The short version
- Typical range: £40 – £400
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Jewellery & Watches
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used gold necklace is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for gold necklaces, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £400 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £340 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £260 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £180 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £100 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a gold necklace
- Higher carat gold with a legible hallmark
- Solid rather than hollow chain construction
- Working, secure clasps
- Recognised makers and designer pieces
What lowers it
- Hollow chains, which weigh and sell for far less
- Broken or weak clasps
- Kinks and stretched links
- Missing hallmarks
How to work out what yours is worth
- Weigh the chain and note the carat mark
- Check whether the chain is solid or hollow
- Test the clasp opens and closes securely
Once you have those three answers you can place your own gold necklace on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
How is a gold necklace valued?
By carat and weight primarily. Solid chains are worth considerably more than hollow ones of the same appearance.
How can I tell if a chain is hollow?
Hollow chains feel unusually light for their size. It makes a large difference to value, so weigh it and say so honestly.
Does a broken clasp matter?
It is a cheap repair, so it lowers the price only slightly. Mention it rather than letting the buyer discover it.
More value guides: jewellery & watches guides · all value guides · browse live jewellery & watches listings.