Scrap Gold Calculator
Estimate the spot-linked value of broken, old, or unwanted gold after karat purity and a dealer margin. This is a reference estimate, not a guaranteed shop quote.
Estimated payout
Scrap buyers may adjust for assay results, stones, solder, settlement timing, and refining cost. Ask for a written calculation.
How scrap gold pricing works in UAE and GCC
Scrap gold is valued mainly for metal content. A buyer starts with the live 24K reference price, adjusts for purity, multiplies by weight, and deducts a margin. The margin compensates for testing, refining, operational cost, inventory risk, and the spread between buying from you and reselling to a refiner or wholesaler.
Unlike a jewellery retail sale, design usually adds little or no value when an item is sold as scrap. Broken chains, single earrings, damaged bangles, and old pieces are commonly melted or refined. That is why the calculation focuses on grams and karat rather than style.
What determines scrap value
Four inputs matter most: accurate weight, verified purity, the market reference price, and the dealer margin. A one-gram difference, a misread karat stamp, or a high margin can materially change the payout. Weigh pieces without stones where possible and separate them by karat before asking for quotes.
Typical dealer margins
In competitive UAE markets, many scrap deductions sit around 5% to 15%, but the exact level depends on volume, condition, confidence in hallmarking, and whether the buyer can quickly resell or refine the metal. A very low margin may come with fees elsewhere; a very high margin should be compared with other buyers.
Hallmark verification
Hallmarks such as 999, 916, 875, 750, 585, and 375 indicate purity levels, but they are not a substitute for professional testing. Plated items, filled items, solder, repairs, and counterfeit stamps can distort value. Reputable buyers may use acid tests, electronic testers, density checks, or XRF analysis.
When not to sell
Do not rush if the item has sentimental value, if it is part of a matched set, if the design is collectible, or if the market price is unusually weak. Repair, redesign, or private resale may be better for some jewellery. Scrap sale is most suitable when the item is damaged, unwanted, or valued only for metal.
Getting the best price
Check the live tracker, compare the gold calculator, understand spot versus retail pricing, and ask multiple licensed buyers. Request the weight, karat, reference price, margin, and final payout in writing before handing over the item.
FAQ
- How is scrap gold priced?
- Scrap gold is priced from weight, purity, current 24K reference price, and the buyer margin. The buyer usually pays below gross metal value to cover refining, handling, and resale risk.
- What is a normal dealer margin in UAE?
- Many transactions fall around 5% to 15%, but margins vary with item condition, demand, purity confidence, and negotiation. Very high margins should be questioned.
- Do hallmarks guarantee value?
- Hallmarks help, but they are not a complete guarantee. A professional buyer may still test the metal to confirm purity and detect plating or mixed material.
- Should I sell broken jewellery immediately?
- Not always. If the gold has sentimental value, rare design value, or prices are unusually weak, waiting or seeking repair may be better.
- How do I get the best scrap price?
- Weigh items separately by karat, check the live reference rate, ask several licensed buyers, and request a written calculation before agreeing.
- Is this calculator a shop quote?
- No. It is a reference estimate. A real buyer may apply different testing, margins, fees, and settlement terms.