Understanding metal value
How much gold is in that piece?
A gold-colored piece is not necessarily solid gold. Before comparing its price with melt value, find the karat mark, confirm the weight, and check whether the piece has stones or other materials that add weight without adding gold.
10K gold is 10 parts gold out of 24, or about 41.7%. 14K is about 58.3%, 18K is 75%, and 22K is about 91.7%. Marks such as 417, 585, 750, and 916 describe similar fineness levels. A mark can be wrong or forged, so ask for testing when the value depends on it.
Multiply the item's metal weight in grams by its gold fraction, then by a current gold price per gram. If a 14K necklace weighs 12 grams with no stones or other components, its first-pass gold weight is roughly 7 grams. That is an estimate, not a refiner's payout. Use the 14K calculator when you need to subtract stones or compare the full buying cost. For higher-purity pieces, see the 18K weight and price example.
Current gold reference
Current gold price per gram by purity.
Current market reference: $131.01 per gram of pure gold, checked Nov 8, 2026, 7:57 AM. These estimates describe metal content only. They are not dealer, refiner, or resale offers.
| gold | Purity | Common mark | 1 gram | 5 grams | 10 grams | 20 grams |
|---|
| 10K gold |
41.7% |
10K or 417 |
$54.59 | $272.94 | $545.88 | $1,091.76 |
| 14K gold |
58.3% |
14K or 585 |
$76.42 | $382.12 | $764.23 | $1,528.46 |
| 18K gold |
75.0% |
18K or 750 |
$98.26 | $491.29 | $982.58 | $1,965.17 |
| 22K gold |
91.7% |
22K or 916 |
$120.09 | $600.47 | $1,200.93 | $2,401.87 |
| 24K gold |
99.9% |
24K or 999 |
$130.88 | $654.40 | $1,308.80 | $2,617.60 |
Use only the weight of the gold-bearing parts. Stones, springs, clasps, fillings, and mixed-metal components can make the finished item heavier than the metal being valued.
Free gold calculator
Calculate gold melt value.
Use the weight of the gold-bearing parts, choose the purity, and subtract stones or other materials. Add the asking price and buying costs if you want to compare the full purchase with the metal estimate.
This is a metal-content estimate, not an appraisal or a promise of what a dealer or refiner will pay. Verify the metal, purity, and usable weight before relying on the result.
Recently checked gold listings
Current examples from the catalog.
These products were listed for sale when last checked, but they are not confirmed near-melt opportunities. Prices and availability can change; check the seller page again.
Treasures Jewelry Louisville
10K Yellow Gold 12mm 8 Inch Solid Curb
- Seller price
- $3,490
- Last checked
- Nov 8, 2026, 7:37 AM
Check the listing
Saints Gold
3.5MM Rounded Box Bracelet (Solid Gold) - 8 inch
- Seller price
- $1,832
- Last checked
- Nov 8, 2026, 7:37 AM
Check the listing
Treasures Jewelry Louisville
10K Gold Approx. 1-Inch Hellokitty Body
- Seller price
- $318
- Last checked
- Nov 8, 2026, 7:36 AM
Check the listing
Members can search the full archived catalog and sort supported records by price to melt. Search as a member.
Before you compare prices
Gold-filled, gold-plated, vermeil, and gold-tone pieces cannot be valued as solid gold by total weight. Check clasps and repairs for mixed metals. Include tax, delivery, testing, and selling costs before calling a low listing price a bargain.
The calculator on this page starts with this metal and lets you use a current reference price or enter your own. The price-to-melt guide shows how extra costs and non-metal weight change a buying comparison. At auction, the maximum-bid calculator works backward from your melt-value limit after premiums, tax, shipping, and fixed fees. For necklaces, the gold chain calculator covers hollow construction, length, and clasps; the gold buying checklist puts the broader checks in order. You can also browse the public feed to see recently checked listings.
Search gold listings by price to melt.
Membership opens the complete searchable catalog with no credits or per-listing charges. Search current and sold-out records, then sort listings with enough price, weight, and purity evidence by how close they are to estimated melt value. $9.99 for the first month, then $49.99/month.