How much is a thirty-year-old gold ornament worth? Ms. Chong from Wong Tai Sin's XRF non-destructive gold testing experience
"How much can I sell a gold chain bought thirty years ago for now?" The answer to this question depends on two things: gold content (purity) and net weight. Brand, style, and craftsmanship are not considered during recycling.
Ms. Chong, a 38-year-old nurse living in Wong Tai Sin, has several pieces of old gold jewelry passed down from her grandmother and mother. She never wears them. Recently, she considered buying a car for easier commuting (nurses have irregular shifts) and was short tens of thousands of dollars for the down payment. So, she decided to sell these idle gold pieces.
"I don't know if they are 24K or 18K. Some were bought by my mother at a jewelry store, and some are from my grandmother's era, so the purity might be different," said Ms. Chong, bringing five pieces of gold jewelry to the shop.
XRF Testing Piece by Piece
| Item | Estimated Age | Net Weight | XRF Gold Content | Grade | Recycle Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thick Gold Chain | ~1990s | 28.3 grams | 99.2% | Pure Gold | HK$20,376 |
| Patterned Gold Bangle | ~1985 | 35.6 grams | 98.8% | Pure Gold | HK$25,632 |
| Heart-shaped Gold Pendant | ~2000 | 8.2 grams | 75.0% | 18K | HK$4,428 |
| Plain Gold Ring | ~1995 | 6.1 grams | 99.0% | Pure Gold | HK$4,392 |
| Broken Gold Earring (single) | Unknown | 2.4 grams | 91.5% | 22K | HK$1,580 |
Total for five items: HK$56,408
Some Common Questions
Q: Why do gold ornaments from the same era have different purities?
A: Before the 1990s, many Hong Kong gold ornaments marked "Pure Gold" actually had a gold content fluctuating between 98-99.5%. This doesn't mean they are fake, but rather that the casting standards at the time allowed for such tolerances. XRF can measure with precision to one decimal place.
Q: Do you accept single earrings?
A: Yes. Recycling is based on weight, so a pair is not necessary. Broken chains, single earrings, and ring settings with missing stones are all weighed and accepted.
Ms. Chong completed the transaction on the spot, saying she had enough for the car's down payment. "Grandma's gold jewelry has become my car wheels. She'd definitely scold me for not wearing it if she knew."
Want to know the current value of your old gold jewelry? WhatsApp 98342057 for a free XRF gold test and instant quotation at Gu Jin Jian Bao.
