If you are looking to sell Asian gold (including Indian) in the UK, understanding the unique characteristics of the jewellery and the purity of these precious items is crucial. Gold from South Asia, particularly from India, is usually produced in high gold purity and holds cultural significance, making the choice of where to sell it all the more important. In this article, we explore what Indian gold is, where you can sell it, and why choosing a specialist buyer might be your best option.
Asian gold generally refers to jewellery commonly made in higher purities such as 22 carat and 24 carat. The term carat refers to the gold content of the item, with 24 carat being the highest at 99.9% pure gold with minimal other metals mixed. In countries such as India, gold jewellery plays a huge role in ceremony and family culture and is seen as an extremely thoughtful gesture when gifted.
Indian gold is often different to UK gold as it maintains a higher gold purity or usually 22ct to 24ct gold, where as gold jewellery in the UK is commonly seen at 9ct to 22ct purity. The higher gold content in Asian jewellery means it’s important you choose your selling location carefully due to the potential high value.
Asian gold is measured in ‘Tola’ which is a traditional South Asian unit of mass used to measure gold and other precious metals. This unit of measure is often used in countries such as India and Pakistan. Historically, one Tola was equivalent to the weight of 100 grains of barley or roughly 11.66 grams.
Asian gold jewellery is typically very intricate, extravagant and worn frequently during religious ceremonies. Indian weddings are grand occasions where beautiful gold jewellery is worn by the bride. Some of the traditional Indian bridal jewellery items that may be worn are listed below.
1. Mangalsutra: Perhaps the most significant piece of gold jewellery worn in an Indian wedding is the Mangalsutra. This is a stunning traditional gold necklace worn by a bride as a sign of her marital status. The Mangalsutra typically features black beads and sometimes diamonds or other precious stones. It is tied around the bride’s neck by the groom during the wedding ceremony.
2. Haar: A Haar is one of the most recognised Indian gold jewellery pieces as it is a long gold necklace that cascades down the bride’s chest. This is an extremely elaborate piece of Asian jewellery can be very expensive to purchase. The Haar features layers of gold chains, intricate filigree work, and studded with gems such as diamonds, rubies, or emeralds.
3. Choker: A choker is a close fitting necklace worn around the neck, and fits snugly, it is not worn loose like a regular necklace. Indian chokers are typically made of gold and are heavily adorned with precious stones and intricate carvings.
4. Guluband: This is a thicker type of gold choker that sits high on the neck and is usually broader than the typical choker. It’s often embellished with engravings and gemstones and complements the necklines of traditional bridal wear.
5. Rani Haar: Is literally translated to “queen’s necklace,” the Rani Haar is a regal and long necklace that often has multiple strands. The Rani Haar is often made from high carat gold and is typically more elaborate than the Haar, it is usually layered and bejewelled heavily with precious stones, making it a piece of stately elegance suitable for a bride.
6. Navarathna Necklace: This necklace features nine different gems that represent the celestial bodies according to Hindu astrology. Crafted with gold, this necklace is not only visually stunning but also holds astrological significance.
7. Kanthi Necklace: A Kanthi necklace sits close to the throat and is usually simpler compared to other necklaces but elegant, often featuring a pendant or a religious symbol like a deity or auspicious signs in Hinduism.
One of the main issues faced by our customers who are looking to sell their Indian gold is with hallmarking. In India there is less strict legislation around hallmarking precious metals. As an alternative to the compulsory UK hallmarking system, India has a voluntary Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmarking system. This can be a problem when coming to sell your Asian gold in the UK as there is often no reliable stamp to identify the gold purity. If there is a hallmark present it is often inaccurate when the gold is actually tested by XRF, a 22ct Indian hallmark might actually test at a lower purity.
With this in mind its important to sell your Asian gold to a buyer who has the correct knowledge and equipment to accurately test the golds purity, meaning you are paid maximum value for your gold.
1. Pawn Shops: While convenient, pawn shops typically create offers that are designed for secured lending or rapid resale and can be lower than specialist trade quotes. The benefit of using a Pawn shop is having the option to buy your item back up to a certain time period. Pawn Shops may lack the correct equipment and staff training to correctly value Indian gold in the UK.
2. Online Marketplaces: Online platforms like eBay or Facebook can reach a wide audience. However, the lack of trust from potential buyers means you may not achieve a top valuation for your gold jewellery. Without hallmarks potential buyers may be put off paying highly. There is also a security risk if meeting sellers in person, or the risk of being scammed if the gold rings, bangles, or necklaces are sent by post to a private address. Consider safety and postage risks if meeting or shipping privately.
3. Indian Jewellery Stores: Some local jewellery stores who specialise in Asian gold may offer to purchase your gold from you. However, as these stores often prioritise their new gold jewellery sales. Offers can vary by their stock needs and margins.
4. Specialist Gold Buyers: Specialist buyers of gold such as ourselves, are often a good option when looking for where to sell Indian gold in the UK. Specialist gold buyers have the correct tools, skills and equipment to test your jewellery’s purity. Look for businesses with transparent per-gram pricing and evidence of their experience handing Asian jewellery. Gold dealers who specialise in buying Asian jewellery, usually work on a small profit margin and tend to focus on trade volume meaning you may achieve a higher price.
Choosing a specialist gold buyer offers several advantages when selling your Asian/Indian gold:
Expertise in Valuation: Reputable gold buyers usually have a deep understanding of the precious metal market. They have experience with higher-carat Asian jewellery and mixed lots and have the sophisticated equipment to test accurately and explain the results.
Competitive Pricing: Specialist buyers are typically prepared to offer more competitive prices and work off a smaller profit margin. Be sure to use a gold buyer who is transparent with their pricing and use live price benchmarking. You can use our gold calculator for a quick price estimate.
Secure Transactions: Dealing with a reputable specialist buyer usually means you have the option to sell via insured post or at a physical and secure store location where you can feel confident selling your gold. Ensure to obtain clear receipts, and expect ID checks.
Selling Asian and Indian gold in the UK requires some consideration to ensure you receive a fair and accurate price for gold that may not be accurately hallmarked. While there are multiple locations for you to sell your gold, ensure you receive transparent quotes based on verified purity and weight.
If you are looking to sell Asian dowry gold pieces, Indian wedding bands and rings, Indian festival jewellery, Rani Haar, gold Kanthi Necklace or any other Indian gold pieces please give us a call, you can visit our Warrington store or sell your gold online.
Receive your prepaid, insured envelope to send your gold to us. Find out more visit Sell Gold Online
