Sell with usSell gold necklace: diamond and antique necklaces valued free
Sell a necklace or gold chain to a dealer in antique and vintage jewellery, from a plain curb chain to a diamond rivière. Photograph it laid out flat, send the pictures for a free valuation, and we reply within one working day.
Rated 5/5 on Google · Insured to £10,000 · Paid the same day after inspection
Chains, rivières, collars and antique necklaces
We buy gold chains in every link: curb, belcher, rope, box, fancy and guard chains, including long Victorian muff chains. We buy rivières, where a single line of graduated stones runs round the neck, as well as diamond line and cluster necklaces, fringe necklaces, collars, torques and chokers. Antique pieces include Georgian chains with hand-made links, Victorian collars with locket drops, Edwardian garland necklaces in platinum and Art Deco sautoirs. A necklace that keeps its original length, clasp and case is assessed as a period jewel and not only as gold.
How a necklace is assessed
On a chain we look first at the clasp and the end rings, where the hallmark or a stamp such as 375, 625 or 750 is usually found. Length and link type matter, and so does whether the links are solid or hollow, because hollow links dent and are difficult to repair. On a gem-set necklace we check how well the stones match and graduate, whether the collets are closed or open at the back, and whether the piece is its original length or has been shortened.
Length, case and repairs
Measure the necklace end to end, clasp included, and give us the length in centimetres or inches. Tell us if it has a fitted case, since antique necklaces often survive with the retailer's name printed inside the lid. Mention any kinks, stretched links, old solder repairs or a replaced clasp. If a pendant or locket hangs from the chain, say whether it detaches. Pearl necklaces are handled on their own page, and watch chains on the Albert chain page, both linked below.
What we buy
- Gold chains: curb, belcher, rope, box, guard
- Diamond rivière and line necklaces
- Collars, torques and chokers
- Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian necklaces
- Art Deco sautoirs and long chains
- Lockets and pendants on chains
- Gem-set and fringe necklaces
- Broken or kinked chains
Photographs that help
- The whole necklace laid flat in a circle on a plain surface
- A close view of the clasp and any hallmark or stamp beside it
- A close view of the centre section or the main stones, front and back
- A ruler or tape alongside to show the length, plus any fitted case
Related
- 4,000+customers
- 5/5on Google reviews
- £10,000insured per parcel
- Same daypayment after inspection
- 10+ yearsin business
Three steps, all from home
Get your offer
An instant offer for gold and silver, or a free valuation from photos within one working day.
Send it free and insured
A FedEx courier collects from your door, or post it by Royal Mail Special Delivery. Insured to £10,000.
Paid the same day
We inspect it on arrival, confirm your offer and pay by bank transfer the same day. Change your mind and it comes back free.
Questions about selling necklaces
How do I tell whether my gold chain is solid or hollow?
A hollow chain feels light for its size and often shows small dents along the links. A solid chain of the same pattern is heavier in the hand and its links do not give when pressed gently. Both are bought. Tell us which you think yours is, and photograph any dented or flattened links.
What is a rivière necklace, and how is one assessed?
A rivière is a necklace of single stones, usually graduated in size, each in its own collet and linked in a continuous line. We look at the number of stones, how evenly they match in colour, the style of the collets, and whether the necklace is its original length. Georgian and Victorian rivières with closed, foiled backs must be kept dry.
The clasp is broken or the chain has snapped. Will you still buy it?
Yes. A broken clasp, a snapped link or a knot that will not come undone are ordinary repairs. Send every piece of the chain, including loose links and the clasp, because the hallmark is often on the clasp tag. Do not attempt to pull out a tight knot, as fine links stretch and break.
Do you buy gold chains for their design or only for the gold?
A chain with a good link pattern, a wearable length and sound condition is bought to be worn again. Antique guard chains, long belcher chains and hand-made links are assessed for their period and workmanship. The metal is confirmed at inspection, and every offer is subject to it.
My necklace has a pendant or locket attached. Should I separate them?
Leave them together and photograph them as they are. A locket or drop that is original to its chain is valued with it, and a later chain on an earlier pendant is valued as two pieces. Open any locket and photograph the inside, including the glazed compartment and any inscription.
Ready when you are
Get an instant offer for gold and silver, or send photos of anything else for a free valuation.