’s 0.2354 troy ounces of pure gold). A half Sovereign coin, as the name implies, is half the weight (around 3.99g, with ~3.66g of pure gold). This is useful to know because the base value of any Sovereign coin is determined by its gold content. For example, the live gold price is currently £99.31 per gram of pure gold, the pure gold content in one full Sovereign coin is 7.32g x £99.31 = £726.91 worth of gold. Dealers and buyers will usually quote slightly above or below that figure depending on market demand for Sovereigns. Often, gold Sovereigns coins carry a small premium over the raw gold value because they are popular and easily tradable. Knowing the purity and weight helps you estimate a fair price and also assures you that all full Sovereigns have roughly the same gold content (unless significantly worn – more on that shortly), so two common-date Sovereigns coins are worth the same in gold terms.
3. Collector Value vs. Bullion Value: Not all Sovereigns are equal in the eyes of collectors. Some Sovereign coins can be worth significantly more than their gold content due to numismatic (collector) value. Factors that can make a Sovereign more valuable include: its rarity (certain years or mint marks had low mintage, like the 1819 Sovereign, or special editions), its historical significance or design (e.g. Sovereign coins from the reign of a particular monarch or with a one-year design change), and condition (an uncirculated or proof Sovereign coin in pristine condition can command a hefty premium from collectors). For example, an 1817 Sovereign coin (the first modern Sovereign year) or a 1937 Edward VIII proof Sovereign coin can be worth many times the bullion value because collectors covet them. Before you sell Sovereign coins, it’s worth doing a bit of research on its year and mint mark. If it’s a common date (like many from the 1960s or 1970s), you’ll likely get just the bullion value. But if it’s a rarer one, you might want to get a professional coin dealer’s opinion. Don’t inadvertently sell a £1,000 coin for £500 of gold! That said, the vast majority of Sovereign coins traded daily are common dates sold for their gold content. A quick check: if a coin is selling for well above the gold price (say, more than 10-20% over), it likely has collector value. You can check recent auction results or ask a coin shop for an appraisal if you suspect you have a special one.
4. Condition Matters (Somewhat): The condition of a Sovereign matters primarily if the coin has collector value. If you have a proof or uncirculated coin in a capsule, keep it that way – pristine coins can fetch more from collectors. However, for an ordinary bullion Sovereign, light wear and tear won’t significantly dent its value, because buyers are mostly paying for the gold content. Even heavily circulated Sovereign coins usually still have the vast majority of their gold weight (a very worn Victorian sovereign might weigh around 7.95g instead of 7.98g, so only a tiny gold loss). That minimal difference won’t affect a melt-value offer much. So, if your Sovereign coins are a bit scratched or tarnished from being in jewellery, don’t worry – gold is gold. One tip: do not clean old coins in an attempt to improve their appearance; cleaning can actually reduce collector value by causing scratches or removing the original patina. If a coin is just bullion to you, cleaning isn’t necessary either, as it will go straight to melting if sold for scrap gold. Buyers will test and weigh it regardless of shine.
5. Selling Options for Sovereigns: Because Sovereign coins are so popular, you’ve got several solid options when it comes to selling. You can sell Sovereign coins just like you would sell gold jewellery — and we pay based on gold weight, often at a higher rate since Sovereigns are easy for us to resell. If you think your Sovereign coin might have extra collector value, it’s worth considering a specialist coin dealer or an auction. A reputable gold dealer might pay a bit above the gold price for key dates they can sell on to collectors. Auction houses can sometimes fetch even higher prices for rare coins, although they’ll usually take a cut in fees. For most standard Sovereign coins, though, the fastest and best-paying route is through us or a trusted bullion dealer — especially since gold Sovereign coins often carry a slight premium thanks to investor demand. If you’re comparing options, check what bullion dealers are offering online and see how that stacks up against our offer. The good news is that Sovereign coins are universally recognised, so they’re incredibly easy to sell almost anywhere.

Selling Gold Jewellery? – Here’s 5 Things You Should Know

Gold jewellery is perhaps the most common thing people sell when they need to declutter or raise funds. Whether it’s old rings, a broken necklace, or out-of-fashion pieces, here are five crucial insights about selling gold jewellery in the UK:

