Use completed sales
Asking prices show what sellers want. Completed sales are a better starting point for realistic estimates.
Metal value tools · Free tool
Gold Melt Value Calculator
Get a metal-content baseline for an inherited or estate-sale item before researching its maker, age, gemstones, craftsmanship, or collectible premium.
Estimated result
Your estimate
Net result$0.00
Total costs$0.00
Return or rate0%
Useful benchmark$0.00
This is an estimate for research and planning, not a formal appraisal, tax calculation, or guarantee of a sale price.
How the gold melt value works
Estimate the raw gold value of jewelry, watches, coins, and scrap from weight, karat purity, and the current gold spot price. Start with realistic completed-sale prices and include costs that are easy to overlook. For antiques, condition, authenticity, provenance, maker, rarity, and local demand can matter more than a simple formula.
Include the hidden costs
Shipping, packaging, restoration, platform fees, transport, storage, and your time can change the outcome.
Research before deciding
Use this result as a first pass, then verify marks, condition, comparable items, and current marketplace rules.
Questions people ask
How is gold melt value calculated?
The calculation uses weight, karat purity, and gold spot price. It estimates the value of the pure gold content, not the price a dealer will necessarily offer.
What does 14K or 18K mean?
Karat indicates the share of pure gold. 14K is about 58.5% gold and 18K is about 75% gold. Marks and testing can help confirm purity.
Does this include gemstones or antique value?
No. Gemstones, design, maker, condition, provenance, and rarity may add value beyond the metal-content estimate.