Gold Valuation — Free, Itemised and Transparent
Get a clear, itemised gold valuation based on purity, weight and the live market rate — with no obligation to sell.
Free postal pack
Request your free, tracked and insured gold pack
No obligation. Royal Mail Special Delivery. Free tracked return if you decline your offer.
How a HighStreetGold valuation works
Every valuation follows the same four steps: identify the carat (by hallmark or testing), weigh each item on calibrated scales, apply the live gold market rate per gram, then document the small refining and handling adjustments. The figures are presented to you in an itemised offer before any decision is made.
Valuations are free whether you use the postal service or visit the flagship headquarters in person. Postal valuations are typically returned within one working day of items being received, with photos of every item on file.
If you accept, payment is sent the same working day. If you decline, your items are returned free of charge by tracked delivery — your gold is never melted or sold without your acceptance.
What our valuation actually does
How an item becomes an offer, step by step
- 01
Identify the hallmark
Check for the standard UK and international purity marks (375, 585, 750, 875, 916, 999) and any maker/assay marks that affect resale value.
- 02
Confirm the carat
Verified hallmarks are accepted; unmarked, worn or partial marks are tested electronically and — where appropriate — with an acid touchstone for confirmation.
- 03
Use XRF where genuinely useful
Higher-value items, suspect alloys and bullion are checked by XRF where appropriate. We don't claim every item gets an XRF — it's used when it adds confidence.
- 04
Separate components
Stones, clasps, pearls and non-gold metalwork are noted, weighed and where significant assessed separately. We never quietly include non-gold in the gold weight.
- 05
Weigh on calibrated scales
Each piece weighed individually; weight recorded in the itemised offer so you can verify it later.
- 06
Apply the live market rate
Weight × purity × current 24ct gold rate per gram, with refining and handling adjustments shown clearly.
- 07
Review for design / resale value
Designer marks, antique pieces and recognised watches are reviewed for resale value alongside their gold value; you receive whichever figure is higher.
- 08
Produce the itemised offer
A per-piece written offer is sent to you with photographs. No pressure, no time-limited tricks.
Why offers vary between buyers
The real reasons quotes differ
Different refining and handling margins
Every buyer takes a margin to cover refining, testing, insurance and operating costs. The size of that margin varies.
Headline-vs-actual quoting
Some buyers quote a tempting headline figure and reduce it on arrival. A reputable quote is the figure actually paid.
Different testing rigour
Buyers who don't test unmarked items default to a low carat, costing the customer money on every gram.
Whether stones are considered
Significant stones and recognised designer marks should be assessed in addition to scrap weight.
Speed of payment
Same-day bank transfer vs cheques or delays — speed has a real-world value.
UK carat & purity reference
Each carat carries a fixed purity. Per-gram value is weight × purity × the current gold market rate, before refining and handling adjustments.
Multipliers shown are nominal purities. Indicative per-gram values follow the same multipliers when applied to the live 24ct market rate.
Frequently asked questions
Is the gold valuation really free?+
Yes. There is no charge for the valuation, the postal pack or the return delivery if you decide not to sell.
How long does a valuation take?+
Most postal valuations are completed within one working day of receipt. In-person valuations at the flagship headquarters are usually completed while you wait.
Can I get a rough valuation before sending?+
We can share the current per-gram rate for your carat. The final per-item figure is confirmed after weighing and testing.
What happens to my gold during the valuation?+
Items are logged, photographed and held securely. Nothing is melted or sold until you have accepted your itemised offer.
Related pages
Ready to get a valuation?
Request your free tracked and insured postal pack and get a clear itemised offer with same-day payment on acceptance.
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