Sell Scrap Buy Bullion
Live prices updated 18:12 pm

Understanding Gold Alloys: Maximise the Value of Your Scrap Gold

An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals. Gold alloys are created by combining pure gold with other metals such as silver, copper, zinc, or palladium. This process enhances the durability of gold, making it suitable for everyday use in jewellery and coins.

4.9/5 on Trustpilot 5,434 reviews
94.5% live spot price
Same-day payment
XRF tested
Free insured seller pack

What is an Alloy in Gold?

An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals. Gold alloys are created by combining pure gold with other metals such as silver, copper, zinc, or palladium. This process enhances the durability of gold, making it suitable for everyday use in jewellery and coins.

The Role of Alloys in Determining Scrap Gold Value

The value of your scrap gold is primarily determined by its purity, which is affected by the type and quantity of other metals alloyed with the gold. The higher the percentage of pure gold (measured in carats), the more valuable the scrap gold.

Types of Gold Alloys: What You Need to Know

There are various types of gold alloys, each with a different ratio of gold to other metals. These include 9ct, 14ct, 15ct, 18ct, 21ct, 22ct, and 24ct gold. Each carat level represents a different percentage of gold purity, with 24ct gold being nearly 100% pure. For a detailed breakdown, check out our table on gold alloys.

CaratFinenessHallmarkStampComposition (% Gold Purity)
9ct375375375 Gold Hallmark Stamp37.5% gold + 62.5% parts alloy
14ct583 or 58514K585 Gold Hallmark Stamp58.5% gold + 41.5% parts alloy
15ct625625585 Gold Hallmark Stamp62.5% gold + 37.5% parts alloy
18ct750750585 Gold Hallmark Stamp75% gold + 25% parts alloy
21ct875875585 Gold Hallmark Stamp87.5% gold + 12.5% parts alloy
22ct916 or 91722K585 Gold Hallmark Stamp91.6% gold + 8.4% parts alloy
24ct999 or 100024K585 Gold Hallmark Stamp99.9% gold + 0.1% parts alloy
Please note that the exact composition can vary depending on the specific alloy used. For instance, some gold alloys may include small trace amounts of other metals such as silver, copper, zinc, or palladium.

How Alloys Affect the Carat and Purity of Scrap Gold

The type and quantity of alloyed metals determine the carat and purity of gold. For example, 9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold, while 24ct gold is 99.9% pure. Knowing the carat of your scrap gold can help you understand its worth and ensure you get the most value when selling.

Uncover the Rich History of Gold Alloys

Gold has been treasured for millennia, but did you know its value extends beyond its lustrous beauty? Our expert guide to the history of gold alloys delves into the fascinating journey of gold hallmarking. From the early regulations of King Henry III in the 13th century, to the modern marks of today, understanding these hallmarks offers insights into the authenticity and quality of your gold items. Explore this wealth of knowledge and become a more informed seller or collector today.

Scrapping Gold Alloys: Tips for Getting the Best Price

To get the best price for your scrap gold, it’s crucial to sell to a reputable buyer. At Lois Bullion, we offer competitive rates based on the current market price of gold. Use our online gold pricing calculator to estimate the value of your scrap gold before selling.

Ready to Turn Your Scrap Gold into Cash?

Whether it’s old jewellery, coins, or other gold items, selling your scrap gold is a great way to make some extra cash. At Lois Bullion, we make the process easy and transparent. Use our scrap calculator below to get a price for how much we will pay today. Ready to sell? Simply click “Sell to Us” to fill in the seller form and get started!

Scrap Calculator

How much is your scrap worth?

Add item

Get an instant valuation

Use our live scrap calculator to estimate your payout, then choose the selling method that suits you best.

Step 2

Request your free insured seller pack

Your free seller pack is on its way

Your free seller pack should arrive within 1 working day. Follow the enclosed instructions to send your items securely.

Once we receive your items, our experts will test and value them, then contact you with an offer.

Something went wrong, try refreshing and submitting the form again.

How It Works

We will send you a pre-paid envelope with instructions on how to send us your items safely.

How the free seller pack works How the free seller pack works
  • Place your precious metals and jewellery into the pre-paid envelope (insured up to £2,500).
  • Take your pre-paid envelope to the Post Office to send the parcel via Royal Mail Special Delivery. Make sure to get proof of your postage.
  • Once received at Lois our experts will test your items and give you a call or email with the price for your parcel. Once accepted you will be provided with a same day payment.
  • Pre-paid postage fee of £9.00 per pack will be deducted from the final payment.

Visit Our Birmingham Jewellery Quarter Showroom

Prefer a face-to-face valuation? Visit our Jewellery Quarter showroom for a transparent in-person valuation, secure parking and immediate payment. No appointment needed.

Plan your visit

Secure Jewellery Quarter showroom
Bring valuables to a permanent trading address.
Free private parking
Park on-site instead of carrying items through busy streets.
Opening hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday Today
Sunday Closed

Take a 360° Tour of Our Birmingham Gold Shop

Take a 360° virtual tour of our Birmingham Gold Shop before you visit.

Visit our Birmingham Gold Shop →

How to Find Our Free Parking

Watch our short guide showing how to find the free customer parking entrance. The entrance is to the left of our showroom, just before Subway and close to the Chamberlain Clock.

Revised 4 April 2025 Published 3 January 2024 Written by Lois Bullion Editorial Team

Best Prices Paid In the UK !

We buy gold, silver & jewellery! At Lois Bullion, we transform your scrap into cash. With the best prices paid in the UK, it's time to dust off those old treasures and give them a new lease on life.

Simply order a FREE seller pack from our website www.lois-bullion.com. It includes a pre-paid insured envelope for up to £2,500 and step-by-step instructions to send your items securely to us.

We've already disbursed over £180 million to our happy clients, and your precious items could be next in line for a generous payout.

  • Turn Scrap into Cash
  • Fast Payment
  • Paid out £180 million+
We buy gold, silver & jewellery. Best prices paid in the UK!
Sell To Us

What Our Customers Say

Trustpilot

Instagram Feed

Newsletter
Subscribe for exclusive competitions, new releases and amazing offers.
Real-Time Live Prices
Low Margins, High Value
50+ Years of Trusted Experience
Over 180 Million Paid Out
photo of Lois Bullion Lois Bullion Lois Bullion
Lois Bullion
sales@lois-bullion.com
41 Frederick St
Birmingham West Midlands B1 3HN United Kingdom
+44 121 212 1715
Log in
Lois Bullion Lois Bullion