Scrap gold is any gold item that is primarily valued for its precious metal content rather than its style, brand, or resale condition. This can include broken chains, damaged rings, single earrings, tangled jewelry, old charms, dental gold, outdated pieces, and gold items that are no longer worn.

Even if a piece is broken, missing stones, bent, scratched, or out of style, it may still have significant value based on its gold purity and weight.

What Counts as Scrap Gold?

Scrap gold can include many different types of unwanted or damaged gold items. Common examples include:

• Broken gold chains
• Damaged gold rings
• Single earrings
• Tangled gold jewelry
• Gold bracelets and necklaces
• Gold charms and pendants
• Old or outdated gold jewelry
• Dental gold and gold grills
• Gold watch parts
• Estate or inherited gold jewelry

How Is Scrap Gold Valued?

Scrap gold is usually valued based on three main factors: purity, weight, and the current gold market price. A buyer will typically test the gold, identify the karat, weigh the item, and calculate the value based on the amount of pure gold contained in the piece.

Gold purity is commonly marked as 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K. Some pieces may also use numerical stamps such as 417, 585, 750, 916, or 999.

Is Scrap Gold the Same as Broken Gold?

Broken gold is one type of scrap gold, but not all scrap gold is broken. Some scrap gold may be perfectly wearable but outdated, unwanted, mismatched, or better valued for its metal content than its resale appeal.

Can Designer Jewelry Be Worth More Than Scrap Gold?

Yes. Designer gold jewelry from brands such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, David Yurman, and other luxury brands may be worth more than melt value. Brand, condition, gemstones, original packaging, and resale demand can all affect the final offer.

Should You Remove Stones Before Selling Scrap Gold?

In most cases, it is best to have the entire piece evaluated before removing stones. Natural diamonds and gemstones may add value, while removing them can sometimes damage the jewelry or reduce resale potential.

Do You Need an Appointment to Sell Scrap Gold?

At South Bay Coin, walk-ins are welcome. Appointments are recommended for larger collections, estate jewelry, inherited gold, or multiple items so our team can provide the best experience.

Where to Sell Scrap Gold in Los Angeles

South Bay Coin buys scrap gold, broken gold jewelry, gold chains, rings, bracelets, necklaces, charms, pendants, dental gold, and estate gold at our Lawndale showroom. We serve clients throughout the South Bay and Greater Los Angeles area, including Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Palos Verdes, and Los Angeles.