How do I find out what my jewelry is worth?
Start with the gold: weigh the piece, read the karat stamp (such as 14K or 585), and multiply the weight by the gold content and today’s gold price. That is the least the metal is worth. For stones, designer pieces or antiques, get a written appraisal from a qualified appraiser.
Step 1: find the karat
Look inside a ring band, on the clasp of a chain or bracelet, or on the post of an earring. You will usually find a small stamp such as 10K, 14K, 18K, or a number like 417, 585 or 750. A magnifying glass or your phone’s camera zoom helps.
Stamps such as GF, GP, HGE or 925 mean the piece is gold-filled, gold-plated or silver, not solid gold, and its gold value is small. See our guide to gold stamps for the full list.
Step 2: weigh it
You need a scale that reads to at least 0.1 g, ideally 0.01 g; a kitchen scale is not precise enough for small pieces. If you don’t have one, the weight is often written on the receipt or an earlier appraisal, and most jewelers will weigh a piece for free.
Jewelers and buyers often use pennyweight (dwt): 1 dwt is 1.5552 grams. Gold prices are quoted per troy ounce, which is 31.1035 grams, not the 28.35-gram ounce used for food.
Step 3: work out the gold value
Multiply the weight by the share of pure gold, then by the price of pure gold per gram:
| Karat | Stamp | Pure gold |
|---|---|---|
| 10K | 417 | 41.7% |
| 14K | 585 | 58.3% |
| 18K | 750 | 75% |
| 22K | 916 | 91.7% |
| 24K | 999 | 99.9% |
For example, a 20 g chain in 14K holds about 11.7 g of pure gold. Our free gold calculator does this with the live gold price and shows every step.
Step 4: add what the gold value leaves out
- Diamonds and gemstones, valued on their own by size, quality and any grading report.
- Well-known designer and brand names, which can be worth several times the metal.
- Antique and period pieces, where age, maker and condition matter more than weight.
- Craftsmanship: hand engraving, unusual settings, intricate work.
If any of these apply, a written appraisal is the only reliable way to put a number on the whole piece.
Why you will see different numbers
| Number | What it is | Typical level |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance appraisal | Cost to replace it new at retail | Highest |
| Fair market value | What a private buyer would pay for it used | Middle |
| Gold value | The metal alone at today’s price | The floor for solid gold |
| Buyer’s offer | What a gold buyer or pawn shop will pay | Usually below the gold value |
If you are thinking of selling because money is tight, you are not alone, and there is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is exactly when you most need a fair deal, so take your time and don’t let anyone rush you.
TipBefore you accept any offer, ask the buyer to write down the weight, karat and price per gram they are paying. Comparing that with the gold value shows how much of a margin they are taking. It is always fine to say you’d like to think about it.
Common questions
How much is a 14K gold ring worth?
Its gold value is its weight in grams × 0.583 × today’s price of pure gold per gram. A typical 4 to 6 g 14K band holds about 2.3 to 3.5 g of pure gold. Use the gold calculator for today’s figure; stones and brand add to it.
How can I tell if my jewelry is real gold?
Look for a karat stamp (10K, 14K, 18K or 417, 585, 750). Solid gold is not magnetic. Stamps like GF, GP or HGE mean gold-filled or plated. A jeweler can test it in minutes, usually for free.
Is my gold jewelry worth anything if it is broken?
Yes. Broken chains, single earrings and damaged rings are still worth their gold content, which you can work out from weight and karat.
Why do gold buyers pay less than the gold value?
They need to cover testing, refining and their profit. Offers are often well below the full gold value, which is why it helps to know that number first.
Does the gold price change what my jewelry is worth?
The gold part, yes, every day. The value of stones, brands and craftsmanship moves separately.
Sources
Last updated October 23, 2026. This guide is general information to help you get your bearings; every policy and every piece is different. If something here doesn’t fit your situation, your insurer, agent or a qualified appraiser can tell you more.
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