What is Great Britain Gold?
Table of Contents
The history of gold jewelry in Great Britain goes back to the Iron Age, when ironworking was first introduced to Europe. Modern influences have shaped gold jewelry making and buying in the region as well.
Gold jewelry from Great Britain can be as low as 9 karat, which is considered low karat. This gold is 37.5% gold and may be marked with the following numbers:
- 9k
- 375
As we stated above, popular ornamental jewelry in Great Britain is most often 9 karat gold. Charm bracelets are especially popular in Great Britain, with tourists scooping up charms in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It’s also important to mention that gold jewelry in Great Britain has been recently influenced by its Indian and Pakistani populations, therefore gold jewelry pieces of greater karat are making their way into the market, with 22 karat, 18 karat, 14 karat and 12 karat pieces gaining in popularity.
Coins
Great Britain has a long and rich history in producing gold coins. In this section we’ll take a look at various groups of coins that are considered valuable among collectors.
Ancient and Medieval Coins
The coins below are highly valuable, very rare and often one-of-a-kind. Many of them have modern reproductions that can be purchased. It’s also important to note that there are many fakes or counterfeits in existence, so it’s important to work with a reputable dealer, especially when looking to sell or collect some of the older coins.
- Ancient Great Britain, Sacrificing of a Bull, 20 AD to 43 AD
- Medieval Great Britain, Coenwulf penny, 796 AD to 821 AD
- Medieval Great Britain, Henry VIII Testoon, 1509 to 1547
- Medieval Great Britain, Pound or Half Pound, Elizabeth, 1594 to 1596
- Great Britain, Half Crown, William and Mary, 1689 to 1693
Modern Great Britain Commemorative Coins
These coins were minted on special occasions in the kingdom’s history.
- Great Britain, 60th Coronation Coin
- Great Britain, Charles Dickens – 200 Year Commemorative Coin
- Great Britain, 50 pence
- Great Britain, 5 pound, (Princess Diana, Gold Jubilee, Golden Anniversary)
Gold Coins
These gold coins come in varying denominations and are often made in various precious metals as well.
- Great Britain, Britannia Gold Bullion Coins, 1987 to Date
- Isle of Man, Half and Full Sovereign, 2 Pounds and 5 Pounds, 1973 to 1985
- Great Britain, Half and Full Sovereign, 1957 to Date
What parts of Great Britain does Great Britain gold come from?
Gold mining in Great Britain has a long history dating back to the ancient Romans. To this day, large caches of gold from the Roman period are found with the use of metal detectors throughout Great Britain. Gold mining production hit a peak between 1860 and 1909, when more than 7,000 pounds of gold was mined in the area. In the UK, gold is found in Scotland, North Wales and Southwestern England.
More on gold in the UK
In Northern Ireland it is estimated that 15 million ounces of gold is yet to be mined in a 30-mile stretch of land at Clontibret, County Monaghan. Gold is found in many of Ireland’s rivers, including the River Dargle and the rivers in County Waterford and County Wickford.
In the South Crofty mine in Cornwall, UK a tin and copper mine that was closed in the 1980’s recently found “commercial levels” of gold when bits of the precious metal were found during an exploratory drilling session. Now scientists believe this area may be as rich in gold as some of California’s mines during the gold rush of the 1800’s.
How many karats is Great Britain gold?
Many times when people refer to gold in Great Britain, they’re referring to the British Gold Sovereign, a coin, which was used at the height of the British empire and minted throughout the globe in places like Bombay, Canada, Perth, Melbourne and Pretoria. This coin is 22 karat gold.
On the other hand, gold jewelry in Great Britain is most often 9 karat, but because of recent influence from Indian and Pakistani populations, 22 karat gold is found, as is 12 karat, 14 karat and 18 karat.
How to tell if it’s Great Britain gold or not?
If you’re looking to authenticate a British Sovereign coin, the best thing to do is bring the coin to a trusted, reputable dealer. A dealer will know what to look for and will give you the most fair price. When looking at gold jewelry pieces in the UK and Great Britain there are a few different things to look for. In 1972 Great Britain began to use the common control mark, which is a hallmark used across the globe to identify real gold pieces. These marks are inscribed at the bottom of the gold and let you know that the gold is real. Since most gold in the UK is 9 karat, you will often see either a “9k” or a “375”.
Can you sell Great Britain gold in the United States?
Yes. Keep in mind, Great Britain gold jewelry is most often 9 karat, but it can range in karat and in value, which is why it’s important to work with a trusted dealer when you’re looking to buy or sell Great Britain or UK gold. A reputable dealer will be honest about the value of your item and will know what to look for when authenticating a British Sovereign coin.
Can you buy Great Britain gold jewelry?
Yes. Whether you’re looking to purchase a British Sovereign coin or a piece of gold jewelry from Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland or England, you have a few different options. You can purchase the item from the markets of the United Kingdom or you could purchase on the internet. As always, it’s important to work with a reputable, trusted dealer so you are given the most fair deal and the most fair assessment.
Choose Crown Gold Exchange
Crown Gold Exchange holds the utmost respect for you and your valuables. When you visit one of our locations, we make sure that you feel welcome, and that your property is protected. We use industry-standard equipment to ensure accurate measurement of your valuables, and we have a special process to keep your valuables safe. Our accuracy enables us to offer you top dollar, and we have several different payment methods available for your convenience, so you won’t be waiting around to get paid
Crown Gold Exchange will purchase any kind of gold you bring us, including 8-karat, 10-karat, 14-karat, 18-karat, 21-karat, 22-karat, 24-karat, or anything else. We buy gold bars, gold bullion, gold jewelry and some gold plated items like pocket watches. If you happen to be in possession of an exclusive piece made by a top gold designer such as Cartier, Tiffany, Rolex, or Patek Philippe, we will often pay more than the weight of the item. Such special pieces often command a higher price on the secondary market due to their superior craftsmanship.