How Much Can I Expect to Sell My Gold For?
If you've been holding onto old gold jewellery, broken chains, or inherited pieces and wondering whether now is a good time to sell you're not alone. With gold prices at historically high levels in 2026, more New Zealanders and Texans are asking the same question: how much can I actually expect to get for my gold?
The honest answer is that it depends on several factors and understanding those factors before you walk into a gold buyer's office can make a significant difference to your payout.
At TJ Handcrafted, our gold buyers assess and purchase gold across Auckland and Houston, TX every week. This guide explains exactly what determines the value of your gold, what percentage of the spot price you should expect, and how to make sure you're getting a fair deal.
Factors That Affect Your Gold's Selling Price
Current Market Value of Gold (Spot Price)
The gold spot price is the foundation of every offer you'll receive. It represents the current global trading price of one troy ounce of pure gold, updated in real time throughout each trading day.
In 2026, gold has been trading at strong levels globally, which means sellers in New Zealand and the United States are in a favourable position. However, the spot price fluctuates daily based on:
Global supply and demand for gold
Geopolitical developments and economic uncertainty
Central bank gold purchasing activity
Currency movements (especially the NZD/USD exchange rate for NZ sellers)
Before visiting any gold buyer, check the current spot price using a reputable financial source such as Kitco or the World Gold Council. This gives you a real-time benchmark to compare any offer against.
Tip: The NZD gold price per gram is calculated by converting the USD spot price into NZD and dividing by 31.1 (one troy ounce in grams). This is the figure buyers in New Zealand are working from.
Weight of Your Gold
Weight is the second major variable in your payout. Gold is measured in troy ounces internationally, but in New Zealand and Australia, most buyers will quote prices per gram (1 troy ounce = 31.1 grams).
The more gold you have by weight, the more you receive — straightforward in principle. But it's worth knowing that buyers weigh your piece as a whole and then apply a purity factor (discussed below) to work out the actual gold content.
Tip: If you have access to accurate kitchen scales, you can weigh your gold at home before your visit to get a rough idea of its value. Just remember that the total weight of a ring, for example, includes any stones, clasps, and non-gold components a professional buyer will account for during appraisal.
Gold Purity (Karat Value)
Gold purity is measured in karats (K or ct). Pure gold is 24 karats meaning 24 out of 24 parts are gold. Most jewellery is alloyed with other metals like silver, copper, or palladium to increase durability, which reduces the karat value.
Here's how the most common gold purity levels compare:
Karat
Gold Content
Common Use
9ct
37.5% pure gold
Everyday jewellery (common in NZ and Australia)
14ct
58.5% pure gold
Fine jewellery (common in USA/Houston market)
18ct
75% pure gold
Higher-end jewellery, engagement rings
22ct
91.67% pure gold
Traditional jewellery, some coins
24ct
99.9%+ pure gold
Bullion bars and coins
A reputable buyer will test your gold's purity in front of you using either an XRF (X-ray fluorescence) machine or an acid test. Never accept an offer from a buyer who won't show you the purity test this is a non-negotiable step in any honest gold buying transaction.
If you're not sure what karat your jewellery is, look for a hallmark stamp on the piece. Common stamps include 375 (9ct), 585 (14ct), 750 (18ct), and 916 or 917 (22ct). Our related guide What Is 585 Gold? — explains these stamps in detail.
Read: Can I sell my gold in NZ?
Form of Gold (Jewellery, Coins, Bullion)
The physical form your gold comes in also affects what you'll be paid.
Gold Jewellery
Jewellery value is typically calculated on its gold content alone, the weight multiplied by the purity percentage, applied to the spot price. The craftsmanship, design, and brand of a piece are generally not factored in unless the item has specific collector or antique value.
Broken or scrap gold jewellery is bought on exactly the same basis. A broken chain is worth the same gold content as an intact one. If you have pieces sitting unused, they're still worth assessing even damaged items have real melt value. You can learn more about what jewellers pay for scrap gold in NZ in our dedicated guide.
Gold Coins
Gold coins fall into two categories: bullion coins (valued on their gold content) and numismatic or collector coins (which may carry a premium above their melt value based on rarity, condition, and demand). If you have coins of uncertain origin, it's worth having them assessed by an expert who understands both their precious metal content and any collector value they might hold.
Gold Bullion
Bullion bars and coins produced by certified mints are the most straightforward to value — they're priced almost entirely on weight and purity, with minimal dealer margin. Sellers of bullion typically receive the closest percentage to spot price of any gold form.
How Much Can I Expect to Sell My Gold For?
This is the question most sellers really want answered and the honest range is 70% to 95% of the current gold spot price, depending on the type of gold and who you're selling to.
