How Much Is a Gold Chain Worth?
If someone is searching for how much a gold chain is worth, they likely want to sell it. The answer to how much a gold chain is worth depends on a few variables. Still, if anyone wants to get a quick idea of how much a gold chain might be worth, they can check the infographic below.
How Much Is a Gold Chain Worth?
The value of a gold chain will primarily vary based on both the purity of the gold and the weight of the chain. Other factors, such as the designer or brand of the chain, can affect the resale cost, but this is not typically the case unless it’s a high-end designer.
Unknown to most, the majority of gold jewelry, including gold chains, typically has a really high markup. It’s not uncommon for popular jewelry stores, local and independent retailers, to mark up the price of their gold jewelry pieces by as much as 500% to 1,000% or more.
This markup means that a necklace or chain purchased for $1K retail could be worth just $200 or less in terms of gold value. Jewelry stores typically carry high markups due to the cost of craftsmanship, and mostly because they take advantage of folks who don’t know how to calculate these markups when buying jewelry.
The markups on gold jewelry are high, even on items that are not pure gold. Pure gold chains, made of 24K gold, are not very common.
Most gold chains are made of 14K or 18K gold, which are preferred for their strength, as they are not as soft as pure 24K gold chains. The price of a gold chain that is similar in length and thickness to a 24K chain but is made of 14K or 18K will be worth less. This is because the lower the karat, the lower the gold content.
What Percentage of Gold Is in My Chain, and Is My Chain Valuable?
All gold chain karats are valuable, and all gold karats contain real gold. Gold is typically mixed with other metals to alter its properties, such as making it stronger or changing its color.
Regardless of whether someone has a 24-karat pure gold chain or a popular 14-karat gold chain, it can still be valuable. Below is a breakdown of popular stamps found on gold chains and the corresponding gold content.
- 999 or 24K: contains 99.9% Pure gold, often used in bullion or high-value jewelry.
- 916 or 22K: contains 91.6% gold content. Common in traditional jewelry, especially in India and Asia.
- 750 or 18K: contains 75.0% gold content. Widely used in fine jewelry, it has a good balance of purity and durability.
- 585 or 14K: contains 58.5% gold content—durable and affordable, popular in the USA for everyday jewelry.
- 417 or 10K: contains 41.7% gold content, the minimum standard for gold in many countries, and it is highly durable.
How Much Is a Gold Chain Based on Karat?
If a gold chain weighs the same but only varies in karat, its value will change due to the gold content. For example, at the $4,139.25 gold price of October 14, 2025:
- A 12-gram 24-karat gold chain is worth $1,596.96
- A 12-gram 22-karat gold chain is worth $1,463.88
- A 12-gram 18-karat gold chain is worth $1,197.72
- A 12-gram 14-karat gold chain is worth $931.56
- A 12-gram 10-karat gold chain is worth $665.40
As you can see from the prices, the karat percentage significantly affects the market value of the chain.
How to Calculate the Value of My Gold Chain?
The easiest way to calculate the value of a gold chain is to determine its purity by checking for the stamps above and then verifying the weight. Once someone knows both of those factors, they can use an online cash for gold calculator to calculate the value.
To check the weight of an item, anyone can use a food or postal scale. If someone doesn’t have a scale available, they can purchase one for an affordable price online or at any local superstore retailer.
Keep in mind that the value of a gold chain based on the market price of gold is not typically what a gold buyer will pay. Sellers can expect a reputable gold buyer to pay between 60% to 80% of the gold spot price for an item.
How to Sell My Gold Chain for Cash?
Suppose someone wants to sell their chain for more than the market price of gold, whether because it is a designer piece or has high craftsmanship. In that case, they can consider selling it privately on a platform like eBay to maximize the price for their item.
The downside of selling on platforms like eBay is that sellers have to create an account, take pictures, make a listing, pay their fees once the item sells, ship, and deal with strangers online asking questions about the listed items. Plus, it can take a long time to sell.
If someone wants to take advantage of high gold prices and sell directly to a precious metal buyer, it can be a much faster way to sell their items.
How to Find a Reputable Gold Buyer?
Finding a reputable gold buyer can be challenging, but following these simple tips can help:
- Use a company that will state its minimum payout price based on the market value of gold.
- Use a company that offers upfront estimates and avoid those that require sellers to mail their items in first before providing an estimate.
- If someone can’t figure out the people behind the company, that’s a big red flag. Reputable buyers will always have a physical address, public teams, and offer as many communication channels as possible, including phone, email, text, or even webchat.
- It’s usually a good sign if online gold buyers allow people to visit their physical address.
- Ask if sellers receive an itemized offer so they know what the company is willing to pay for each piece, not just a lump sum.
- Find a buyer that does not have hidden fees, like for shipping or insurance (even if someone is selling gold bullion), that’s a big red flag.
- Read online reviews and ensure their customers genuinely write them. Overwhelmingly positive reviews that sound generic, copied, or AI-generated are a red flag.
- Avoid companies that use high-pressure sales tactics.
Local and online gold buyers can be a hit or a miss, with wildly varying offers. If you want a precious metal buyer that easily passes all of our recommendations for a reputable buyer, then we welcome you to check out The Alloy Market.
The Alloy Market is a nationally recognized precious metal buyer recommended by the likes of CBS, Yahoo, US News & World Report, and many more. Unlike most gold buyers, Alloy offers clear minimum payouts and even offers upfront estimates.
The average Alloy client sells more than a single gold chain, typically mailing in a few items such as old chains, bracelets, earrings, or even class rings. On average, Alloy clients receive a payout between $1,200-$1,500 and have a high satisfaction rating. Request a free Alloy Appraisal Kit today to receive a no-obligation estimate for purchasing your items.
Sell your gold chain with Alloy
Request a free Alloy Appraisal Kit, ship from home, and receive a same-day offer after appraisal.
Sell your gold chain with Alloy
Request a free Alloy Appraisal Kit, ship from home, and receive a same-day offer after appraisal.
Conclusion
With today’s soaring gold prices, your gold chain and other gold jewelry are worth more now than ever before. Solid gold chains of all karats carry a value, and if you’re considering selling some of your gold jewelry, including your chains, now is one of the best times to sell.
