Understanding the Type of Gold You Own
Hallmarks and Purity Indicators
Every piece of gold you own has a story, and that story usually starts with a stamp. That stamp is called a hallmark, and it tells you how pure the gold is. It might say 375, 585, 750 or 916. These aren’t just numbers—they match up to purity levels. For example, 750 means 18-carat gold, which is 75% pure. If you see 375, that’s 9-carat. Knowing this is important. It’s the first thing anyone will check when you try to sell.
You might find these marks on the inside of a ring, on the clasp of a chain, or on the back of a pendant. If you’re struggling to read them, a simple magnifying glass from your local shop usually does the trick. But sometimes, if the item is old or worn, the mark might have faded. In that case, it helps to know how it feels in your hand. Real gold is heavier than fake stuff. It doesn’t rust. And it doesn’t change colour over time.
This part matters because if you don’t know what you’ve got, you don’t know what you’re worth. No one wants to walk into a sale with questions still hanging. Sorting this out upfront puts you in control.
Common Karat Values and What They Mean
There’s a difference between 9-carat, 14-carat, 18-carat and 24-carat. It’s not just about price—it’s about content. 24-carat is pure. You don’t see that much in jewellery, though. It’s soft. Most rings and chains you’ll sell are 9 to 18-carat. That means there’s a mix of other metals in there, like copper or silver, to make it stronger.
Each type has its place. 9-carat is durable, more common in everyday pieces. 18-carat is closer to pure, often used for high-end jewellery or older heirlooms. The more pure the gold, the higher the value—but also the more sensitive it is to scratches or damage. That affects what you get paid.
So if someone asks what you’re bringing in, don’t just say “a gold chain.” Be clear. Say it’s a 9-carat chain weighing 10 grams. Now you sound like someone who knows the trade.
Gold-Plated vs Solid Gold: Knowing the Difference
Here’s where many people get caught out. Gold plating means there’s a very thin layer of gold over a different metal—usually copper or steel. It looks like gold. It feels like gold. But it isn’t worth the same. Plated items don’t carry the same resale value because when they’re melted down, there’s almost no gold left.
If your piece is magnetic, it’s probably not solid gold. Solid gold doesn’t stick to a magnet. Another clue is the wear. If you see silver or greenish metal showing through the edges, that’s base metal underneath.
Don’t be shy to check this before trying to sell. You save yourself time, and you avoid walking into a valuation that turns awkward quickly.
Weighing and Sorting Your Gold at Home
How Weight Affects Price
When gold is sold, price is mostly based on weight. More grams equals more money. It’s that simple. But the weight has to match the purity. Ten grams of 9-carat gold is not worth the same as ten grams of 18-carat. That’s why you need to know both—weight and karat—before you even start getting quotes.
If you have a kitchen scale that weighs in grams, you can get a rough idea. It won’t be perfect, but it gives you something to work from. Most buyers will weigh it again anyway, but at least you’re not going in blind.
Every gram counts. Literally. And even the smallest item—like a broken clasp—adds up.
Why You Should Separate by Purity
Don’t lump everything into one pile. If you mix 9-carat rings with 18-carat earrings, the average gets messy. You might end up getting paid a lower rate across all of it. That’s because buyers often price based on the lowest purity when items are mixed.
Sort by karat. Put all your 9-carat pieces in one bag, your 18-carat in another. Even better if you write the weights down on a note and clip it to each group. That shows you’ve done your homework. People respect that.
And if you’re unsure what karat something is, keep it separate. Let the buyer test it on its own. Don’t let unknowns drag the value down for the rest.
Keeping Broken Chains and Odd Earrings
Don’t throw away that single earring. Or that chain with a missing link. Gold is gold. Broken doesn’t mean worthless. It still weighs something. It still has value. And in some cases, especially with vintage pieces, even damaged items might be worth more to certain buyers.
