Gold-Only Melt Value
Calculate fine-gold value from weight, purity and price.
Recovery below 100% is an optional estimate and is not a universal refinery standard.
What Is Melt Value?
Melt value is the theoretical value of the recoverable gold in an item if the jewellery's design and workmanship are ignored and only the gold metal is considered.
Melt Value = Fine Gold × Fine-Gold Price
Melt Value vs Jewellery Price
| Value Type | Includes |
|---|---|
| Melt Value | Recoverable gold metal |
| Retail Jewellery Value | Gold + workmanship + design + other costs |
| Scrap Value | Melt basis adjusted for buyer/recovery discount |
| Buyback Value | Dealer's actual payout formula |
Why Melt Value Can Differ From a Buyer Offer
A buyer may deduct testing, melting, refining, handling, margin or other costs. The calculator's melt result therefore should not be interpreted as a guaranteed cash offer.
Example
A 20 gram 18K item contains 15 grams of fine gold mathematically. At a 24K price of 100 per gram, the theoretical gross metal value is 1,500.
15 × 100 = 1,500
Important Limitations
This calculation assumes the entered weight represents the gold alloy rather than gemstones or other materials. It also assumes the entered price is the applicable fine-gold price.
Actual refining recovery and commercial payouts vary by process and buyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gold jewellery melt value?
It is the theoretical value of the recoverable fine gold in the item.
Does melt value include making charges?
No. Melt value focuses on the metal itself.
How is jewellery melt value calculated?
Fine-gold weight is calculated from weight and purity, then multiplied by the applicable gold price.
Does melt value equal the amount a buyer pays?
No. Buyers may apply recovery costs, margins and other deductions.
Can gemstones be included in the weight?
Only the gold-alloy weight should be used for the basic calculation.