Jewellery: Typically 70–80% of Spot
Gold jewellery is usually bought at 70–80% of the spot price. The deduction accounts for the refining costs the buyer will incur when the gold is melted down and recycled. The exact percentage varies by buyer, but any offer below 70% for standard jewellery should prompt you to get a second opinion.
At TJ Handcrafted, we aim to offer competitive rates because we use the gold we purchase directly in our own casting house and jewellery manufacturing meaning we're buying to use, not just to resell. That removes a layer of middleman margin.
Gold Coins and Bullion: Typically 90–95% of Spot
Bullion and certified coins are simpler to process and easier to resell, which is why buyers are willing to pay a higher percentage. If you're selling investment-grade bullion, expect offers in the 90–95% range from reputable buyers.
Selling Fees and Deductions
Some buyers charge administration or testing fees that are deducted from your payout. Always ask upfront whether there are any fees involved before agreeing to an appraisal. At TJ Handcrafted, our appraisals are free and there are no hidden deductions from your offer.
For more strategies on maximising your return before you sell, read our guide: How can I get the highest price from gold buyers?
Why Gold Prices Are High Right Now — and What That Means for Sellers
Gold has seen significant price increases in recent years, driven by global economic uncertainty, inflation, and increased demand from central banks. If you've been sitting on gold jewellery or scrap pieces for several years, the value has very likely increased considerably since you last checked.
This is one of the best periods in recent memory to sell gold and it's worth acting on that if you have unused or unwanted pieces. Our blog on why gold prices are increasing explains the key drivers behind the current market.
How to Get the Best Price When Selling Your Gold
To get the most from your gold, keep these practical steps in mind:
Check the live spot price before your appointment so you have a reference point.
Know the karat — look for hallmark stamps and look them up if you're unsure.
Weigh your gold at home using kitchen scales to get a rough estimate.
Get at least two quotes from different buyers before committing.
Ask about the purity test — insist on seeing it done in front of you.
Ask whether there are fees before agreeing to anything.
Bring valid photo ID — NZ Anti-Money Laundering laws require identification for gold purchases.
Learn more: How much gold can you get for $1000?
Sell Gold in Auckland or Houston TX — TJ Handcrafted
TJ Handcrafted operates gold buying services at two locations: our Auckland store at Botany Town Centre and our Houston, TX office at 10311 North Eldridge Pkwy. Whether you're selling a single ring or a full collection of inherited jewellery, we offer:
Free, transparent appraisals conducted in front of you
Competitive pricing based on the live gold spot rate
No-obligation offers — you're never pressured to accept
Same-day payment on agreed sales
Expertise across all gold types, karats, and jewellery forms
And if your gold has sentimental value and you'd rather transform it than sell it, our casting house can remodel your old pieces into something completely new a custom ring, pendant, or bespoke design crafted in-house from your own gold.
Contact us to arrange a free appraisal at your nearest location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the price of gold calculated when I sell?
The price you're offered is based on three things: the current gold spot price, the weight of your gold in grams, and its purity expressed as a percentage. A buyer multiplies the weight by the purity factor, then applies a percentage of the current spot price to arrive at your offer. For example, a 5-gram 18ct piece contains 3.75 grams of pure gold (5 × 75%). That pure gold weight is then valued against the spot rate and the buyer's margin.
What is the difference between melt value and resale value?
Melt value is what your gold is worth based purely on its precious metal content — weight multiplied by purity multiplied by spot price. Resale value is what a finished piece might sell for as jewellery, which can be higher if it has design, brand, or antique value. Most gold buyers purchase at or near melt value. If you believe your piece has significant jewellery resale value, it may be worth getting it assessed by an antique jeweller as well.
Does the condition of my gold jewellery affect the price?
Generally, no. For scrap and melt purposes, the condition of the jewellery doesn't affect the payout — a bent ring or broken necklace contains the same gold as an intact one. Condition only matters if the piece is being assessed for its jewellery resale value, or if it's a collector coin where surface quality affects numismatic premium.
Can I sell gold without knowing what karat it is?
Yes. A professional gold buyer will test your piece on the spot using an XRF machine or acid test and tell you exactly what karat you have before making an offer. You don't need to know the karat in advance, but it helps to check for hallmark stamps (such as 375, 585, or 750) before your visit.
Is now a good time to sell gold in NZ or Texas?
In mid-2026, gold prices remained near historic highs globally. If you have gold that you no longer wear or need, the current market conditions make this one of the better times to sell in recent years. That said, gold prices are cyclical no one can predict with certainty whether they will go higher or lower in the short term. If you need the cash now or simply want to clear unused jewellery, the current market offers strong returns.
