Most people have no idea how much their gold jewellery weighs, which makes it hard to know what it is worth. This chart gives typical weight ranges for common Australian jewellery so you can get a realistic starting point before you sell, insure or divide an estate.
Typical gold jewellery weights
Ranges are for solid gold items and are a guide only. Hollow pieces weigh far less, and stones, clasps and springs add weight that is not gold.
| Item | Typical weight (grams) |
|---|---|
| Stud earrings (pair) | 0.5 – 2 g |
| Small hoop earrings (pair) | 1 – 4 g |
| Small pendant or charm | 0.5 – 3 g |
| Fine chain, about 45 cm | 1.5 – 4 g |
| Medium belcher or curb chain, about 50 cm | 6 – 20 g |
| Heavy chain, 55 – 60 cm | 25 – 80 g or more |
| Fine bracelet | 2 – 6 g |
| Heavy curb or belcher bracelet | 15 – 40 g |
| Solid bangle | 8 – 25 g |
| Hollow bangle | 3 – 8 g |
| Thin wedding band (2 – 3 mm) | 2 – 4 g |
| Wide wedding band (5 – 6 mm) | 5 – 10 g |
| Engagement or dress ring (metal only) | 2 – 5 g |
| Men's signet ring | 5 – 15 g |
| Fob or watch chain | 15 – 50 g |
Weight isn't the same as gold content
Jewellery is an alloy. The purity stamp tells you how much of the weight is pure gold:
- 9ct (375) is 37.5% gold, so a 10 g 9ct chain holds about 3.75 g of pure gold.
- 14ct (585) is 58.5% gold.
- 18ct (750) is 75% gold.
- 22ct (916) is 91.6% gold.
See our gold purity guide for every stamp.
How to weigh your gold at home
- Use a digital kitchen or postage scale that reads to at least 1 g. One that reads to 0.1 g is better for small items.
- Weigh items separately so you can match each weight to its purity stamp.
- Remove anything that isn't part of the piece, such as tags, cords or watch movements.
- Remember that stones and non-gold parts are not counted when a buyer works out your offer.
Turn the weight into a value
Once you know the weight and purity, enter both into the estimator on our gold prices page. It uses today's live gold price to give an indicative figure. Any final offer is based on tested purity and net gold weight.
Using this chart
Journalists, bloggers and educators are welcome to reference this chart. Please link back to this page as the source.
Questions? Call 0469 838 242 or email admin@mailyourgold.com.au.