What Is Gold Melt Value?
Gold melt value is the intrinsic worth of the pure gold content in any item — what a refiner would pay for it based on weight and purity. Unlike silver, gold has a much higher per-gram value, making even small items worth significant amounts.
Understanding Gold Purity
Gold jewelry and items come in different purity levels:
- 24K Fine (99.9% pure) — Bullion bars, coins, investment gold — rarely used in jewelry (too soft)
- 22K (91.7% pure) — High-quality jewelry, especially in Middle Eastern and Indian gold
- 18K (75% pure) — Fine jewelry standard in US/EU — excellent balance of purity and durability
- 14K (58.3% pure) — Most common US gold jewelry — durable and affordable
- 10K (41.7% pure) — Budget jewelry, wedding rings — lowest acceptable standard for "gold" in US
Where to Look for Hallmarks
Find purity stamps on:
- Inside ring bands
- Behind necklace clasps
- Bottom of watch cases
- Brooches and pins (usually etched on back)
- Bracelets (often on the clasp or end link)
Common hallmarks: 999 (24K), 917 (22K), 750 (18K), 585 (14K), 417 (10K), or just "GOLD" / "10K" / "14K" etc.
Why Gold Sells Faster Than Silver
Gold has distinct advantages in the scrap market:
- Higher per-gram value = smaller minimum acceptable amounts
- More recognizable to buyers (jewelry, wedding rings, coins)
- Less expertise needed to verify authenticity
- Stable demand from refiners, jewelers, and collectors
How Much Will a Dealer Pay?
Dealers typically pay 80–95% of melt value depending on buyer type:
- Online refineries: 90–98% of melt (best option for larger amounts)
- Local jewelers: 75–85% of melt (convenient, immediate payment)
- Pawn shops: 50–70% of melt (avoid — worst rates)
- Coin dealers: 85–95% of melt (if coins have no numismatic premium)
Use this calculator to find your item's melt value, then get quotes from multiple buyers to ensure you receive a fair price.