How Gold Purity Impacts Payouts When You Sell

Read on to learn how the purity of your precious metals impactl le

s the money you get in our all-inclusive gold valuation guide.

If you’ve never sold gold in Australia before, it can feel confusing. Two people can walk into a gold buyer in Brisbane with items that look nearly identical and then walk out with very different offers. That usually raises one big question: why? Gold purity determines the value of your gold.

Gold purity simply explains how much real gold is actually inside your jewellery, coins, or bars. While something may look heavy or valuable, only its pure gold content determines its value when you sell.

What “Purity” Really Means?

Pure gold is naturally very soft. If jewellery were made from pure gold alone, it would bend, scratch, and lose shape easily. That’s why gold is mixed with other metals, such as copper or silver. These added metals make jewellery stronger, but they also reduce the amount of gold in the piece.

So when you hear terms like 18K or 14K, it’s not about quality in general. It’s about how much gold is inside.

Understanding Gold Karats

The purity of gold is expressed in terms of karats. The best way to understand karats is as being levels on a scale. There’s a difference between 24 karat and 22 karat gold, as well as between other purity levels. Here’s a breakdown of each:

• 24K is almost pure gold.

• 22K is of very high purity.

• 18K is common in everyday jewellery.

• 14K contains less gold but is valuable nonetheless.

Why the Weight of Your Gold Alone Isn’t Enough

While many believe that heavier jewellery equals a higher payout, that isn’t necessarily the case. Weight is important, yet only once purity is taken into consideration.

Gold is measured in grams, and even slight variations are taken into account. But what is actually important is how much gold, by weight, is actually gold. Stones, fasteners, and non-gold components are removed for measurement because they do not add to the gold weight.

That’s why a professional buyer will:

How Your Gold is Valued at Cash Your Gold

At Cash Your Gold, our process is simple and clear. Every step is performed in your presence to maintain trust and transparency.

First, your gold is tested for purity using professional XRF technology. This is a non-invasive testing method that safely scans your item using lower-level X-rays to measure exactly how much real gold it contains, without cutting, scratching, or damaging it in any way.

Next, your item is weighed on calibrated digital scales for accuracy.

Lastly, the gold value is then worked out using:

At Cash Your Gold, our staff walks you through and explains all the steps clearly before you decide whether to sell. We support you in making an informed decision, without any pressure or obligation.

Why Jewellery Pays Differently to Gold Bars or Coins

Gold bars and coins are primarily made for investment purposes. They are mostly made from 24K gold and are easy to value, which makes them readily priced close to market value.

Gold jewellery is mainly made of 14K, 18K, or 22K gold. Plus, the stones and hardware are removed before being weighed. There is no value for design or brand when one is selling for gold.

This is why the price per gram of jewellery is usually lower than that of bullion (gold bars or coins), yet jewellery might seem more expensive.

Why the Offer Isn’t Exactly the Spot Price

This is perhaps one of the most common questions first-time sellers have. Usually, after a purchase, the refineries melt the gold and then refine it again before reusing it. Naturally, such a process has its costs, as well as business, security, and market risks involved. As a result, buyers pay slightly below the spot price.

A responsible gold buyer in Australia will explain this to you clearly and charge no more than reasonable margins. Whenever someone is dodgy about explaining what they get, there’s usually something fishy. In such cases, you must probe to ensure you receive a fair payout.

What Hallmarks Tell You (and What They Don’t)

Hallmarks are small stamps that indicate gold purity, such as 750 for 18K or 585 for 14K. They’re helpful, but they’re not the final word. Hallmarks can fade, be missing on older jewellery, or sometimes be inaccurate. That’s why professional testing matters more than relying on stamps alone.

How to Feel Confident When Selling Gold

You don’t need technical knowledge to sell gold and ensure maximum payout. You just need to know the process involved and the importance of every step. Here are a few gold-selling tips you should know:

Look for a buyer who:

At Cash Your Gold, we conduct simple, transparent testing and weighing procedures of your precious metals so you walk out of our store feeling confident and satisfied.

Final Thoughts 

When selling gold, you should feel that things are easy, not rushed or confusing. When you learn about the value of purity and weight, then everything will fall into place, and you can learn at your own speed.

Looking to sell your gold? Cash Your Gold is here to help. Our staff explains your valuation clearly, answers your questions honestly, and offers fair payouts based on live market prices. Just straightforward advice and a process you can feel comfortable with.

📞 Call: 1300 678 175

Or Visit

1. Chermside (North Brisbane)

• Address: Suite 5, 832 Gympie Rd, Chermside, QLD 4032

• Phone: 07 49 390 234

• Email: info@cashyourgold.net.au

• Hours: Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Details: Located opposite Westfield Chermside, with parking available behind the building and easy access via Hamilton Road. 

2. Sunnybank (South Brisbane)

• Address: 6/409 Mains Rd, Macgregor, QLD 4109

• Phone: 07 2142 6862

• Email: info@cashyourgold.net.au

• Hours: Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Details: Conveniently located in the heart of Sunnybank, easily accessible for residents. 

3. Brownsplains (South-West Brisbane)

• Address: Unit 3/3376 Mount Lindesay Hwy, Regents Park, QLD 4118

• Phone: 07 2142 6482

• Email: info@cashyourgold.net.au

• Hours: Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Details: Situated along the Mount Lindesay Highway, this location serves the south-western suburbs of Brisbane.