How to sell jewellery and watches in the UK
Old jewellery boxes often hide real value: a gold chain, a designer bracelet, a watch nobody wears. The trick is knowing what you have before you decide how to sell it.
Read the hallmark first
Most UK gold, silver and platinum is hallmarked: tiny stamps, usually on the inside of a ring, near a clasp or on the back of a pendant. A jeweller's loupe or your phone camera's zoom helps. The number tells you the metal:
- 925: sterling silver.
- 375: 9 carat gold. 585: 14 carat. 750: 18 carat.
- 950: platinum (also used for palladium, with a different symbol).
No hallmark doesn't always mean it isn't precious metal, especially on very light or older pieces, but it does mean you should get it tested before selling it as gold or silver.
Scrap value or sell the piece?
Gold and silver have a scrap value based on weight and purity. Broken chains, single earrings and dated pieces are often worth most as scrap. Get quotes from a few buyers and compare them against the day's metal price before you accept.
A piece that's wearable, attractive, antique or by a known maker is usually worth more as jewellery than its weight in metal. Sell those as items.
Designer jewellery
Pieces from well-known brands sell well secondhand, and buyers search by name and collection. Show it's genuine: photograph the maker's stamp, any serial number, the box, pouch and receipt. Never list a piece as a brand you can't confirm: selling fakes as genuine is illegal, and buyers will check.
Watches
- Find the model and reference number, usually on the case back or between the lugs. Buyers search for it.
- Box and papers (the original box, warranty card and receipt) add a lot to the value of good watches.
- Say whether it's running, when the battery was last changed, and any service history.
- Measure the case diameter and the wrist size the strap fits.
- Photograph the dial, case back, clasp and any scratches on the glass or case.
Photos that sell jewellery
Jewellery is small and shiny, so use soft daylight (not direct sun or flash) on a plain, dark or white background. Take a sharp close-up of the hallmark or maker's stamp, a photo next to a ruler or coin for scale, and one being worn if you can. Clean pieces first with a soft cloth.
Pricing and where to sell
Check sold listings on eBay for the same brand, metal and style. Vinted works well for fashion and designer jewellery; sellers pay no selling fee. eBay suits watches, gold and collectable pieces. For valuable items, an independent valuation before you sell is worth it.
Posting valuable items
Use a small padded box, not an envelope, and a tracked, signed-for and insured service. Check the compensation limit covers the value. Royal Mail and couriers have limits and exclusions for jewellery. Keep your proof of postage until the buyer confirms.
Snap the piece, get the listing
Photograph it and its hallmark or label, and Snappy writes the title, an honest description and a suggested price for Vinted or eBay.
Try Snappy free → 3 free listings · no card neededFAQ
Look for a hallmark: 375 is 9 carat, 585 is 14 carat and 750 is 18 carat gold. If there is no hallmark, have it tested before selling it as gold.
Broken or dated pieces are often worth most as scrap, so get a few quotes. Wearable, antique or designer pieces are usually worth more sold as jewellery.
It is the hallmark for sterling silver, which is 92.5% silver.
Yes. The original box, warranty card and receipt add a lot to the value of good watches and reassure buyers it is genuine.