Valuation MathematicsConsumer Guide

How Old Gold Value is Calculated

The value of old gold comes down to three objective numbers. Once you understand them, you can check any buyer's offer yourself with complete confidence.

Weight in Grams
Karat Purity Percentage
Live Daily Buying Rate

The Core Valuation Formula

Cash Value = Net Gold Weight (grams) × Tested Purity % × Today's Market Rate per Gram.
Design craftsmanship and ornament age do not change pure gold value. Only the pure metallic content is converted to spot cash.

1. Weight: Measured in Grams

Gold is weighed in grams on precision digital scales. Always ask to see the scale zeroed out before placing your jewellery. In South India, one sovereign (pavan) equals exactly 8 grams.

2. Purity: Measured in Karats

Purity indicates the proportion of pure gold in your alloy. 24 karat is pure gold (99.9%). 22 karat (hallmarked 916) is 91.6% pure gold. 18 karat (hallmarked 750) is 75.0% pure gold.

Karat Purity and Gold Percentage
Karat Hallmark Stamp Pure Gold Content
24K 999 99.9% Pure
22K 916 91.6% Pure
18K 750 75.0% Pure
14K 585 58.5% Pure

3. Today's Market Buying Rate

The bullion buying rate follows national and international markets and changes daily. A trustworthy buyer displays this rate openly at the counter.

Putting It Together: A Real-World Example

At today's 22K buying rate of ₹13,385 per gram, a 10 gram 22K chain is worth about ₹1,33,850.

If your ornaments contain enamel, embedded stones, beads, or inner wax/lac, that weight is separated out so you are paid for genuine gold only.

Want to check your own jewellery right now? Use our old gold value calculator.

Got Questions?

Questions people ask

What does 916 mean on gold jewellery?
916 means the gold is 91.6% pure, which is 22 karat. The remaining 8.4% is other metals added for strength.
Why does my gold test lower than the karat stamped on it?
Older and non-hallmarked jewellery is sometimes made at a lower purity than marked, and solder joints can also lower the result. That is why a test in front of you matters.
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