"18-carat is what jewellers reach for when they want the real colour of gold. Per gram, it's worth roughly twice 9ct — and it deserves to be valued accordingly."
Sell 18ct gold in St Helens.
Why 18ct pays a premium
Gold purity is what drives the per-gram price. 18-carat is 750 parts per thousand pure gold — exactly twice the purity of the more common 9-carat (375 fine), and meaningfully higher than 14ct (585). When we weigh your 18ct items and apply the live spot rate, that purity ratio carries directly through into the offer.
The visual difference is real too. 18ct yellow gold has the deep, warm colour most people picture when they hear "real gold" — partly because it's three-quarters pure metal, partly because the 25% alloy is balanced for warmth rather than just hardness. It's why high-end designer houses tend to work in 18ct rather than 9ct.
Common 18ct items we buy
- · Italian rope and figaro chains (often hallmarked 750)
- · Designer pieces — Cartier, Tiffany, Bulgari, Boodles
- · Solitaire engagement rings in 18ct settings
- · Signet rings (heavy, often inherited)
- · Charm bracelets in solid 18ct
- · Tennis bracelets and eternity rings
- · Solid gold cufflinks and dress studs
Yellow, white, rose — the colour question
All three are still 18ct. Yellow uses the traditional copper-and-silver alloy. White is alloyed with palladium (or, in older pieces, nickel) and often rhodium-plated for the bright finish. Rose is heavier on copper, giving the warm pink colour. We pay the same per-gram for the gold content of all three — colour doesn't change the maths.
If you also have 9ct or 22ct in the bag, we'll separate them in front of you and price each pile correctly.
Hallmark cheat sheet
375
9ct — 37.5% pure
585
14ct — 58.5% pure
750
18ct — 75% pure
We test every piece regardless of stamp — hallmarks wear down, get faked or are simply wrong. The acid and electronic test happens in front of you.
What happens when you visit
- Step 01
We sort 9ct, 18ct, 22ct in front of you
- Step 02
Test each piece — acid or XRF
- Step 03
Weigh, deduct stones and non-gold parts
- Step 04
Single, honest figure — cash on the spot
Questions about 18ct gold
Q.01
Is 18ct really worth twice what 9ct is worth?
By weight, yes — almost exactly. 18ct is 750 parts per thousand pure gold; 9ct is 375. So gram-for-gram, 18ct contains roughly twice the pure gold content and pays roughly twice the per-gram figure.
Q.02
How do I tell 18ct from 9ct at home?
Look for hallmarks. '750' or '18ct' inside a ring band or on a chain clasp indicates 18-carat. The colour is also typically richer and warmer than 9ct, which has a paler, more yellowish tone because of its higher copper content.
Q.03
Do you buy 18ct white and rose gold too?
Yes — purity is what matters, not colour. 18ct white gold is 750 fine alloyed with white metals (often palladium); 18ct rose is alloyed with copper. Both pay the same per-gram for the gold content.
Q.04
What about designer 18ct pieces — Cartier, Tiffany, Bulgari?
Designer 18ct can carry a premium well above its scrap weight when the piece is recognisable, complete and in resalable condition. Bring boxes, dust bags or papers if you have them — it makes a real difference to the offer.
Related: 9ct gold · engagement rings · chains
Visit St Helens Gold
St Helens Gold
Located inside Cash Generator St Helens
No appointment needed — just walk in any day for a free valuation and same-day payment for your gold.
"Best price in town and paid in cash within 15 minutes. So easy."
"Friendly, fair and quick. Will definitely be back."
"Got more than I expected for my old chain — highly recommend."