If you are looking for a gold buyer in Australia, you may wonder who pays more for gold jewellery, gold coins, or scrap gold. With gold prices staying high in 2026, many Australians want to sell their gold and get the best cash return.

The truth is simple: not all gold buyers pay the same, and not all gold items give the same value. In this guide, we explain who pays more, why prices differ, and how you can choose the best gold buyer for your gold.

Understanding Different Types of Gold

Before choosing a gold buyer, you need to know what type of gold you have. Buyers value each type differently.

Gold Jewellery

Gold jewellery is very common in Australian homes.

  • Usually 18K or 22K

  • Mixed with copper or silver

  • Includes rings, chains, bangles, earrings

Most buyers treat jewellery as scrap gold, not fashion items.

Gold Coins

Gold coins are mainly bought for investment.

  • Usually 24K (99.9% pure)

  • Easy to test and resell

  • High demand from investors

Coins are often the most valuable when selling.

Scrap Gold

Scrap gold includes:

  • Broken jewellery

  • Old chains

  • Single earrings

  • Dental gold

Scrap gold is valued only by weight and purity.

Who Pays More for Gold Jewellery?

Most gold buyers in Australia pay less for jewellery compared to coins.

Why Jewellery Pays Less

  • Making charges are not included

  • Stones are removed

  • Design value is ignored

  • Purity is lower than coins

Average payout:

  • 80–85% of gold’s spot price

Best Buyers for Jewellery

  • Local licensed gold buyers

  • Refiners

  • Jewellery recycling buyers

Tip:
Always compare at least 3 gold buyers before selling jewellery.

Who Pays More for Gold Coins?

Gold coins usually get the highest payout.

Why Coins Pay More

  • Very high purity (24K)

  • Easy to resell

  • Strong demand across Australia

Average payout:

  • 95–98% of spot price

Best Buyers for Coins

  • Bullion dealers

  • Banks

  • Online gold buyers

Important:
Avoid pawn shops. They often pay 20–30% less.

Who Pays More for Scrap Gold?

Scrap gold prices depend fully on weight and purity.

Scrap Gold Pricing

  • No emotional or design value

  • Melt value only

  • Fair pricing if purity is tested correctly

Average payout:

  • 85–90% of spot price

Best Buyers for Scrap Gold

  • Gold refiners

  • Licensed scrap gold buyers

  • Established cash-for-gold stores

Comparison: Jewellery vs Coins vs Scrap Gold

Gold Type Average Payout Best Buyer Type
Jewellery 80–85% Licensed gold buyers
Coins 95–98% Bullion dealers & banks
Scrap Gold 85–90% Refiners

Winner:
👉 Gold coins pay the most in almost all cases

How to Choose the Best Gold Buyer in Australia

Not every gold buyer is trustworthy. Use these tips to stay safe.

Smart Selling Tips

  • Check daily gold rates

  • Ask for purity testing in front of you

  • Avoid buyers who rush or pressure you

  • Get a written receipt

  • Choose licensed buyers only

Extra tip:
Online gold buyers often pay more because they have lower overhead costs.

When Should You Sell Your Gold?

  • Sell coins when prices peak

  • Sell scrap gold anytime prices are strong

  • Sell jewellery during festive seasons for slightly better offers

If jewellery has emotional value, consider holding it.

Final Verdict: Who Pays More?

If you are selling gold in 2026:

  • Gold coins give the highest return

  • Scrap gold gives fair value

  • Gold jewellery pays the least due to deductions

Choosing the right gold buyer in Australia can increase your payout by 10–15%.

Final Advice

Before selling, weigh your gold, check purity, and compare offers.
A little research can put thousands of extra dollars in your pocket.