Why do stones lose so much?

New stones are plentiful and the retail margin on them is thin; a used stone competes with new at a discount. Only large, certified, natural stones hold a meaningful share.

Should I sell the gold as scrap?

Only if the piece has no design value. A recognisable brand or a fine period piece is worth more whole.

Is the estimate an appraisal?

No. It is a calculation from spot prices and trade tables, clearly labelled; insurance needs a written appraisal from a qualified appraiser.

Jewellery, gold and diamonds

Selling pre-owned jewellery: what you will actually get

A ring that cost 5,000 sells for 1,200 to 1,800. That is not a rip-off; it is what happens when making, margins and tax are stripped away and only materials remain. Here is how to work out your number before anyone quotes you.

Scrap: the floor

Weigh the piece, subtract the stones (a carat is 0.2 g), multiply by the karat purity and today's gold price, then take about 85%: refiners keep the rest. This is the least you should ever accept for gold, and it is what a “we buy gold” counter is paying.

Dealer buy-back

A dealer pays scrap for the metal and about 20–25% of retail for the stones, because they must resell at a discount to new and carry the risk. Fast and certain; lowest for stones.

Private sale

A private buyer pays about a third of retail for natural stones and scrap-plus for the metal. It takes time, photos and patience, and a report helps enormously. Lab-grown stones add almost nothing in any channel.

What raises the number

A grading report for the main stone
A luxury brand with box and papers: Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef pieces resell at a multiple of their material value
Signed period pieces and good condition
Selling the stone and the metal separately when the stone is large

See all three before you talk to anyone

Kubikly's pre-owned mode gives scrap, dealer buy-back and private sale side by side, with the metal at today's spot and the stones from trade tables, so you walk in knowing the range.

See what your piece sells for today

Frequently asked

Why do stones lose so much?: New stones are plentiful and the retail margin on them is thin; a used stone competes with new at a discount. Only large, certified, natural stones hold a meaningful share.
Should I sell the gold as scrap?: Only if the piece has no design value. A recognisable brand or a fine period piece is worth more whole.
Is the estimate an appraisal?: No. It is a calculation from spot prices and trade tables, clearly labelled; insurance needs a written appraisal from a qualified appraiser.