Hallmarks and fineness
UK hallmarks record the sponsor, the precious metal and its fineness, and the assay office. Common gold marks include 375 (9ct), 585 (14ct), 750 (18ct) and 916 (22ct).
Gold rings · Chains · Bracelets · Bangles
Sell gold jewellery
A private UK assessment for gold jewellery that looks beyond the scales. We consider the maker, the design, the hallmarks and any gemstones before discussing a direct offer.
Request a free assessment
Start with the right question
Gold jewellery is not always just gold.
Many high-street gold buyers weigh a piece, test the carat and price it as metal. That is a reasonable approach for plain, unsigned and damaged items, but it can overlook what makes a piece desirable to a future wearer: a recognised signature such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Bulgari or Van Cleef & Arpels, a distinctive period design, fine hand finishing, or gemstones that deserve separate consideration.
EncoreLuxe reviews gold rings, chains, bracelets, bangles, earrings and pendants as finished jewellery first. Where a piece is best valued on its metal content, we will say so plainly. Where it has design, maker or gemstone interest, that is taken into account. The first review is complimentary and without obligation, EncoreLuxe buys outright rather than taking items on consignment, and every figure remains subject to physical authentication and testing.
Practical framework
What shapes a gold jewellery assessment
Maker and signature
A house signature, serial number or recognisable collection design can make a piece more relevant to resale buyers than its weight alone would suggest.
Craftsmanship and design
Hand-made links, engraving, articulated construction, Victorian or Art Deco detailing and good proportions are assessed alongside condition and wear.
Gemstones
Diamonds and coloured stones are considered for identity, size, quality and security in the setting, and any grading report can be reviewed.
Reading UK hallmarks before you enquire
Most gold jewellery made or sold in the UK carries a hallmark struck by one of the four assay offices: London (leopard’s head), Birmingham (anchor), Sheffield (rose) or Edinburgh (castle). Alongside the office mark you will usually find a sponsor’s mark, which identifies the maker or importer, and a millesimal fineness number such as 375, 750 or 916. Older pieces may use a crown with a carat figure, and many carry a date letter. Imported jewellery may carry a Common Control Mark under the international hallmarking convention.
A hallmark is useful evidence but not proof of authenticity or of the metal in every component. Clasps, findings and repairs can differ from the body of a piece, and marks can be worn, partially polished away or, occasionally, misleading. Photograph any marks you can find with a phone camera held close in good daylight, and do not attempt acid or scratch tests at home. EncoreLuxe verifies metal and marks during the physical review.
Why signed and well-made gold is assessed differently
A plain unsigned chain and a signed Cartier Love bracelet may both be 18ct gold, but they sit in entirely different resale markets. Buyers of pre-owned designer jewellery look for recognised collections, correct signatures and serial formats, original proportions and, where available, boxes, certificates and receipts. Independent makers, notable period styles and strong handwork can also attract interest beyond metal content.
That does not mean every piece of gold jewellery carries a premium over its gold content. Worn, heavily repaired or generic items are often best treated as precious metal, and we will explain that honestly rather than suggest otherwise. The purpose of a specialist review is to make sure the distinction is made for each item before you decide how to sell it.
Broken, odd and unworn pieces are welcome
Snapped chains, single earrings, misshapen bangles, rings with missing stones and pieces with failed clasps can all be submitted. Please do not have items repaired, resized or polished before enquiring: a repair can cost more than it adds, and polishing can soften hallmarks and original finish. Keep any detached parts, stones or links together in a labelled bag.
Mixed lots are also fine. If you have a jewellery box of inherited or unworn gold, photograph the whole group first, then separate anything signed, gem-set or unusual for individual photographs. Describe the remainder together. This helps the team identify which pieces merit closer attention and which are straightforward.
Selling safely and comparing offers
Selling gold privately through a marketplace means sharing photographs of valuables publicly and meeting or posting to strangers. EncoreLuxe keeps the process private: you submit details online, receive an initial indication, and only if it suits you do we agree an insured send-in or suitable in-person option. Nothing needs to move until you are comfortable.
When comparing buyers, ask how each one has treated signed pieces and gemstones, whether stones have been valued or disregarded, and whether any fees or deductions apply. EncoreLuxe does not charge seller fees and does not offer loans or pawn arrangements; an accepted offer is a direct purchase, confirmed after authentication.
Questions, answered
Before you
send it in.
Do you only pay for the weight of the gold?
No. Plain or damaged pieces may be assessed mainly on metal content, but signed jewellery, notable craftsmanship and gemstones are considered as part of the offer where they are relevant.
What do 375, 750 and 916 mean?
They are millesimal fineness marks showing parts of pure gold per thousand: 375 is 9ct, 750 is 18ct and 916 is 22ct. You may also see 585 for 14ct.
Can I sell gold jewellery without a hallmark?
Yes. Some older, overseas or altered pieces are unmarked. The metal will be tested during the physical review, and the offer depends on what is confirmed.
Will you buy broken gold jewellery?
Yes. Broken chains, single earrings and damaged rings are welcome. Please avoid repairs or polishing before your enquiry and keep any loose parts together.
Do you publish a gold price per gram?
No. EncoreLuxe does not publish price figures. Each piece is reviewed individually, and any indication remains subject to physical authentication and metal testing.
Complimentary and private
Request a gold jewellery review
Submit photographs of the full piece, any hallmarks or signatures, and visible wear. For a mixed lot, start with the most notable item and describe the rest in the details.
Complimentary valuation
Your private offer
starts here.
Share a few details and photographs. A specialist reviews your piece privately and replies with a no-obligation offer—without listings, strangers or seller fees.
- Free, with no obligation
- Direct purchase, no seller fees
- Details reviewed privately
Replies within one business dayClear photos help us give a more useful first offer.