How Much Is a Silver Chain Worth?
Silver chains vary widely in weight depending on length, thickness, and link style. Most silver chains are 925 sterling silver.
Typical Silver Chain Weights
- Delicate chain (16"): 5-10 grams
- Medium chain (18"): 15-25 grams
- Heavy chain (20-24"): 30-60 grams
- Cuban link chain: 40-100+ grams
Selling Silver Chains: What Affects the Price
Silver chains are one of the most commonly scrapped silver items. Their value depends almost entirely on weight and hallmark. A 925 sterling silver chain is worth: weight × 0.925 × (spot ÷ 31.1035). Dealers typically pay 85–95% of this melt value, with heavier chains (20 g+) commanding better percentages than lightweight 3–5 g fashion chains.
Chain style has almost no bearing on scrap value — a simple box chain and an elaborate figaro chain of the same weight and purity are worth the same to a refiner. One exception: chains set with gemstones or featuring non-silver components (gold-filled lobster clasps, copper beading) will have those portions deducted from the silver weight.
Identifying Real vs. Plated Silver Chains
- Hallmarks: Look for "925", "STERLING", "800", or "999" stamped on the clasp or a small tag near the clasp.
- Magnet test: Silver is not magnetic. If a chain clings to a magnet, it is base metal (possibly plated).
- Acid test: Jewelers use nitric acid solution to confirm silver content — a reliable test for unmarked pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions: Silver Chains
My chain turned my skin green — is it silver? Not necessarily. Real silver can sometimes cause green discoloration in people with specific sensitivities, but it is far more commonly caused by copper in the alloy or a copper base under silver plating. Have the piece acid-tested to confirm.
Can I sell a tangled or broken chain? Yes. Refiners and scrap buyers purchase broken chains by weight — the condition or functionality does not affect scrap value. Straighten the chain enough to get an accurate weight on a scale.
How are very thin chains assessed? Lightweight chains (under 2 grams) are still purchased by weight. Very light pieces are often grouped together and weighed as a batch by dealers.