How Much Is 18k Gold Worth Today in the UK?

How much is 18k gold worth? The live spot rate for 18k gold in the UK is around £72.6 per gram as of October 9, according to Live Price of Gold, which indicates the raw metal value before jewellers or traders add their markup.

Of course, the amount you’ll pay or get back for jewellery or scrap will differ based on craftsmanship, purity, and demand. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what 18k gold means, how its price is worked out, and what factors really make a difference to how much you’ll end up paying or receiving.

What is 18k Gold?

“18k gold,” also written as 18ct gold or 18 carat gold, refers to an alloy containing 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals (out of 24 parts). In simpler terms, it is 75% pure gold and 25% alloy metals (often copper, silver, palladium, or zinc) to improve strength, durability, and colour.

Difference between 18k and Pure Gold

• Pure gold (24k) is 100% gold, extremely soft, and impractical for everyday wear
• 18k gold trades off some purity for strength and wearability

Therefore, 18k gold has a lovely balance: it shines more like pure gold than lower carats but is harder and longer-lasting than 24k.

18ct Gold vs 18 Carat Gold

These terms are identical in meaning: “ct” is short for carat. So, 18ct gold = 18 carat gold = 18k gold. All denote 75% gold composition.

18k Gold Price Per Gram Today in the UK

Live Price of Gold shows that the live spot value of 18k gold in the UK is approximately £72.6 per gram (buying/selling metal) on October 9, 2025.

Other sources show slight variation. For example, some list £66.33 per gram on October 9, such as Gold Traders UK, as a dealer “paying” rate. Prices can fluctuate frequently and vary as these small discrepancies reflect spreads, commissions, and timing.

How to Calculate the Value of 18k Gold

To understand how that number is derived:

• Start with the spot price of pure gold (24k) per gram in GBP.
• Multiply by 0.75 (because 18k is 75% gold)
• Factor in the 18k gold exchange rate (if the global market price is in USD or EUR)
• Adjust for dealer margins, labour, hallmarking, and processing costs (for jewellery or scrap).

For example, if 24k gold is £92.30/g (approx) then pure-metal basis for 18k is:
 → 0.75 × £92.30 = ~£69.23/g (which matches live 18k rate)

You can find similar calculation discussions at Atkinsons Bullion: 18k = 75% of fine gold price.

Gold Jewellery Prices vs Gold Spot Price

The raw gold in an 18k piece might be around £72.6 per gram, but retail prices are higher. You’re not just buying the metal. You’re also paying for the work that goes into making it, the brand’s overheads, and any gemstones or design details, as well as hallmarking, certification, and regulatory fees.

So if you walk into a boutique and see an 18k gold ring, you won't be paying simply the weight × £72.6; you'll pay for the finished product.

Gold Jewellery vs Gold Spot Price: Overview

How market rates influence jewellery pricing

When gold’s spot price goes up or down, dealers usually tweak their premiums to match.

A sudden jump in gold’s spot price can raise jewellery prices quickly, but in some cases, retailers may delay adjustments or hold older stock at older margins.

Thus, the jewellery price does not equal pure gold price; it’s a hybrid of metal + workmanship + brand premium.

Factors Influencing the Price of 18k Gold

The price of 18k gold doesn’t just appear out of thin air. It’s shaped by a few key factors.

Global Market Trends

Gold is often seen as a “safe haven”, so when things get shaky (inflation, political tension, or a wobbly stock market), more people buy gold, which pushes prices up.

Currency 18k Gold Exchange Rates

Gold is traded worldwide in US dollars, but here in the UK, its price also depends on how strong or weak the pound is. A weaker pound means gold becomes pricier in pounds, even if the dollar price hasn’t changed.

Supply and Demand

Gold mining, recycling, and even central bank activity affect the availability of gold. And when demand for jewellery or the industry rises, so does the price.

Geopolitical Events

Periods of conflict or political turmoil often make gold more attractive because it feels secure when other investments don’t. That confidence drives demand and lifts prices.

Buying Gold in the UK

If you’re thinking of gold as an investment, coins like Sovereigns, Britannias, and Krugerrands or plain bullion bars are the popular choice. They normally track the live market much more closely than jewellery, so your per-gram premium tends to be lower.

Where to Buy Gold in the UK

It’s always safest to buy from respected bullion dealers. Think BullionByPost, Atkinsons, and similar trusted companies. The Royal Mint is another great choice if you want something official; their coins and bars come straight from the source.

Some people buy through online marketplaces, but the key is trust. Only buy gold from recognised, certified sellers with transparent listings. For those who prefer to see the metal, try certified brick-and-mortar gold shops.

And don’t forget to watch live price feeds (GOLD.co.uk, BullionByPost live charts, MetalsDaily) so you can choose a good moment to buy or sell.

Selling Gold and Scrap Gold

Scrap gold (broken jewellery, bits and pieces) is valued largely by weight and purity. Dealers will pay something close to the metal value, possibly ~80-95% of the “ideal” 18k rate, depending on their policies.

When you sell jewellery, the buyer subtracts the non-gold parts (gemstones, settings) and may apply a deduction for refining costs. Shops, pawnbrokers, or specialised gold buyers are the usual channels. Always ask for a breakdown: weight × carat rate = costs!

Selling Gold and Scrap Gold: Overview

Current Value of 18k Gold in the UK: Conclusion

As mentioned earlier, the current raw 18k gold price per gram in the UK is approximately £72.6 (for metal only). Remember that jewellery prices include extra costs, so your real purchase price will be higher.

Gold prices don’t stay still for long. They’re affected by all sorts of things. So if you’re planning to buy or sell, keeping an eye on the spot price and dealer margins is key.

Check out Argent & Asher’s 18k gold jewellery, which is both aesthetic and a great investment piece.