How it works
- 1
Get your estimate
Use the calculator. Choose coin, bar or jewellery, enter the details and see an instant estimate from the live gold price. Takes 30 seconds, no form first.
- 30 seconds
- No commitment
- Live prices
You receive: Your estimate and a reference number.
- 2
Send it to the Assay Office
Post it by Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed, with your reference on a slip inside and marked outside. Or walk in with photo ID and your reference. It goes directly to the Crown Assay Office, never to us. Jewellery goes to Birmingham; coins and bars to the office you choose.
- Self-post or walk-in
- Your reference
- Never sent to us
You receive: Your reference, the Assay Office address and your assay form.
- 3
The Assay Office certifies it
The Assay Office weighs, tests and certifies your gold independently. They produce an official certificate of weight and purity, yours to keep whatever you decide.
- Independent
- Official certificate
You receive: The certificate and our confirmed price, calculated from it.
- 4
Get paid
You are paid the same day the refinery settles with us, typically ~7 working days from posting, by bank transfer to your UK account after ID checks.
- Up to 97% of spot
- ~7 working days
- UK bank transfer
You receive: Payment and a full statement.
XRF vs fire assay
The right test for each item, and when your price is fixed.
Coins & bars: XRF
Non-destructive XRF and density testing reads the metal without damaging it. Your spot price is fixed when you confirm your email, provided the parcel arrives within [TBC lock window].
Jewellery: melt & fire assay
Jewellery is melted and fire-assayed, the most accurate method. It is priced on the day of assay, once the real weight and purity are known. We tell you it will be melted before you send.
What if I change my mind?
Sending your gold is an agreement to sell at our rate on the certified result. If you opt out after seeing the result, your gold is returned to you as a certified bar and you cover the Assay Office fee (at cost), return Special Delivery and a £25 admin fee.
Typically £55–£95
The certification is free when you sell.
Compare us to the competition
| Feature | Bullion Refinery | BullionByPost | gold.co.uk | Atkinsons | High street |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate on coins & bars | Up to 98.5% | 96% | 97% | ~100%* | 70–85% |
| Rate on scrap/jewellery | 91–97% by weight | 70–96% by weight | 69–95% by weight | 90% flat | 70–80% |
| Who tests your gold? | Independent Crown Assay Office | In-house | In-house | In-house | Shop counter |
| Independent certificate | Yes, yours to keep | No | No | No | No |
Competitor rates taken from their public websites on 4 November 2026. Rates change; check before you sell.