So collect everything. Even those little offcuts at the bottom of the drawer. They might not look like much, but when they’re grouped together, the numbers can surprise you.
Cleaning Gold Without Damaging It
What to Avoid Before Selling
Don’t polish gold with harsh chemicals. Don’t use toothpaste. Don’t scrub it with a brush. These things scratch, dull or damage the surface. That reduces value. And if there are any stones involved—especially soft ones like opal or pearl—you could ruin them without knowing.
People often think cleaning will increase what they get. Sometimes it does. But if you do it wrong, it goes the other way. And once the damage is done, there’s no fixing it.
If you’re unsure, rather leave the cleaning to the buyer. They’ll clean it in a way that matches how they value it.
Simple Ways to Wipe Off Dirt or Grime
If you still want to tidy it up a bit, use warm water, mild dish soap and a soft cloth. Soak the gold for a few minutes, then gently rub. Rinse and dry with a soft towel. That’s it. No brushes. No bleach. No boiling water.
This method is safe, even for old items. It lifts grease and dust without stripping off finishes. Just don’t expect miracles. The goal here is not to make it shine like new. The goal is to remove surface grime without causing harm.
When Cleaning Might Lower the Value
If you’re selling a vintage or antique piece, don’t clean it. Patina—that aged look—can actually be worth more. Some collectors prefer it that way. Shining it up removes that appeal and makes it look common.
If you’re not sure whether something is old or just dirty, keep it as is. Let the buyer decide. Cleaning gold can’t add more gold to the piece. But it can take value away if done wrong.
Taking Photos or Listing What You Have
Why Having a List Can Help
Make a basic list of your gold. Nothing fancy. Just write down what you’ve got, the karat if you know it, and a rough weight. For example: 9-carat ring, 3g. Broken 18-carat chain, 7g. That’s enough.
Having this list means you don’t forget anything. You can track what you came in with, and compare it to what the buyer writes down. It gives you control.
It also helps when getting quotes. You can phone or email someone and ask what they’re paying for 9-carat vs 18-carat without having to describe every item.
What Photos Show That Descriptions Don’t
Take photos. Flat surface. Good light. One photo per item, or per group. Photos help if you need to send the info to someone, but they’re also good for your records. If anything goes wrong, you’ve got proof of what you had.
Photos also remind you what each item looked like. Especially if you’re selling heirlooms or mixed items. Once it’s sold, it’s gone. So having a visual record keeps things clear.
How Notes Help Avoid Mistakes During Selling
Write notes for yourself. Anything unusual about the piece? Is it stamped but looks odd? Did it come from a relative with a story? These notes help when you’re comparing offers or deciding whether to sell something as scrap or not.
People forget the small things in the moment. Having it written down keeps you from second-guessing.
Knowing What Gold Is Selling For Right Now
How Spot Price Works
Spot price is what gold is trading for on global markets. It changes all the time—minute to minute, day to day. You don’t get paid the full spot price when you sell. No one does. But knowing what it is helps you understand the baseline.
Check the price before you go. Not a week before. The same day. That way, when someone offers you a per-gram rate, you can compare it to the spot value. You’ll know whether the offer is fair or not.
Why Market Trends Matter
If gold has been climbing for weeks, you might want to wait a little longer. If it’s dropping, that might be the time to move. Some people watch trends closely. Others just want to sell and be done. Either way, the trend affects the offer you get.
A buyer might hedge a bit if prices are swinging fast. They might give you a slightly lower rate to protect themselves. That’s normal. But big changes can also mean better payouts—if you time it right.
Difference Between Spot Value and What You Get Paid
You won’t get spot price. You’ll get something below that. The difference covers smelting costs, handling, business overheads and risk. That margin changes depending on who you sell to, how much you’re selling, and what kind of gold it is.
Just don’t let that confuse you. Focus on the gap. If spot is R1,200 per gram and someone’s offering you R950, that’s a gap of R250. Now you know where you stand. You can compare that to other offers.