Gold jewelry’s melt value depends on its weight and karat (purity). Here is how to calculate it.
Step-by-Step
1. **Find the karat marking** (usually stamped inside the band or on a clasp: 10K, 14K, 18K, 24K) 2. **Weigh the piece** in grams on a precise scale 3. **Calculate pure gold content:** - 10K: weight × 0.417 - 14K: weight × 0.583 - 18K: weight × 0.750 - 22K: weight × 0.917 - 24K: weight × 0.999 4. **Convert to troy ounces:** divide grams by 31.1035 5. **Multiply by current gold spot price**
Example
An 18K gold bracelet weighing 25 grams:
- Pure gold: 25 × 0.750 = 18.75 grams
- In troy ounces: 18.75 ÷ 31.1035 = 0.603 oz
- At $2,000 spot: 0.603 × $2,000 = **$1,206 melt value**
Important Notes
- Melt value is the floor — designer or antique jewelry may carry additional value
- Dealers typically buy at 70–90% of melt value
- Stones and clasps are excluded from gold weight calculations