• It’s Priced by Gold Content, Not Retail Value: When you sell gold jewellery, we’re interested in the gold itself. The honest truth is that the original price you paid, any sentimental value, or the craftsmanship typically doesn’t affect the resale value. We buy jewellery as “scrap gold,” based on its purity (carat) and weight. For example, if you’ve got 10 grams of 18-carat gold, that means you’re holding 7.5 grams of pure gold (since 18ct is 75% pure). We’ll multiply the pure gold weight by the live gold price per gram to calculate the value, and then offer you a competitive valuation based on that. This means that a plain 18ct wedding band and a designer 18ct bracelet of the same weight hold roughly the same value when sold for scrap, even though one may have cost far more when you bought it originally in a local jeweller’s shop. There are of course exceptions to this with some gold buyers: if your jewellery has antique value or comes from a sought-after designer (like a Cartier or Art Deco piece), a collector or specialist may offer more than the melt value. But generally speaking, we price based on gold content. So if you originally paid a lot, don’t be surprised if the resale is lower – you’re reclaiming the metal value, not the artistry.
• Hallmarks Tell the Story (and We Test Purity): In the UK, hallmarking laws are strict – any gold jewellery over 1 gram must be stamped with its purity by an assay office. So check your jewellery for small marks or numbers. “375” is 9ct, “585” is 14ct, “750” is 18ct, and “916” is 22ct. These marks help confirm the karat of your gold. If your item doesn’t have a visible hallmark – maybe it’s very old or foreign – don’t worry. We still buy it and will carry out a purity test. We use high-precision XRF (X-ray fluorescence) machines to accurately determine the gold content without damaging your jewellery. This kind of testing gives us a reliable composition breakdown in seconds. If needed, we may also use a traditional acid test for older items. So even without a hallmark, your item is still sellable – it just takes a few extra seconds to test. Hallmarks simply make the process faster. And just so you know: 24ct is pure gold (mainly seen in bars or some coins), 22ct is very high (often found in Asian jewellery), while 18ct, 14ct, and 9ct are the most common for UK jewellery. The higher the carat, the more gold content per gram – and the more we can pay you for your gold. For a simple overview of gold hallmarks, check out our easy-to-understand article on how to identify gold hallmarks to help identify the purity of your gold and find out exactly what gold hallmarks mean.

• Gemstones May Be Included in the Price: If you’re sending in jewellery with diamonds or other gemstones, don’t worry – we assess everything thoroughly. When our valuers identify a significant gemstone with intrinsic value, we include it in your overall offer. That means high-quality diamonds, sapphires, or other precious stones will be individually assessed based on their quality and market value, and the amount offered will reflect both the gold and the gemstone. You’ll receive a clear breakdown of the valuation so you know exactly how your offer was calculated. If a gem doesn’t hold resale value for us – like small accent stones or low-grade pieces – we’ll simply remove and return them to you at no cost, or recycle them responsibly if you prefer. Your gold is always weighed separately, so you’re never penalised for settings or non-gold materials. Whether your piece is plain gold or features gemstones, you can trust that every component is assessed fairly and with complete transparency.
• Shop Around and Use Price Tools: The gold market is competitive – and we recommend you use that to your advantage. Don’t accept the first offer you receive. It’s well known that prices can vary significantly. One place might offer £100, another £150, for the same item. Why? Some buyers take bigger margins, and others don’t update their prices in line with the live gold market. It’s smart to get multiple quotes. You can compare rates online, and many websites (including ours) publish the live gold price per gram. Use a calculator to enter the weight and carat – that’ll give you a rough estimate. Remember, no buyer pays 100% of the melt value – there’s always a small margin to factor in storage, testing and refining costs. If someone is only offering 50%, that’s a red flag. And if a buyer is shouting “we pay 110% of the spot price,” that’s probably too good to be true. The market doesn’t work that way. One of the tools we’re proud of is our Live Price Checker™, which scans competitors’ rates across the UK twice daily to ensure our payouts are always the highest available. That kind of transparency gives you confidence that you’re getting the best deal – without needing to waste time comparing quotes. So, know what your item is worth, and don’t settle for less.
• Choose a Trustworthy Buyer (Safety First): When you’re sending off valuable items, it’s important to choose someone you can trust. Unfortunately, there have been cases in the past of less reputable gold buyers taking advantage – especially during times when gold prices spike. To protect yourself, do a little due diligence: check reviews on Trustpilot or Google, see how long the company has been around, and make sure they offer clear, honest communication. We’ve built our business on transparency, great service, and strong customer feedback. If you’re selling by post, it’s essential that the service includes fully insured postage and a clear guarantee to return your gold if you decide not to sell. Trust your instincts: if communication feels off or a buyer pressures you, walk away. You’re always in control, and there are honest, reliable buyers out there ready to treat your gold – and you – with the respect you deserve.

Best Place To Sell Gold In The UK

After considering all the methods and tips, you might be wondering: Where will I get the best price for gold in the UK? The best place to sell gold is usually with a specialist gold buyer – particularly an online one with a strong reputation. Here’s why:

