Gold, platinum & silver: buying guide
Carat gold, platinum, palladium and silver: purity, colour, durability, scrap value and UK hallmarking law.
Quick answer
Gold purity is measured in carats: 9ct is 37.5% gold (375), 18ct is 75% (750) and 24ct is 99.9%. Platinum jewellery is usually 950. Under the UK Hallmarking Act 1973, gold over 1g, silver over 7.78g, platinum over 0.5g and palladium over 1g must be hallmarked to be sold as precious metal.
Gold carats and colours
9ct to 24ct, yellow, white and rose gold, and how scrap value is worked out.
Second-hand gold sells at or above scrap; scrap ≈ weight × purity × daily gold price
Platinum and palladium
950 platinum vs 18ct white gold, patina, weight, and palladium.
Platinum rings often resell close to 18ct gold equivalents
Silver
Sterling 925, Britannia 958, silver-plate (EPNS) and caring for tarnish.
Value depends heavily on maker, age and design; scrap value is modest
UK hallmarking explained
The Hallmarking Act 1973, the four assay offices, exemption weights and date letters.
Fully hallmarked pieces resell more easily and at better prices
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