- Jewelry Identifier
- Jewelry melt value
- 18K chain
* Jewelry melt value
How much is a 18K gold chain worth?
A typical solid 18K gold chain (~15 g, no stones) is worth about $1,612 in melt value as of August 29, 2026 — scrap offers usually land near $1,370 (~85% of melt). Plain chains in this karat commonly weigh 4–30 g ($430–$3,224 melt).
Published July 11, 2026 · Updated August 29, 2026
18K gold chain — live estimate
- Typical weight
- 15 g (4–30 g)
- Melt (typical)
- $1,612
- Scrap (~85%)
- $1,370
- Melt range
- $430 – $3,224
- Scrap range
- $365 – $2,740
- Per-gram melt
- $107/g
How to weigh your chain
Weigh the chain flat on a scale. Plated or filled chain stamped GF/HGE is not solid karat gold — check the stamp first.
Then multiply gold-only grams × $107 for melt, or × $91.34 for a realistic scrap ballpark. Need an exact weight page? See 18K gold by gram.
What counts as a typical chain?
loose chain by the inch, leftover repair chain, and chain lots.
Next steps
- Confirm the 18K stamp via the hallmark guide.
- Weigh gold only; exclude stones and non-gold findings.
- Compare scrap offers to $1,370 and consider selling intact if the piece is branded or gem-set.
- Unsure of the metal? Scan it in the Jewelry Identifier app first.
* Frequently asked
FAQ
- Q. How much is a 18K gold chain worth today?
- A. At a typical 15 g weight, about $1,612 melt / $1,370 scrap as of August 29, 2026. Your piece may differ — multiply its gold-only weight in grams by $107/g.
- Q. What does a 18K chain usually weigh?
- A. Plain chains (no large stones) commonly fall between 4 g and 30 g. That is loose chain by the inch, leftover repair chain, and chain lots.
- Q. How much pure gold is in a typical 18K chain?
- A. 18K is 75.0% gold, so ~15 g of 18K contains about 11.25 g of pure gold.
- Q. Should I sell my chain for scrap or intact?
- A. Scrap pays near melt. Designer, branded, or gem-set chains often sell for more intact via a jeweler or marketplace. Compare both before melting.
* Try it
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