It’s funny how jewellery tells stories — some bright and beautiful, others a bit bittersweet. Maybe it’s an engagement ring that no longer fits your life, a gold necklace from a family estate, or that pair of diamond earrings that’s been sitting untouched for years. Whatever the reason, there comes a time when letting go of a piece feels right — or even necessary.
That was me not long ago. I’d been holding onto a few gold items for sentimental reasons, but between a house move and a need to declutter (thanks, minimalism trend), I decided it was time to see what they were actually worth. And let me tell you — selling jewellery in Perth is a bit of an art. There are plenty of options, but not all are created equal.
If you’ve ever typed “best place to sell jewellery Perth” into Google, you’ll know the results can feel overwhelming. Pawnbrokers, online gold buyers, private dealers — each promising “top dollar” and “instant cash.” But after a bit of digging (and a few awkward in-store experiences), I figured out what actually matters and who’s genuinely worth your time.
Understanding What You’re Selling — and Why That Matters
Before you even walk into a shop, it’s worth taking a moment to understand your jewellery. Is it fine gold? Vintage? Designer? Gemstone-heavy? Each piece has its own story — and its own market value.
Gold, for example, is valued mostly on purity and weight. 24-karat is pure gold, but most jewellery is 18K or 14K, meaning it’s mixed with other metals for durability. A trained gold buyer will check this carefully before making an offer.
On the other hand, if your item has diamonds or brand significance — think Tiffany, Cartier, or even local designer pieces — it might be worth more sold as jewellery rather than just scrap gold.
That’s where choosing the right place in Perth becomes crucial. The best buyer for your grandmother’s antique brooch isn’t necessarily the same as the best for a simple gold chain.
The Types of Buyers You’ll Come Across
After visiting a handful of spots around Perth — from city jewellers to suburban gold exchanges — I noticed three main types of buyers. Each has its pros and cons, depending on what you’re selling and what you want out of the deal.
1. Jewellery Stores That Buy Back
Many traditional jewellers, especially those in Perth’s CBD or Subiaco, will buy back gold or second-hand pieces. They’re usually reputable and experienced with precious metals. The benefit is trust — you know who you’re dealing with. The downside? They often pay slightly less because they resell through official channels or melt the gold for reuse.
2. Specialist Gold Buyers and Precious Metal Dealers
If you’re mainly selling gold — not designer jewellery — these are often your best bet. They test your items on the spot, weigh them precisely, and base the offer on the live gold market price. It’s quick, transparent, and usually offers the best rates.
In my experience, specialist dealers tend to be fair and efficient — they’re not emotionally invested in your pieces; they’re focused on purity and weight. When I sold my gold chain, I found this approach refreshingly straightforward.
For those exploring this route, you might want to check out the best place to sell jewellery Perth — a local buyer known for being honest about appraisals and offering clear, no-pressure service.
3. Pawnshops and Online Marketplaces
Then there are pawnshops and online platforms like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. While you can sometimes snag a good deal, the experience is hit-and-miss. Pawnshops tend to offer lower prices because they factor in resale risk, and online sales carry safety concerns and time delays.
If you’re not in a hurry and don’t mind negotiating, selling privately can work — but if you prefer something secure and same-day, a licensed gold buyer is usually the smarter move.
What I Learned About Gold Prices (and How to Avoid Being Underpaid)
One thing I didn’t realise at first was how often people sell their jewellery without understanding the spot price of gold. This is the current trading price per gram of gold on the international market, and it changes daily.
When you go to a buyer, ask them to show you that day’s rate and how they calculate your payout. If they can’t explain it clearly — walk away.
Also, weigh your pieces at home beforehand if you can. Even a cheap kitchen scale gives you a ballpark idea. I did this and found one shop’s “quick estimate” was off by nearly 15%!
Transparency is key. The reputable gold buyers will not only test your gold in front of you but also explain purity marks and how they reach the final figure.
A Few Perth Spots Locals Tend to Recommend
Now, I’m not here to list every gold dealer in town — that’s what Google’s for — but I can tell you where locals often have positive experiences.
- Perth Mint (East Perth) – While they don’t buy all types of jewellery, they’re a great reference point for gold value and trustworthiness.
- Local gold buyers in Subiaco, Joondalup, and Morley – Many of these smaller, family-run businesses offer competitive rates and genuinely friendly service.
- Independent jewellers – If your piece has gemstones or craftsmanship value, a jeweller might give a higher offer than a standard gold dealer.
Honestly, the best thing you can do is get two or three quotes. I know it sounds tedious, but it’s worth the extra time. My offers ranged by hundreds of dollars — for the same items!
The Emotional Side of Selling Jewellery
This might sound odd in an article about selling valuables, but for many people — myself included — parting with jewellery is emotional. You’re not just selling gold; you’re closing a chapter.
That’s why it helps to deal with someone respectful and patient. A good buyer doesn’t rush you or make you feel silly for asking questions. They understand it’s more than a transaction.
One of the best experiences I had was with a Perth buyer who took the time to explain where the gold would go after it was melted down and recycled. There was something comforting about knowing it would be reused in new pieces — continuing its story in a way.
How to Spot a Reputable Buyer
A few quick red flags and green lights to keep in mind:
Licensing and transparency: Check that they’re licensed precious metal dealers. It’s usually displayed in-store.
Clear testing process: The buyer should test your items in front of you using acid or XRF (X-ray fluorescence).
No pressure: If someone’s pushing you to sell now or promising “cash above market rate,” that’s a red flag.
Fair rates and receipts: Always get a written receipt for your transaction.
The reputable ones will happily explain everything and even encourage you to compare offers before deciding.
What Happens After You Sell
Curious what happens to your jewellery after you hand it over? Most gold pieces are melted down, refined, and reused in new products — from jewellery to electronics. Gemstones may be resold individually.
In a way, your piece lives on. It’s not an ending — just a transformation.
And financially, it can be surprisingly freeing. I used part of my payout to fund a weekend trip down south — not a bad trade for something that had been collecting dust in a drawer for years.
Final Thoughts: It’s About Value — Not Just Price
If there’s one thing I took away from the process, it’s this: finding the best place to sell jewellery in Perth isn’t just about chasing the highest offer. It’s about finding someone you trust, who values your items — and your experience — properly.
Perth might not be the biggest city, but it’s full of reputable, professional gold buyers who genuinely care about fair trade and customer satisfaction. You just need to know where to look, and not be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t feel right.
So, if you’ve got a few forgotten treasures tucked away, maybe it’s time to see what they’re worth. Who knows — you might walk out with more than just extra cash. You might leave with a bit of closure, a lighter heart, and a story to tell.
