Articles · Updated
Bringing your gold somewhere new can feel uncertain if you don’t know what will happen. At Gold Arthur, the whole valuation is designed so that you can follow every step, from start to finish, right in front of you. Here’s exactly what to expect – starting with the questions people ask us most.
How are my items weighed?See step 3 ↓
Are they tested – and is anything damaged?See step 2 ↓
What about diamonds and stones?See stones ↓
Do I have to sell?No – see your decision ↓
Are they tested – and is anything damaged?See step 2 ↓
What about diamonds and stones?See stones ↓
Do I have to sell?No – see your decision ↓
A calm, private valuation
No pressure, no rush. Gold Arthur visits local stops across the UK, so you don’t need to travel far or post your valuables anywhere. Your appointment takes around 15 minutes and happens one-to-one with a Gold Expert, in a quiet, private space with no other customers.
You can bring any items you like, including pieces you’re unsure about. There’s no minimum or maximum amount, and every item is looked at carefully, however it looks and whatever it weighs. Not every gold-coloured item turns out to contain gold – but either way, you’ll leave knowing what you have. If you’re wondering what’s worth bringing, see what items at home can contain gold.
The valuation, step by step
Each step is done in front of you. Here’s what the expert does – and what you see while they do it.
| Step | What the expert does | What you see |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Inspect & sort | Checks each item for marks and sorts by metal and fineness | Your items laid out and grouped on the table |
| 2. Test | Uses an acid test if a mark is missing or unclear | The streak on the touchstone and the reaction to each acid |
| 3. Weigh | Weighs the gold on a verified precision scale | The scale’s display, turned towards you |
| 4. Calculate | Works out an offer from weight, purity and the current gold market price | How the figure is made up, explained in plain words |
1. Inspection and sorting
First, your items are checked for marks. Many pieces carry a hallmark showing their fineness – and sometimes where and when they were made. The expert then sorts everything by material and fineness, because 9ct, 18ct and other standards are valued separately. You can read more about these standards in what do different carats mean.
You don’t need to sort or check anything beforehand. If you’d like to, our guide how to tell if gold is real at home shows a few safe checks.
2. Testing, when a mark is missing
If a mark is missing or unclear, the expert checks the material with an acid test. The item is gently rubbed on a touchstone, leaving a small gold streak on the stone. Testing acids are then applied to the streak, and the reaction shows the metal and its purity. The test is done on an inconspicuous spot, it doesn’t reduce the item’s value, and you can watch every part of it.
3. Weighing the gold
Gold Arthur only uses verified precision scales, and the display is always turned towards you so you can read the weight yourself. The value depends on weight and purity – not on design or condition. A broken chain or an earring without its back is worth just as much as an intact piece of the same weight and purity.
4. Calculating your offer
Once the materials are confirmed and everything is weighed, the expert calculates an offer based on the current world market price of gold. They’ll talk you through how the figure is made up, so you understand what each part of your items contributes. An offer is always below the headline gold price you see in the news – our article selling gold: what do I need to know? explains why.
What happens with diamonds and stones?
Items are valued on the precious metal only, so diamonds, stones and other decorations aren’t included in the offer. You can choose how they’re handled:
Keep your stonesIf you allow it, the stones are removed before weighing so you can take them home with you.
Leave them in placeThe item is weighed as it is, and the approximate weight of the stones is deducted before the offer is calculated.
Your decision – no obligation to sell
A valuation never means you have to sell. You’re welcome to think it over, sell some items and keep others, or take everything home. If you decide not to sell, you get all your items back – and you’re always welcome to visit again.
If you choose to sell
You receive a receipt by SMS and e-mail.
Payment is made by bank transfer, no later than the fifth banking day.
No cash is ever used.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a gold valuation take?
Around 15 minutes. If you bring a lot of items, or many without hallmarks, it may take a little longer.
Does the valuation cost anything?
No. The valuation is always free, whether you sell or not.
Will the acid test damage my jewellery?
The test is only used when a mark is missing or unclear. It’s done carefully on an inconspicuous spot and doesn’t reduce the item’s value. You can watch the whole test.
Can I sell just some of my items?
Yes. You decide item by item what to sell and what to take back home.
How and when am I paid?
If you choose to sell, you receive a receipt by SMS and e-mail, and payment is made by bank transfer no later than the fifth banking day. Gold Arthur never pays in cash.
