How Much Can I Sell My Gold Wedding Band For?
Do you find yourself wondering, “How much can I sell my gold wedding band for?” Deciding to sell your gold wedding band can be an emotional experience. It often reminds you of better times, or it could even bring back bad memories. Whatever the case, it still holds real value, which can mean cash in your pocket.
We’ll show you how to determine its value and identify what factors affect the price. You’ll also learn how to sell it without getting lowballed.
What Affects the Resale Value of a Gold Wedding Band?
Gold buyers don’t pay for emotional worth. It doesn’t matter if they’re online platforms, jewelers, or pawnshops. They assess your ring based on measurable criteria to determine its resale value.
Gold purity
Gold purity addresses the question, “How much gold is in a wedding band?”. For this, we refer to the gold karat system. This rating tells you how much pure gold is in your ring:
| Karat | Gold Content | Purity |
|---|---|---|
| 10k | 10/24 parts gold | 41.7% pure gold |
| 12k | 12/24 parts gold | 50.0% pure gold |
| 14k | 14/24 parts gold | 58.5% pure gold |
| 18k | 18/24 parts gold | 75.0% pure gold |
| 22k | 22/24 parts gold | 91.6% pure gold |
| 24k | 24/24 parts gold | 99.9% pure gold |
So, the higher the karat, the more gold content and the higher its melt value.
Weight of the band
Weight matters because gold’s weight determines its value. Generally, the heavier the ring, the more gold it contains – and the more it’s worth when melted down.
Men’s wedding bands tend to have higher payouts for this reason. Generally, men’s rings are available in larger sizes than women’s. The bigger the ring, the more gold it contains.
The following chart effectively illustrates the size-weight relationship.
| Ring Size | 2mm | 3mm | 4mm | 5mm | 6mm | 7mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1.4 | 2.6 | 3.8 | 5.3 | 5.5 | 7.0 |
| 5 | 1.5 | 2.7 | 3.9 | 5.4 | 6.1 | 7.1 |
| 6 | 1.6 | 2.9 | 4.0 | 5.5 | 6.2 | 7.8 |
| 7 | 1.7 | 3.0 | 4.1 | 5.6 | 6.3 | 7.9 |
| 8 | 1.9 | 3.1 | 4.2 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 8.4 |
| 9 | 2.1 | 3.3 | 4.4 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 8.6 |
| 10 | 2.3 | 3.4 | 5.0 | 6.2 | 7.8 | 8.8 |
| 11 | 2.4 | 3.6 | 5.2 | 6.3 | 7.9 | 9.0 |
| 12 | 2.5 | 3.7 | 5.3 | 6.9 | 8.1 | 9.2 |
Select the options that describe your ring to find the estimated weight.
14KT Gold Ring Weight Estimator
Grams are the most common unit used when assessing gold jewelry. You may still see pennyweights (dwt) used in some cases.
Daily market price of gold (spot price)
Global market fluctuations impact gold prices daily. The spot price refers to the current trading value for pure gold (99.9%) per troy ounce. This price serves as the baseline when calculating your ring’s melt value.
An important note: most dealers pay only a portion of the spot price. Instead, they pay you between 60% and 90% of the spot, depending on the buyer. This is due to cost factors like refining, handling, appraisal, and resale margins.
Later, when we do some simple calculations, you’ll see exactly how the spot price comes into play when you decide to sell your gold wedding band.
To stay up to date with current and historical gold spot prices through sites like GoldPrice.org.
This is especially true when you’re selling to local jewelers or pawn shops. They generally resell rings as-is or after some minor refurbishment. Typically, the more worn your ring is, the lower the price they’re likely to offer.
The more time and work they have to put into “fixing” the condition of the ring, the less their profit margin.
When you sell your gold wedding band for its gold content, the condition matters far less. For example, The Alloy Market is a melt-value buyer. Weight and karat determine value, not the ring’s polish or its pristine appearance. As long as the ring is real gold, even cracked or worn pieces can still qualify for high payouts.
Presence of additional materials (diamonds, platinum accents)
Most buyers focus on gold content because it’s faster to appraise. That said, the presence of diamonds or platinum accents can add value. These matter, especially if you’re selling to someone who deals in secondhand resale.
Small diamonds, such as accent stones, typically don’t significantly increase their value because they’re difficult to resell. Larger, well-cut diamonds (especially those with GIA, IGI, or AGS certifications) are different. They are usually appraised separately and may raise your offer.
As for platinum accents, a thin platinum inlay may not increase the appraisal value. However, in resale markets, a clean gold-and-platinum combination may bring a slight premium. If you can find the right buyer, that is.
Brand or designer origin
If your wedding band came from a luxury brand like Cartier or Tiffany, it might fetch more than melt value. High-end pieces often retain resale value due to their quality and craftsmanship. Collectors and vintage dealers often pay a premium based solely on a brand’s reputation.
Designer gold rings with stones or unique designs can be worth more. You may receive a higher price when you sell your gold wedding band if you still have the original box or certificate of authenticity.
Selling method (local vs. online)
Where you sell affects how much you’ll receive. Local jewelers and pawn shops cater to people who need cash quickly. They also have to factor in higher overhead costs. Because of these costs, their offers tend to be lower.
Online platforms like The Alloy Market, however, tend to offer more competitive pricing. They assess the value of gold content and avoid the added costs of operating a storefront.
How to Calculate the Value of Your Wedding Band
Sellers may walk away with less than they deserve because they don’t know the value of their gold wedding ring. Before you sell, you should have a realistic estimate of its melt value to avoid selling for too little.
