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If you have Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, or Middle Eastern gold jewellery to sell in Birmingham, you need a buyer who understands the unique characteristics of Asian gold—and won’t underpay you because your pieces lack UK hallmarks.

At SMP Bullion and Diamonds in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, we specialise in buying high-purity Asian gold at prices that reflect its true value, not the 9ct rates that many UK dealers offer for unhallmarked pieces.

Why Asian Gold Requires Specialist Buyers

Asian gold is fundamentally different from typical UK jewellery. While British high street pieces are predominantly 9ct (37.5% pure gold), traditional Asian jewellery is crafted in 22ct (91.6% pure) or even 24ct (99.9% pure)—containing more than twice the gold content of standard UK pieces.

This difference is immediately visible in the rich, deep yellow colour that distinguishes Asian gold from the paler tones of lower-carat British jewellery. It’s also reflected in the price: a 22ct piece contains nearly 2.5 times more pure gold than a 9ct piece of the same weight.

The problem? Many UK gold buyers either can’t properly test unhallmarked gold or choose not to—paying 9ct rates regardless of actual purity. On a 50g necklace, this difference could cost you over £2,500.

The Hallmarking Challenge

UK law requires gold sold in Britain to carry official hallmarks from one of four assay offices (London, Birmingham, Sheffield, or Edinburgh). These hallmarks guarantee purity and protect consumers.

Asian gold, however, is typically manufactured under different regulatory systems. Jewellery from India, Pakistan, the Gulf states, and Southeast Asia may carry:

• 916 stamps (indicating 22ct/91.6% purity)
• 22K or 22ct markings
• 750 stamps (18ct)
• Regional hallmarks from local assay systems
• No markings at all

Unfortunately, these stamps don’t carry the same legal weight as UK hallmarks. Some items marked “22ct” test lower when properly analysed. Others with no markings at all prove to be genuine high-purity gold.

This uncertainty is precisely why proper testing matters—and why you need a buyer with the equipment and expertise to verify exactly what you’re selling.

How We Test Asian Gold

At SMP Bullion and Diamonds, we use XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analysis to determine the precise gold content of every item. This technology:

• Provides accurate readings to within 0.1% purity
• Tests the entire piece, not just surface areas
• Works on hallmarked and unhallmarked items alike
• Causes no damage to your jewellery
• Delivers results in minutes

We test every piece individually because we’ve seen significant variations—even within the same collection. A set of bangles might include pieces ranging from 20ct to 23ct despite identical appearance and markings.

Our commitment is simple: we pay based on verified gold content, not assumptions or stamps that may be inaccurate.

Current Prices for Asian Gold

As of January 2026, we’re paying the following rates for verified high-purity gold:

Purity	Price per gram
24ct (999)	£100-104
23ct (958)	£96-99
22ct (916)	£89-92
21ct (875)	£85-88
20ct (833)	£81-84
19ct (792)	£77-80
18ct (750)	£73-75

These rates are updated daily based on the London gold fix. The price you receive depends on verified purity and weight—nothing else.

What this means for typical Asian jewellery:

• 22ct gold bangle set (80g total): approximately £7,120-7,360
• 22ct wedding necklace (40g): approximately £3,560-3,680
• 22ct earrings pair (8g): approximately £712-736
• 24ct gold bar bracelet (25g): approximately £2,500-2,600

Types of Asian Gold We Buy

We purchase all forms of Asian and Middle Eastern gold jewellery:

Indian Gold

• Mangalsutra necklaces
• Temple jewellery sets
• Kundan and Meenakari pieces
• Jhumka earrings
• Kangan bangles
• Maang tikka headpieces
• Nose rings and chains
• Bridal sets (complete or individual pieces)

Pakistani & Bangladeshi Gold

• Choker necklaces
• Heavy bangle sets
• Statement earrings
• Wedding jewellery
• Traditional rani haar

Middle Eastern & Gulf Gold

• Dubai gold sets
• Saudi Arabian jewellery
• Bahraini and Kuwaiti pieces
• 21ct and 22ct traditional designs

Other High-Purity Gold

• Thai gold (often 23ct)
• Malaysian gold
• Singaporean pieces
• Investment bars and ingots

Condition doesn’t matter. We buy broken chains, single earrings, damaged pieces, and items you’ll never wear again. The value is in the gold content, not the appearance.

Why Purity Varies in Asian Gold

You might wonder why jewellery stamped “22ct” sometimes tests at a different purity. Several factors contribute:

Manufacturing standards: Countries like India and Pakistan don’t enforce hallmarking with the same rigour as the UK. Some manufacturers stamp optimistically or inconsistently.

