Paid for by Gold:
How to Find £1,600
Hidden in Your Home
Christmas was brilliant, wasn’t it? The food, the family, the festivities. But then comes the inevitable January reality check: the credit card bill.
Typical customer box
~£1,600
The £1,600 coincidence
A practical money guide to turning unwanted gold and jewellery into cash — locally in Birmingham or nationwide by post.
According to recent data, the average UK household spend for Christmas was £1,626.
That’s a serious dent to start the year.
But here’s what most people miss: the average box of unwanted items our customers bring in is worth ~£1,600.
You likely aren’t in debt. You just have your money tied up in the wrong things. It’s sitting in drawers, attics, and jewellery boxes — gathering dust instead of paying your bill.
£1,600 looks smaller than you think
These are real examples of what customers bring in every week. No gold bars. No treasure chests. Just everyday items.
£1,605.24
£1,681.72
£1,498.57
£1,613.74
£1,701.32
The treasure hunt checklist
Grab a box and check these four spots. Most people find value in at least two.
- Odd earrings: We buy single ones — you don’t need the pair.
- Broken chains: Snapped clasps, kinks, knots — still valuable.
- Out of fashion: If you haven’t worn it in 12 months, sell it.
- Old gold watches: Check the case back (even if broken).
- Signet rings: Rings from 10–20 years ago that no longer get worn.
- Gold cufflinks: Often heavier — heavy means higher value.
- The “not me” items. Don’t let guilt cost you money — turn it into cash you can use.
- Old coins: Watch for Sovereigns or Krugerrands.
- Tea sets / silverware: Check the bottom for hallmarks.
- Broken pocket watches: Cases can hold value even in poor condition.
Is it real? The 3-minute check
Test 1: The Magnet Test
Hold a strong magnet to the item.
- If it sticks: it’s likely plated steel.
- If it ignores the magnet: it’s likely gold or silver.
Test 2: The Hallmark Hunt
Look for tiny stamps inside rings or near clasps:
- 375 = 9ct
- 585 = 14ct
- 750 = 18ct
- 916 = 22ct
Tip: No hallmark? Don’t worry — we can still test it.
Test 3: The “Heavy” Test
Gold is dense. If it feels heavier than it looks, you’re likely holding real value.
You’ve found the gold. Now get the real value.
Don’t do the hard work of finding it, only to lose value through weak rates, hidden fees, or opaque testing.
Lois Bullion vs Others
Simple comparison (scroll on mobile).
| Feature | Lois Bullion | Others |
|---|---|---|
| Price % paid | 94.5% of spot (market-leading) | ~80% (or less) |
| Transparency | Live calculator shows actual price paid | Often shows “spot” only (not what you receive) |
| Fees | None. Instant, same-day bank transfer | Admin/payment fees, delays, deductions |
| Valuation process | Tested in front of you with XRF technology | Often tested off-camera / “out the back” |
| Safety | Secure location + private parking | Busy street counters, pop-up valuers, antique fairs, and ‘we buy gold’ events |
| Postal insurance | FREE fully insured up to £2,500 | Basic cover limits or paid upgrades |
Ready to erase your January bill?
Sell unwanted gold or jewellery today — locally in Birmingham or nationwide by post.
Option A:
I’m Local (Birmingham)
Fastest way to get paid.
- Bring your ID, your bank card, and your items.
- Park for FREE in our secure private car park (Jewellery Quarter).
- Walk out with cash or an instant bank transfer.
Option B:
I’m Nationwide (Postal)
Market-leading rates from anywhere in the UK.
- Request a FREE, fully insured Gold Pack.
- Fill it, seal it, and drop it at the Post Office.
- Get paid the same day we receive it.
Find us in the Jewellery Quarter
41 Frederick Street, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham B1 3HN
Mon–Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sat: 9:30am – 2:30pm
Visit our Birmingham Gold Shop
Private, secure parking on-site (ideal if you’re bringing valuables).
Sources & disclaimers
- Prices subject to market fluctuation.
- “Average Christmas cost” based on MoneySuperMarket data (2025).
- Example box values shown are internal customer examples at the time of valuation.