Step 1: Convert karat to purity
As mentioned in a previous section, 14k gold has a purity of 58.5%. That means from the 5-gram wedding band, the part of pure gold is only: 5 grams × 0.585 = 2.925 grams of pure gold
Step 2: Multiply by spot price
The melt value equals the pure gold content multiplied by the current gold price per gram. In this case, the gold wedding band’s melt value is: 2.925 grams × $75 (spot price) = $219.38
Step 3: Account for the buyer’s offer range
It’s very rare for buyers to pay you 100% of the melt value. You can expect payouts to fall between 60% to 90% of the melt value. The price depends on factors such as size, condition, and the ease of processing or reselling the item.
Going back to our scenario, here’s what that would mean:
- Low range: $219.38 × 0.60 = $131.63
- High range: $219.38 × 0.90 = $197.44
Bonus Step: Use our free gold calculator
For an easier way to estimate the value of your wedding band, use our free gold calculator. Input the karat and weight. The calculator will show an estimate of your expected payout.
Gold Wedding Ring Price Calculator
Current Market Value:
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Average Pawn Shop Offer:
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Alloy’s Minimum Offer:
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Where Can You Sell a Gold Wedding Band?
The way you decide to sell your gold wedding ring has a significant impact on how much money you receive. Let’s examine the key factors to consider when selling, including payout potential, speed of payment, safety, and term transparency.
| Selling Option | Payout Potential | Speed | Transparency | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Gold Buyer | High | Fast | High | High |
| Online Marketplaces | Moderate to High | Variable | Low | Low |
| Local Jewelers | Moderate | Variable | Moderate | Moderate |
| Pawn Shops | Low | Fast | Moderate | Moderate |
| Auction Platforms | High | Slow | Moderate | High |
Scroll to view the entire table.
Online gold buyers
Online gold buyers specialize in purchasing gold based solely on its content. Due to that, they often offer better rates than local options. Sometimes, this means up to 90% of the melt value, which is already considered a high percentage.
The Alloy Market, for instance, offers a free appraisal kit that allows you to have your gold appraised.
While it may take some time, you will need to ship your gold wedding ring. The process is low risk; shipping and insurance are free. You can track the shipment every step of the way through their secure tracking system. These factors should give you peace of mind while you wait.
Online marketplaces
Sites like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace let you list the ring yourself. You may be able to sell it for more, but it may be more difficult. You’ll need to take high-quality photos, create a clear description, and have patience when dealing with buyers.
Local jewelers
One of the main advantages of selling locally is the opportunity for face-to-face interaction. You can speak with a buyer, ask questions, and walk out with cash the same day. However, transparency can vary.
Pawn shops
Pawn shops offer you cash quickly, sometimes even instantly. However, since their primary purpose is to resell for a profit, they’re known for lower offers. In other words, this route is convenient, but it’s often the least profitable.
Transparency and safety depend on the specific shop. Some pawn shops are clear about how they price your ring and walk you through the process step by step. Others may not say much at all.
That’s why it’s worth doing a quick background check. Look up reviews, ask around, and don’t hesitate to ask how they determine their offer. Do this all before you hand over your gold.
Auction or resale platforms
For high-end, designer, or antique-style rings, try online auctions or platforms like Worthy. They can sometimes offer higher payouts, but the process takes longer.
The final price depends on how many people want your ring and the strength of the bidding. These platforms do offer more transparency than pawn shops or marketplaces. You’ll find formal appraisals, structured bidding, and buyer verification.
Always read the fine print carefully. You need to be aware of any associated fees, deductions, and policies. Note the timelines, such as how long listings stay active or when you will receive funds after a sale.
Tips for Selling a Wedding Band at the Best Price
Getting a fair price for your gold wedding band takes more than walking into the nearest shop or clicking the first ad you see online. Whether you’re selling online or locally, one thing stays the same: The more you know, the more you’ll make.
Ensure your gold wedding band is real (at home)
Before attempting to sell your gold wedding band, ensure it’s genuine gold. Here are ways to test it yourself at home:
- Look for a hallmark stamp inside the band, such as “10k,” “14k,” or “18k.”. No stamp doesn’t mean it’s fake, but a stamp is a good sign.
- Use a magnet. If it sticks to a magnet, it’s likely not real gold.
- Use a basic gold acid test kit to confirm your gold wedding band’s karat level.
Weigh the ring with a digital scale
Use a digital scale that measures in grams to weigh your gold jewelry. The weight helps you estimate the value before requesting quotes from potential buyers.
Compare multiple quotes
To get a clear sense of your ring’s value, get quotes from at least two or three buyers. Quotes should include online gold buyers and local jewelers. Some buyers offer 60% of melt value. Others, such as Alloy, go as high as 90%, depending on quality and market conditions.
Understand fees and shipping terms
Some buyers deduct fees for shipping, insurance, or handling, affecting your final payout. Always check the terms before sending your gold. You will need to factor in any hidden fees when estimating the value of a gold wedding band.
Read reviews before you commit
Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot for the buyer’s reputation. Look for testimonials about payouts, appraisals, shipping, and details that outline seller experience.
Don’t sell on emotion
Selling a wedding band, especially after a breakup or divorce, can be an emotionally charged experience. But don’t let the urgency to move on rush you into a bad deal. Take a breath and take your time. Choose a buyer, based on research, who’s upfront and offers a larger payout.
Final Thoughts – Know Your Ring’s True Worth
When you’re ready to sell your gold wedding band, pick a trusted and fair platform. The Alloy Market is the clear choice. It offers better prices than most pawnshops, fast service, and insured shipping.
Get started with your free, no-risk appraisal kit today to find out exactly what your ring is worth.