• Higher Payouts: As mentioned, online and specialist gold buyers typically offer the most competitive prices. While a high street outlet might give you 60–70% of your gold’s value, a reputable online buyer can often pay a lot more. In fact, gold buyers who refine gold in-house can pay very close to market value – especially for larger quantities or higher-purity items. That means more cash for your gold. Published comparisons of buyer types consistently show that online dealers and specialist gold buyers like us tend to beat high street jewellers on price and service.
• Convenience & Coverage: The best place to sell is also one that’s convenient. As an online gold buyer, we cover the entire UK – whether you’re in London, Glasgow, or a remote village, you’ll have access to the same high-paying service through post. You don’t need to travel or search for local jewellers or local gold buyers and then visit them in person to price-compare, our Live Price Checker™ does that for you. With fully insured, pre-paid Royal Mail Special Delivery, your nearest post office becomes your gold selling point. It’s easy, secure, and ideal if you prefer the idea of selling gold from home.
• What Sets Us Apart: To give you a real-world example, we’re known for offering some of the highest payouts in the UK. In an independent test comparing various gold buyers, we came out on top with the best price offered. That’s largely because we don’t operate as a middleman – we refine gold ourselves and work directly within the trade. That means there’s no third party taking a cut, and we pass those savings directly to you. We’ve also been praised for speed, communication, and transparency at every step, our website clearly outlines our process, and in many cases, we’ve been able to pay customers within minutes of their valuation being accepted in order to hold up our reputation as the UK’s fastest paying online gold buyer too.
• Avoiding the Worst Places: On the flip side, the worst place to sell gold is somewhere untrustworthy or that consistently pays far below market value. Mall kiosks or obscure cash-for-gold schemes with no proven track record can be risky – some don’t return items or make it hard to reject an offer. Pawn shops are safe in the sense that you get cash, but they rarely pay fairly if you’re not planning to buy your item back. And while high street gold buyers may seem convenient, their offers are often lower due to overheads and tight margins.
• In Summary: If your goal is to maximise the return on your gold, a trusted online buyer – like us – is often your best bet. We refine gold ourselves, compare competitor rates daily, and are fully transparent from start to finish. Do a little research, check live prices per gram, read some reviews, and you’ll see why more and more people across the UK choose us when it’s time to sell gold. Gold selling is all about trust and fair value – and that’s exactly what we’re built to deliver.

Is It Safe To Sell Gold Online?

Understandably, sending off valuables in the post and waiting for payment can feel a bit uneasy. The good news is that yes, it can be very safe to sell gold online — as long as you use a reputable buyer and follow the recommended process. Here’s why online gold selling is secure, and how we ensure everything goes smoothly from start to finish:

• Secure, Insured Transport: We send you a pre-paid, fully insured envelope via Royal Mail Special Delivery, which is a next-day tracked service that requires a signature and automatically covers up to £2,500 (additional cover can be arranged if needed). That means if something were to happen to your package — however rare — you’re protected. We also use discreet packaging for security, so there’s nothing on the outside to indicate valuables inside. Thousands of people safely send gold by post every week in the UK using this same system — including banks and jewellers. If you’re sending a large quantity, we may recommend splitting it into multiple insured packages (e.g. two packages at £2,500 each for £5,000 total cover), or we can arrange a specialist courier for higher-value items.
• Reputable Buyers & Transparency: Your safety also comes down to who you’re selling to. As a well-established and trusted gold buyer, we’re proud to be transparent about our process, pricing, and service. We clearly explain how it all works, and we’re always here to answer questions — by phone, email, or live chat. You’ll find our company details listed clearly, and our thousands of reviews speak for themselves. Always check customer experiences before choosing any gold buyer. We’ve built our business on trust, transparency, and speed — and it’s why people come back to us time and again.
• Tracking and Communication: Once you post your gold, you’re kept in the loop. You’ll get tracking info, plus email or SMS updates at key stages — like when we receive your gold, when we’re testing it, and of course, when we reach out with our valuation. If you ever want to check in, just give us a call or message. Everything is documented and trackable, giving you peace of mind every step of the way.
• Price Lock Guarantees: One common worry is: “What if the gold price drops while my package is in transit?” That’s exactly why we offer our 7-Day Gold Price Lock. As soon as you post your gold, your price is locked for a full week — so even if the gold price drops, we’ll base your valuation on the highest rate. And if prices go up while your items are in transit? We honour the higher gold price. It’s a win-win that removes the stress of price volatility and ensures you get a fair, reliable payout when you sell gold online with us.
• Fast Payments and No Obligation: We pay by secure Faster Payments bank transfer, which usually lands in your account the same day you accept the offer. Though we also offer PayPal payments, or a cheque or cash in the post. Faster Payments bank transfers are much safer than receiving your cash in the post, and there’s a full electronic trail for your records. You also have no obligation to sell. If you’re not happy with our valuation, just say so — we can arrange for the return of your items, no questions asked. That’s our commitment to fair service.
• Scam Warning Signs: To stay safe, avoid red flags. If a buyer doesn’t offer insured postage, lacks reviews, is not registered as a business or gives you a very low valuation with no explanation, that’s a concern. We evaluate gold based on weight and purity, and our pricing is clearly benchmarked against competitors — so there are no surprises. Likewise, if a buyer makes exaggerated claims like paying “110% of the gold price,” tread carefully. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to established, well-reviewed companies — it’s the safest route.
• Final Thoughts: Selling gold online is very safe when you use the right service. With insured postage, transparent pricing, fast payments, and no pressure, we’ve made the process simple and secure from start to finish. It might feel odd the first time — “I’m mailing gold?” — but once you’ve done it, you’ll see how efficient and well-run the system really is.

Still unsure? Start with a single item and test it out. But chances are, once you do, you’ll see why thousands of people across the UK trust us as the best place to sell gold online.

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.