Regional variations: Different regions use different alloy mixes. Gulf gold, Indian gold, and Pakistani gold may all be marked “22ct” but contain slightly different gold percentages.

Wear and repairs: Pieces that have been repaired or resized may have sections of different purity where solder or additional metal was added.

Deliberate misrepresentation: Unfortunately, some jewellery is deliberately under-karated—marked as higher purity than it actually contains.

None of this is your fault, and it doesn’t mean your gold is worthless. It simply means accurate testing is essential to ensure you receive fair payment. At SMP Bullion and Diamonds, we test thoroughly and explain our findings clearly.

The SMP Difference

When you sell Asian gold at SMP Bullion and Diamonds, you receive:

• Accurate XRF testing – We verify every piece using professional-grade equipment, not assumptions based on stamps or appearance.
• Fair payment for actual purity – If your jewellery tests at 20.5ct, we pay the 20.5ct rate—not a rounded-down 18ct rate.
• Transparent calculations – We show you the weight, explain the purity reading, and calculate the price in front of you. No hidden deductions.
• Same-day payment – Accept our offer and leave with cash or instant bank transfer. No waiting for cheques to clear.
• No pressure – Our valuation is free and carries no obligation. If you want time to consider, take it.
• Jewellery Quarter expertise – Located in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, we’re surrounded by 250 years of precious metals heritage. This is what we do.

What to Bring When Selling

To ensure a smooth transaction:

• Your gold jewellery – Any quantity, any condition. We have no minimum.
• Photo ID – A valid passport or driving licence is required under UK anti-money laundering regulations.
• Any documentation – Original receipts, certificates, or valuations can be helpful (though not essential).
• Time – Allow 20-30 minutes for testing and valuation. Larger collections may take longer.

You don’t need an appointment for standard quantities. For substantial collections (over £10,000 estimated value), please call ahead so we can ensure appropriate time and attention.

Common Questions About Selling Asian Gold

Will you pay less because my gold isn’t UK hallmarked?

No. We pay based on verified gold content, not hallmarks. Unhallmarked 22ct gold is worth exactly the same as hallmarked 22ct gold—the gold content is identical.

What if my jewellery tests lower than the stamp suggests?

We pay for what’s actually there. If your “22ct” piece tests at 20ct, we pay the 20ct rate. This is still significantly more than the 9ct rate many dealers offer for all unhallmarked gold.

Do I need to remove stones before selling?

No. We weigh and test pieces complete. For valuable diamonds, we can discuss whether separate sale might benefit you, but routine stones don’t affect the transaction.

Can I sell just one or two pieces?

Absolutely. We welcome everything from single items to entire collections.

What if I inherited jewellery and don’t know what it is?

Bring it in. We’ll test everything, explain what you have, and provide a complete breakdown. There’s no obligation to sell.

Is my cultural or sentimental jewellery worth more than scrap value?

For most pieces, the value is in the gold content. However, antique items, pieces by notable makers, or jewellery with exceptional craftsmanship may have additional worth. We’ll advise if we believe specialist valuation would benefit you.

Can I watch the testing process?

Yes. We test openly and explain results as we go. You’ll see the weight on the scales and the purity reading on the XRF analyser.

Why Sell Now?

Gold prices have reached historic highs and remain exceptionally strong heading into 2026. The 22ct gold price has more than doubled over the past five years, making this an excellent time to convert unwanted jewellery into cash.

Whether you’re selling wedding gold you’ll never wear, inherited pieces that don’t suit your style, or simply taking advantage of high prices, the current market offers genuine opportunity.

Of course, gold remains valuable at any price point. If your jewellery has personal significance, there’s no pressure to sell. But if you have pieces gathering dust that could fund something meaningful—home improvements, education, travel, or simply financial security—current prices make the decision easier.

Visit Us in the Jewellery Quarter

SMP Bullion and Diamonds is located in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, the natural home of precious metals expertise in the Midlands.

We’re easily accessible from across Birmingham and the West Midlands, with excellent transport links and nearby parking. The Jewellery Quarter is also home to the Birmingham Assay Office—one of four UK offices authorised to hallmark precious metals—reflecting the area’s centuries-long association with gold and silver trading.

Ready to sell your Asian gold? Visit us for a free, no-obligation valuation. We’ll test your jewellery, explain exactly what you have, and make a fair offer based on verified gold content and today’s market price.

No appointment necessary. Same-day payment. Honest valuations.

SMP Bullion and Diamonds – the Asian gold specialists in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

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