Five top tips for selling unwanted jewellery in 2025 – London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

It’s the time of year where me may be appreciative of gifts received but they are always necessarily inline with our personal taste and style, or the new year may come around you might decide its time for a big clear out and whilst sorting through your drawers and found some old jewellery you no longer wear. You might be wondering how to quickly turn your old silver or gold jewellery into quick cash. Selling your unwanted jewellery can be a simple and surprisingly profitable process given how much precious metal prices have risen recently, but only if you approach it the right way. Here are a few top tips to help you get the best deal for your jewellery in 2025.

1. Understand what you’re selling

Before you look to sell any jewellery, take a close look. Is your item made of gold, silver, or Platinum? Check the piece for any hallmarks, these small stamps will tell you the metal type and its purity. For necklaces and bracelets you will often find hallmarks on or next to the clasp, for rings they will usually be located in the interior of the ring. Some of these hallmarks can be extremely small so you may need a loupe or magnifying glass. The stamps can also gather dirt over time so you may need to clean the area with a soft bristle brush.

For example, gold is often marked as 9ct, 14ct, 18ct, or 22ct. If you’re unsure, a professional gold buyer such as BullionByPost, or Cheshire Gold Xchange, plus many more reputable companies can be found online. Specialist precious metal buyers will often test your item free of charge, by using specialist equipment such as XRF analysis.

2. Check the current market price

If your jewellery is made of solid precious metal such as gold, the item will have value irrespective of condition, brand and style just based on its weight in gold alone. The price of pure gold per gram can fluctuate hourly, so it’s worth checking the current rate before selling. It’s important to note that global spot prices of precious metals are usually quoted in their purest form so 24ct/999 for gold. If your jewellery is 9ct (37.5% pure gold) you need to note that only 37.5% of the weight of your item is pure gold, so you should adjust your valuation accordingly. You want to look for a jewellery buyer who offers a high percentage of the current market price some only offer a fraction. Many reputable buyers update their prices in real time and will offer 85%+ of the spot price, so keep an eye on those changes.

If you are selling a designer piece of jewellery, or a watch you can research pricing via websites like eBay, Chrono24 or other pre-owned dealers who are selling your item. High end designer jewellery will likely fetch above its weight in gold so you may be better trying to find a dealer who you can trust and specialises in your brand. For luxury timepieces like Rolex watches there are many local and national watch buyers such as WatchFinder, or LuxeWatches who will price your watch online usually within a few hours.

3. Separate and organise your items

If you have several pieces to sell, try separate them by type and purity, this will help you identify the more valuable pieces. Group gold together, silver together, and so on. Remember if the item looks silver in colour this does not mean the item is made from silver. platinum and white gold also has a silver like appearance. If a piece has gemstones, it might have extra value, so don’t let it get lumped in with scrap metal. Being organised makes it easier to get an accurate valuation for all your jewellery.

4. Shop around for the best deal

Don’t settle for the first offer you receive on your jewellery. Different buyers will offer different rates, and some may charge hidden fees for testing or processing. Look for a buyer with transparent pricing and a good reputation. Online reviews from platforms like Google and Trustpilot can offer an insight into previous customers experience. Word of mouth recommendations can also help you find trustworthy gold buyers in your area, so ask friends and family about their previous selling experiences.

5. Know your options: Scrap or resale

Not all unwanted jewellery is just scrap, or sold for its precious metal weight. If you have designer or antique pieces, they could fetch a higher price as resale items. Buyers specialising in pre-owned jewellery may pay more than those focused on scrap gold. Always ask if your item has any resale value before accepting a scrap price. We would always recommend you obtain scrap rates on your jewellery and not always assume if you are selling to a high street jeweller that you are therefore getting the best price. Obtain multiple quotes from various businesses.

Selling unwanted jewellery doesn’t have to be complicated, with a new year comes a fresh start for many. By understanding what you have, staying informed about market rates, and taking the time to find a reputable buyer, you can maximise your return. Whether it’s a broken gold chain or an unworn heirloom, every piece has value when sold to the right buyer.