How Much Do Pawn Shops Pay for Gold? Read the Offer Calculation
There is no fixed percentage that all pawn shops pay for gold. A meaningful comparison starts with tested purity, net metal weight, the dated price reference and the final purchase amount, including any separately considered jewelry or diamond value.
Identify the kind of number you received
A gold purchase offer is the amount a buyer proposes to pay for your items. A metal-content estimate describes a quantity of gold using a chosen reference price. A retail price describes a different transaction again. None of these figures should be silently substituted for another.
Also separate selling from borrowing. The CFPB describes pawn loans as borrowing against an item held as collateral. If you want an outright sale, ask the shop for that offer specifically.
Understand weight, purity and price units
The World Gold Council’s jewelry guide explains that 18K gold contains 75% gold, while 14K is approximately 58.3%. The relevant calculation uses the weight of the gold alloy being assessed, excluding stones and other non-gold parts.
For a hypothetical example, 12 grams of verified 18K gold alloy contains 9 grams of pure gold: 12 × 0.75 = 9. Multiplying those 9 grams by a dated pure-gold reference per gram produces a reference metal-content value. It does not produce a promised purchase offer.
If the reference is quoted per troy ounce, convert it to the same weight unit before multiplying. Do not mix a pure-gold price with a price already adjusted for 18K purity, or apply the purity reduction twice.
Ask what was measured and what was estimated
| Detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Gross item weight | May include stones or non-gold components |
| Net metal weight | The weight actually used for the alloy calculation |
| Tested purity | Mixed-karat pieces need separate treatment |
| Price reference and date | Shows the basis of the estimate |
| Final purchase amount | States what you receive for the agreed items |
A claim such as “we pay a high percentage” is incomplete unless you know the reference amount, items included and deductions. Ask for an explanation in plain language. Our gold-testing and valuation guide covers the examination behind those numbers.
Consider more than the gold calculation
A diamond-set bracelet, signed necklace or collectible coin should not automatically be treated as an anonymous lump of alloy. Ask whether the buyer evaluated the complete item and how that affected the offer. Do not add a separate stone estimate to a whole-piece offer if that offer already includes the stones.
For a local comparison, use the Los Angeles gold-offer checklist. Compare the same collection and request clear payment terms.
Request an evaluation in Downtown Los Angeles
Cash 4 Gold & Diamonds buys scrap gold, gold jewelry, Cuban chains and bracelets with or without diamonds, gold coins and silver coins, including large quantities. Our address is 617 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014. Call 310-663-1340 to discuss your items. Payment is available by cash, bank wire or business check, with the amount and timing agreed for the purchase.
Can I get an accurate offer from weight alone?
No. Purity, non-gold components, the actual items and the buyer’s purchase terms also matter.
Is there a standard pawn-shop payout percentage?
No single percentage applies to every shop or item. Request a final purchase offer and its basis.