Are you wondering if you can sell broken or old gold jewellery in Sydney? The answer is yes — and it could be more valuable than you think. Many people have old or damaged gold sitting in drawers. They believe it’s worthless, but that’s not true. With gold prices rising — up by 15% in the last year — even broken pieces can give you a good return.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to sell old or broken gold jewellery in Sydney and get the best price. You’ll learn how to check its value, where to sell it, and how to avoid getting underpaid.
How to Determine the Value of Old or Broken Gold
Before you sell, it’s important to know how much your gold is worth. Several things affect the value:
1. Gold Purity and Karat Weight
Gold is measured in karats (K). Pure gold is 24K, but most jewellery is 9K, 14K, or 18K. Higher karat means more gold and a better price.
Tip: Look for a small stamp on your jewellery like “14K” or “18K”. This tells you the purity.
2. Current Market Price
Gold prices change daily. Check the gold spot price online before you sell. If the market is high, you’ll get more money.
Example: If gold is $100 per gram today, a 10-gram 18K chain could get you up to $750 (minus fees and purity adjustments).
3. Weight of the Gold
More weight = more value. Use a small kitchen scale to weigh your items in grams. Remember, only the gold part counts.
Common Types of Old or Broken Gold to Sell
Don’t throw away your damaged or outdated jewellery. Here are examples of gold items you can sell:
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Broken chains or necklaces
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Old wedding bands or rings
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Single earrings with a missing pair
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Tarnished or bent bracelets
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Outdated vintage pieces
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Gold items with missing stones
Even if a piece is scratched or missing parts, the gold still has value.
Tips to Assess Gold Quality at Home
Before heading to a buyer, you can do a few simple tests at home:
1. Use a Gold Testing Kit
Gold testing kits are easy to find online. They help you test the purity with a simple acid test. Just follow the instructions carefully.
2. Check for Stamps or Hallmarks
Look for marks like “10K”, “375”, or “750”. These show the karat and help identify real gold.
3. Weigh Your Jewellery
Use a digital kitchen scale. Make sure you remove stones or other non-gold parts. Weigh only the gold metal to get a true reading.
Where to Sell Broken or Old Gold Jewellery in Sydney
You have many options to sell your gold in Sydney. Let’s look at the most common places:
1. Local Jewellery Buyers
These are shops that buy gold directly from the public. They usually test your gold on the spot and give you an offer.
Benefits:
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Face-to-face transaction
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Immediate payment
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You can negotiate
Tips:
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Look for established shops with good reviews
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Make sure they give you a written quote
2. Online Gold Buyers
Many companies offer mail-in services to buy your gold. You send your jewellery, and they send payment.
Benefits:
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Fast and easy
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Often offer competitive prices
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Safe if you use insured shipping
Examples: Platforms like Cash for Gold Sydney are known for fast processing and decent offers.
Tips:
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Use insured, trackable postage
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Read reviews before choosing an online buyer
3. Pawn Shops
Pawn shops are quick but may not offer the best price. They might give you a loan or buy it outright.
Benefits:
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Instant cash
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No paperwork needed
Downside:
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Offers are usually lower than jewellery shops or online buyers
Tip: Don’t accept the first offer — try to negotiate.
How to Get the Best Price for Your Gold
To avoid getting low offers, follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare Your Jewellery
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Clean it gently: Use mild soap and a soft brush.
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Remove non-gold parts: Like plastic or fake stones.
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Keep receipts if you still have them — especially for designer or vintage items.
2. Know What Buyers Want
Buyers look for:
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High-karat gold: More pure, more valuable.
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Scrap gold: Even broken gold can be melted and reused.
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Vintage or brand-name items: May sell for more if they are collectible.
3. Get Multiple Quotes
Don’t settle for the first offer. Visit at least 2 or 3 buyers — both local and online — to compare.
4. Check the Buyer’s Reputation
Read online reviews, Google ratings, or ask for recommendations. Reputable buyers will test your gold in front of you and explain the price.
Real Case Studies and Expert Tips
Here’s how real sellers in Sydney got more for their gold:
Case Study: Broken 14K Gold Chain
Emma had a 14K chain that was broken. A local pawn shop offered her $180. She visited a Sydney jewellery buyer who tested the chain and offered $300 after checking purity and weight — a $120 difference.
Lesson: Always shop around.
Expert Advice
“Always ask for a purity test or assay report. This helps you understand what your gold is really worth,” says John Smith, a Sydney-based gold dealer with over 20 years of experience.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
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Selling without checking market price
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Accepting the first offer
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Not knowing your gold’s karat or weight
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Selling to unlicensed or unknown buyers
Conclusion: Maximize Your Gold’s Value Before Selling
Selling broken or old gold jewellery in Sydney is easy — if you do it the right way.
Here’s a quick recap:
✅ Know your gold’s purity and weight
✅ Clean and prepare your items
✅ Get multiple quotes
✅ Choose trusted gold buyers
✅ Stay updated on market prices
Even broken or old jewellery can bring in real cash. You just need to know where and how to sell.
Action step: Go through your drawers today. Gather your broken chains, old rings, or single earrings. Check their karat, weigh them, and start getting offers from Sydney gold buyers!
