How to Use the Gold & Precious Metal Calculator at York Gold

Before using the calculator, the most important step is to try to identifying what metal you have and its purity. Most gold, silver, platinum, and precious metal items have small stamps, hallmarks, or symbols that indicate purity.

Everyday examples include:

• 10K / 417 = 10 karat gold (41.7% pure gold)
• 14K / 585 = 14 karat gold (58.5% pure gold)
• 18K / 750 = 18 karat gold (75% pure gold)
• 925 = Sterling silver (92.5% silver)
• 999 / 9999 = Fine or pure precious metal (99.9%+ purity)

Look carefully:

• Inside ring bands
• On necklace clasps
• On bracelet links
• On the backs of pendants
• On coin edges or bars

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Gather Your Item

Collect any jewelry (including any costume jewellery!) coins, bullion, silverware, or scrap metal pieces you want to evaluate.

Examples:

• Gold rings
• Silver chains
• Bullion bars
• Sterling silver flatware
• Broken jewelry

Separate items by purity whenever possible (for example, keep 10K separate from 14K).

Step 2: Identify the Purity or Karat

Find the hallmark or stamp on the item.

Common Gold Markings

Common Silver Markings

Common Platinum Markings

Knowing how to read and interpret purity markings can be extremely helpful when estimating the value of your valuables. Keep in mind that custom-made pieces, rough items, and raw materials are often unmarked, so don’t dismiss an item simply because it lacks hallmarks or stamps.

Step 3: Weigh Your Item in Grams

Use a kitchen/food digital scale for the most accurate result.

ATTENTION: set or change the setting of the scale to grams (g) unit of measurement. This is the industry wide standard used to calculate the value of jewelry and other items made of precious metals.

Tips:

• Remove non-metal parts if possible
• Weigh items separately by purity
• Record the exact weight

Example:

• 14K chain = 12.4 grams
• Sterling silver bracelet = 28.6 grams

Step 4: Open the Calculator

Go to the calculator section on:

York Gold Precious Metal Calculator

Scroll to the Gold Price Calculator section.

Step 5: Enter the Weight

In the Amount field:

• Type the weight of your item

Example:

• Enter 12.4

Step 6: Select the Unit

In the Unit dropdown:

• Choose grams (recommended)

Other units may also be available.

Step 7: Select the Karat or Purity

In the Karat dropdown:

• Choose the purity that matches your hallmark

Examples:

• Select 10K for 417
• Select 14K for 585
• Select Sterling / 925 for silver
• Select 24K for 999 or 9999 bullion

The calculator automatically applies the purity percentage to estimate the precious metal content.

Step 8: Review the Results

The calculator will display several values, including:

Please note that our fee percentage (%) is deducted from the current market value of gold, silver platinum and palladium.

Example Calculation

Suppose you have:

• A gold chain
• Marked 585
• Weight = 20 grams

Steps:

1. Enter 20
2. Choose grams
3. Select 14K

The calculator then estimates:

• Current gold value
• Dealer deduction
• Approximate payout amount

Because 14K gold is 58.5% pure, only part of the total weight is pure gold.

Understanding Common Purity Numbers

Gold Purity Reference

Silver Purity Reference

Helpful Tips

• Precious metal prices change constantly based on market spot prices.
• The calculator estimates melt value, not collectible or designer value.
• Coins, luxury jewelry, watches, and antiques may be worth more than melt value.

Quick Checklist Before Using the Calculator

✅ Find the hallmark or purity stamp
✅ Separate items by purity
✅ Weigh items accurately
✅ Enter grams into the calculator
✅ Select the correct karat/purity
✅ Review the estimated payout amount