How Much Is My Gold Jewellery Worth?
October 20, 2026
Gold jewellery is worth its weight in pure gold at today's price, minus the buyer's margin. To estimate it, multiply the piece's weight in grams by its karat purity (10K is 41.7% gold, 14K is 58.5%, 18K is 75%) and by today's gold price per gram in Canadian dollars.
Reputable Canadian buyers typically pay about 85% to 95% of that figure, while pawn shops often pay far less.
This includes the tangled chain at the back of your drawer or the single earring whose partner left years ago. It doesn’t matter if it’s old or out of fashion, it still is gold.
How Is the Value of Gold Jewelry Calculated?
Buyers often use one formula: weight in grams × karat purity × gold price per gram × payout percentage.
Here’s a worked example. Take 10 grams of 14K gold, with pure gold priced at CAD 100 per gram. That price is for illustration only. Gold moves daily, so check today's rate.
- 10 g × 58.5% = 5.85 g of pure gold
- 5.85 g × CAD 100 = CAD 585 melt value
- At a 90% payout, the offer is about CAD 526.50
Gold Value by Karat: 10K, 18K and 24K
The same 10 grams at other karats, using the same example price and payout:
- 10K (41.7% pure): 4.17 g of gold, melt value CAD 417, offer about CAD 375
- 18K (75% pure): 7.5 g of gold, melt value CAD 750, offer about CAD 675
- 24K (99.9% pure): 9.99 g of gold, melt value CAD 999, offer about CAD 899
How do I find the karat of my gold jewelry?
Gold necklaces usually have a small stamp near the clasp, and rings will have it inside the band.
- 10K is stamped 10K or 417
- 14K is stamped 14K or 585
- 18K is stamped 18K or 750.
Marks such as GF, GP or RGP mean the piece is gold-filled or plated, which carries very little gold value. If there’s no stamp, a jeweller can help you test it.
You can also come by our showroom in South Surrey anytime, and we’ll be happy to help you.
Where should I sell gold jewelry in Canada, and what will I be paid?
Here's the typical spread, as a share of melt value:
- Jewellers and precious metals dealers: about 85% to 95%
- Refiners, usually for lots of 100 grams or more: often 94% to 97%
- Pawn shops and kiosks: often 40% to 70%
On the 10-gram example above, a 60% offer is CAD 351 and a 90% offer is CAD 526.50. The buyer you choose matters as much as the gold price.
Where can I sell gold jewellery in South Surrey?
If you’re in South Surrey, White Rock or anywhere around Surrey, British Columbia, come by José & Co. We buy unworn and unwanted gold jewellery at its gold value. Book a consultation or come in during store hours. We're always happy to see you.
And if you’re curious, here are other services we offer:
You’ll find us at Suite 3 & 4, 1920 152nd Street, South Surrey, BC. We’re open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. You can also call us at 604.541.1593.
Should I sell it, or redesign it into something new?
If a piece is broken, unworn or unwanted, selling it for its gold value is simple. But if it carries stones you love or sentimental meaning, a redesign can turn it into something new that you will want to wear.
We can buy the old gold piece, or if there are stones in the piece you love, we can redesign them into something new. Check out more about our redesigns here.
Frequently asked questions
How much is 14K gold worth per gram?
14K gold is 58.5% pure, so its melt value per gram is 58.5% of the pure gold price. If pure gold is CAD 100 per gram, 14K melts out at CAD 58.50 per gram, before the buyer's margin.
How much is gold jewelry worth if it is broken?
Broken chains, single earrings and bent rings are priced by weight and karat, the same as whole pieces. Damage affects the jewellery value, not the gold value. You can visit us anytime, and we can tell you which category yours falls into before you sell.
Is melt value the same as what I will be paid?
No, melt value is the ceiling. Buyers usually deduct a margin for testing, refining and handling, so offers come in below it.
Do gold buyers pay extra for gemstones?
Scrap pricing covers the metal. Stones are usually valued separately, if at all, so ask how the buyer treats them before you sell.
Not sure what your pieces are worth? Bring them to our showroom in South Surrey, and we will take a look. You can learn more on our Gold Buying page or get in touch.