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GoldObserve

CALCULATORS

Scrap Gold Calculator

Calculate multiple scrap gold items with live prices, mixed weights and karats, then compare a buyer offer with total melt value.

MULTI-ITEM SELLER TOOL

Value a mixed batch of scrap gold before requesting offers

Add rings, chains, broken jewellery or other gold items one by one. Each row can use a different weight unit and karat. GoldObserve converts every item to pure-gold grams, totals the metal value, applies your chosen payout assumption and lets you compare a real buyer offer without declaring it fair or unfair.

Gold spot referenceEnter a price
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DATA STATUS

Price reference

Shows the source and observation time of the metal price used here. Product premiums, dealer quotes and taxes are separate.

International XAU/USD referenceConnecting
Source
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Observed
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Age
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Delivery
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Checking the current market reference.

ITEM WORKSHEET

Add each piece separately

Scrap gold item 1
Melt value
OPTIONAL OFFER CHECK

Compare a buyer's actual offer

Enter the total cash offer to measure it against the calculated metal value. GoldObserve does not label an offer fair or unfair.

How scrap gold value is calculated

Scrap value starts with recoverable gold content, not the original retail price. The calculator converts each item to grams, divides its karat by 24 to obtain purity, and multiplies the pure-gold weight by the selected spot price per gram. It then adds all item melt values.

1

Sort and weigh each itemKeep pieces with different karats on separate rows. Remove non-gold parts from the weight when practical.

2

Convert the hallmark to purity18K ÷ 24 = 0.75 · 585 fineness is approximately 58.5% gold.

3

Calculate each melt valueGross grams × purity × live 24K price per gram.

4

Compare the transaction separatelyTesting, refining and buyer costs may reduce a cash offer; collectible value may increase it.

Gold karat and hallmark reference

A stamp is a useful starting point, not a substitute for testing. Plating marks and solder can make the recoverable purity differ from the nominal mark.

Common gold karat, purity and fineness references
KaratGold contentFineness markTypical context
24K99.99% reference999.9Investment-grade fine gold
22K91.67%916Jewellery and some bullion coins
21K87.50%875Jewellery in several regional markets
18K75.00%750Fine jewellery
14K58.33%585 or 583Common jewellery alloy
10K41.67%417Lower-karat jewellery
9K37.50%375Jewellery in several markets

Before you sell scrap gold

  • Use a scale appropriate for small weights and record its precision.
  • Do not count stones, watch movements, clasps or other non-gold material as gold weight.
  • Check whether a mark describes solid gold, gold-filled, rolled gold or plating.
  • Ask whether the buyer's quote includes assay, refining, shipping or payment fees.
  • Compare the same batch and the same settlement terms when reviewing multiple offers.
  • Keep a printed worksheet with the spot-price source and observation time.

Frequently asked questions

Is melt value what a gold buyer must pay?

No. Melt value is a reference for the contained metal. A transaction price depends on testing, refining, commercial costs, payment timing and the buyer's terms.

Can I calculate items with different karats together?

Yes. Add each purity as a separate row. The calculator finds the pure-gold content of every row before adding the values.

What if the item has gemstones or non-gold parts?

Use the estimated gold-only weight where possible. Including stones, springs or base-metal parts overstates the melt value.

Can I use pennyweight or tola?

Yes. The worksheet accepts grams, pennyweight, troy ounces, tola and kilograms, then normalises all items to grams.

Can I enter a buyer's offer?

Yes. The optional offer check reports the amount as a percentage of calculated melt value and the difference from melt.