How much is 14k gold usually worth per gram at a pawn shop?

If you're thinking of selling or pawning 14k gold, you want a clear, practical sense of what to expect per gram and why offers vary. This guide explains how pawn shops value 14k gold, the math they use, and steps to get a fair price without unnecessary haggling.

Quick checklist

• Check the item for karat marks and weight in grams

• Ask for a current scrap gold rate quote from the shop

• Expect a payout below spot price to cover shop margins and testing costs

• Bring ID and original paperwork if available

How pawn shops set prices for 14k gold

Pawn shops don't typically pay the full market or "spot" price for gold. Instead, they calculate based on the metal content, local scrap value, and a margin to cover overhead, testing, and potential resale risk. For 14k gold, the shop first determines the purity: 14 karat equals 58.3% pure gold. That percentage is applied to the current gram price of pure gold, then the shop subtracts a dealer margin and any fees they factor in.

Typical percentages and dealer margins

Expect a pawn shop to pay somewhere between 50% and 85% of the melt value for 14k items, depending on condition, local demand, and whether the piece has resale value as jewelry beyond its metal. Items with gemstones, designer marks, or intact chains can fetch a higher effective price because the shop can sell them as jewelry rather than melting them. If the shop intends to melt the item, the offer will be closer to pure scrap pricing after the karat calculation and margin deduction.

Quick math example you can use

Take the current gram price of pure gold, multiply by 0.583 (58.3%) for 14k content, then multiply by the payout percentage the shop offers (for example 70%). For instance, if pure gold is 80 per gram: 80 × 0.583 = 46.64; 46.64 × 0.70 ≈ 32.65 per gram to the seller. That final number is what you should compare to offers.

You meet a seller on the street with a small 14k chain and a cheap kitchen scale. You weigh it and get a rough gram figure, then ask the shop for a scrap quote. This quick test helps you avoid lowball offers.

How testing and condition affect offers

Shops test karats with acid or electronic testers; accuracy matters because an incorrect karat assumption changes the whole calculation. Tarnish, soldered repairs, or heavy non-gold components reduce value because they lower net gold weight or increase processing time. If the piece is clearly designer or in excellent condition, expect a better offer because the shop can market it for retail.

Negotiation tips and when to walk away

Be ready to show that you understand the math: state the purity, your weight, and what the melt-value math implies. Ask the pawnbroker to show their calculation and how much they intend to pay per gram. If they refuse to test or explain, or the offer is dramatically below your calculation, walk away — there are typically multiple shops within reach in many areas, including in Vancouver.

Other ways to increase your payout

If you have original receipts, designer boxes, or appraisals, bring them. Clean the piece gently so it looks presentable (but do not remove patina that could be part of the finish); better presentation helps shops see resale value beyond scrap. Consider selling directly to a private buyer or through a trusted marketplace if the item is collectible or designer — those routes can exceed pawnshop scrap offers, though they take time.

When pawning versus selling makes sense

Pawning gives a short-term loan using the gold as collateral — you'll receive less than a sale but retain a chance to reclaim the item. Selling outright yields immediate cash and often a slightly higher upfront number from buyers who specialize in jewelry, but pawnbrokers sometimes pay a bit more for items they believe they can loan against or retail. Know the difference and choose based on whether you want to keep the piece eventually.

Key takeaway

• Verification drives the number: weight and purity first, everything else second.

• Sorting and clear disclosure reduce friction and tighten offers.

• Paperwork helps context, but testing decides what's real.

• If stones matter, treat them as a separate question unless documented.

• Compare using sold prices and subtract time and risk to judge the real difference.