Precious Metals Calculator: Your Guide to Gold, Silver & Platinum Values
Looking for a reliable way to determine the true value of your precious metals? Our Precious Metals Calculator gives you instant, accurate valuations based on current market prices, weight, and purity. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in gold, silver, or platinum jewelry, this tool helps you make informed decisions about your precious metal assets.
Why Understanding Precious Metal Values Matters
In today’s volatile market, knowing the true value of your precious metals is essential. Gold prices have reached historic highs of over $3,000 per troy ounce in 2025, making even small jewelry pieces potentially valuable investments.
For collectors of vintage jewelry, understanding the relationship between melt value (the inherent worth of the metal) and the retail or resale price helps you:
- Identify undervalued pieces worth purchasing
- Determine fair selling prices for your collection
- Make informed investment decisions
- Protect yourself from overpaying
How Our Precious Metals Calculator Works
Our calculator provides three key valuations for your gold, silver, or platinum items:
Melt Value Calculation
The melt value represents the intrinsic worth of the pure metal content in your jewelry. This calculation:
- Determines how much pure metal is in your item based on weight and purity
- Applies current market prices to calculate the raw material value
- Shows you exactly what the metal itself is worth
For example, a 10-gram 14K gold ring contains 5.83 grams of pure gold, worth approximately $562 at current market prices.
Retail Value Estimation
Retail prices include factors beyond just metal content:
- Design and craftsmanship costs
- Brand premiums
- Store markups (typically 100-300%)
Our calculator estimates a reasonable retail value based on current market conditions and industry standard markups.
Selling Value Projection
If you’re looking to sell your jewelry, our calculator provides realistic expectations for what different buyers might offer:
- Jewelry stores: 75-85% of melt value
- Pawn shops: 60-75% of melt value
- “Cash for gold” services: 50-70% of melt value
- Metal refiners: 80-95% of melt value
The Importance of Karat and Purity in Precious Metals
Understanding purity is crucial when valuing precious metals:
Gold Purity Guide
| Karat | Purity % | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | Investment gold, some high-end jewelry |
| 22K | 91.7% | Some coins, high-end jewelry |
| 18K | 75.0% | Fine jewelry, engagement rings |
| 14K | 58.3% | Most U.S. jewelry, good durability |
| 10K | 41.7% | Budget jewelry, minimum legal gold content in US |
Silver Purity Guide
- Fine Silver (99.9%): Bullion and some art pieces
- Britannia Silver (95.8%): British silverware
- Sterling Silver (92.5%): Most silver jewelry and flatware
- Coin Silver (90%): Historical U.S. silver coins
Platinum Purity Guide
- Pure Platinum (99.9%): Investment grade
- Jewelry Platinum (95.0%): Most platinum jewelry
- 90% Platinum: Some vintage pieces
- 85% Platinum: Some European jewelry
Investing in Vintage Jewelry: Beyond Melt Value
While our precious metals calculator provides accurate metal valuations, vintage jewelry often carries additional value:
- Craftsmanship: Vintage pieces often feature handcrafted details and techniques rarely used today
- Designer value: Signed pieces from renowned designers command premium prices
- Historical significance: Jewelry from certain eras (Art Deco, Victorian, etc.) has collector value
- Gemstone value: Many vintage pieces contain valuable gemstones not accounted for in melt calculations
Browse our collection of investment-quality vintage jewelry →
How to Use the Precious Metals Calculator
- Select your metal type (gold, silver, or platinum)
- Enter the current market price or use our pre-populated values
- Enter your jewelry’s weight
- Select the appropriate purity/karat
- View your calculated values
- Export results to PDF or CSV for your records
Frequently Asked Questions About Precious Metal Values
What affects gold and precious metal prices?
Market prices for precious metals are influenced by:
- Global economic conditions
- Inflation rates
- Currency values
- Supply and demand
- Geopolitical tensions
For the most current market data, check Kitco’s precious metals charts.
Is jewelry a good investment?
Quality jewelry, especially pieces with high precious metal content, can retain value well during inflation. According to a study by Knight Frank, jewelry has outperformed many traditional investments over certain periods.
How can I verify the karat rating of my gold?
Professional jewelers can test your gold using acid tests or electronic testing devices. Many local jewelers offer this service for a small fee or free with purchase.
Stay Informed About Precious Metal Markets
Understanding market trends helps you make better decisions about buying and selling precious metals:
- Sign up for our monthly precious metals newsletter →
- Read our guide to recognizing undervalued vintage jewelry →
- Learn about the 5 most investable jewelry designers →
The Precious Metals Calculator is designed to provide estimates based on current market conditions. Values may vary based on actual testing of metal content and current market prices. For investment decisions, we recommend consulting with a professional jeweler or financial advisor.
Calculator powered by GoldisJewelry.com – Vintage Jewelry Experts
