Gold prices are now near an all-time high of $3,315/oz, or approximately $106.59/gram. If you’ve been thinking about selling a gold pendant—whether it’s vintage, religious, hand-carved, or simply a basic gold piece—now may be the perfect time. Below, we’ll go through some popular types of pendants, as well as 5 examples of unique gold pendants and calculate their estimated intrinsic value based on their gold content.
But first, what exactly do we mean when we say “pendant”? A pendant is a small decorative object that hangs from a chain, typically worn around the neck as part of a necklace. So, not the necklace itself, although a lot of people also sell the necklace to us as part of the pendant if it’s made of gold as well. It’s the part that dangles from a necklace — like a charm, locket, or jewel — and it’s often the focal point of the piece.
Pendants are often made of gold and silver, which of course are the types that you’re going to be able to make money by selling, and are the kinds that we’re most interested in. Here are a few different popular types of gold pendants that you may be familiar with:
Cross & Religious Pendants – Popular faith symbols like crosses, saints, and the Star of David.
Initials & Nameplates – Personalized with initials or names, often custom-made.
Zodiac Signs – Astrology-themed pendants with zodiac symbols or constellations.
Heart Pendants – Classic symbols of love, popular for gifts and anniversaries.
Lockets – Hinged pendants that open to hold photos or messages.
Evil Eye & Hamsa – Worn for protection and spiritual symbolism.
Gemstone Pendants – Gold pendants featuring birthstones or natural gems.
Animal Designs – Pendants shaped like cats, butterflies, elephants, and more.
Buddha & Spiritual Icons – Features Buddha, lotus flowers, or other peaceful symbols.
Minimalist Shapes – Simple gold circles, bars, or geometric styles for everyday wear.
When it comes to selling your gold pendant, the shape and symbolism behind it really doesn’t matter much. In most cases, pendants will be bought for their intrinsic gold value – it doesn’t matter if it’s a cross or a snake. However, at Cash for Gold Mailer, we review each piece for rarity, popularity, and luxury brand value just in case before determining the offer amount.
When it comes to selling carved gold pendants, most pieces are valued primarily for their scrap gold content. While these items may feature attractive hand engraving, gemstone accents, or vintage flair, in most cases they don’t carry a premium over melt value unless they come from a highly recognized designer or are in pristine, sought-after condition.
That means the weight and purity of the gold are the most important factors when estimating what you’ll get paid. While artistic elements can be beautiful and sentimental, they usually don’t increase the payout unless the pendant is part of a collectible or designer line.
At Cash for Gold Mailer, we focus on the intrinsic value of your item—the pure gold (or silver, or gemstone) content—based on its weight and purity. This method ensures a fair, accurate, and transparent way to calculate your offer, especially now that gold prices are at all-time highs.
In rare cases, we pay higher than scrap gold rates for your gold pendants. When? When you’ve got a premium brand in great condition. Think the likes of Cartier, Tiffany & Co, and Bvlgari. If you’ve got a premium brand, it can fetch a premium price.
We provide free, insured shipping, quick analysis, and instant payments if you accept our offer. And if you don’t? We send it back safely at no cost to you. Want to get a valuation? Request a cash for gold mailer now!
At Cash for Gold Mailer, we don’t rely on guesswork or formulas alone. Our team takes time to examine craftsmanship, materials, and resale potential. If your pendant includes:
…then there’s a chance it’s worth more than just the gold. But it’s worth at least it’s value in gold, and with gold near at all-time highs (as of writing this in April 2025), you could be looking at a significant payout.
The value of a gold bracelet depends on:
To estimate the value of a gold pendant:
For detailed explanations and examples of gold pricing, you can check out our scrap gold evaluation blog here. But if you don’t want to see a lot of details and just want some cool example pricing, take a look at a few pendants we’ve recently purchased and how much they were worth below!
This small but elegant pendant is a hand-engraved rose gold cross. Though lightweight, its artistry and symbolism may add sentimental value, but cross pendants are rarely worth more than their intrinsic value of gold.
This is a small cross weighing only 1.6 grams, so even though the purity is high at 18K, it isn’t worth too much.
This vintage pendant combines rich yellow gold with a finely carved coral flower. The weight and detail make it a valuable item.
Understandably, this piece didn’t tickle the fancy of the owner when they inherited it. That isn’t uncommon. Unusual looking pieces like this probably aren’t worn much and are better off being sold. We buy lots of pieces like this, and now that they’re often worth $1k+ it can be an easy decision to sell. Trading in a gaudy piece for a plane ticket? Why not!
This ornate double-sided pendant features dragon-themed jade carving, enhanced with peridot and gold. Jade doesn’t have much monetary value, but it certainly looks good on a pendant.
As a 14k gold piece that is quite heavy like this, it can be worth quite a bit despite being 14k gold. We’ll frequently split pieces like this into its different elements (gold, silver, jade, diamonds) to determine their value individually, ensuring you get the maximum intrinsic value for the piece’s parts.
This charming cat-themed pendant, styled as a cat with lapis lazuli accents, is both whimsical and valuable. If you can find a crazy cat lover, maybe you can fetch a premium for it, but for the most part you’ll be selling something like this for the sum of its valuable parts.
If you don’t feel the same way about cats as the person who had this created, you’re probably better off selling it for cash. At over $650, that cash can be put to better use.
This intricately carved Buddha pendant, made from salmon coral and high-purity gold, is pretty cool. The design and materials offer both aesthetic and intrinsic value. But Buddha statues may not be for everyone.
If you prefer action and adventure to the four noble truths, then selling a gold buddha pendant for cash is probably a pretty solid trade. Valued at over $1k, this 18K pendant is worth quite a bit.
With gold at over $3,300/oz, many sellers are choosing to cash in. Whether your pendant is a family heirloom, vintage collector’s item, or simply an old piece gathering dust, now is a great time to get it appraised.
Pendants tend to be made of either 14K or 18K gold, and are often quite heavy, making them potentially valuable. If you have a couple to sell, your haul could be worth thousands!
Use our free gold appraisal kit to send in your item securely, and get an offer within 24 hours. If you accept, you’ll get instant payment. If not, we’ll ship your item back for free.
It’s never been easier to get top dollar for your gold pendants!
POSTED IN: 14k gold, 18k gold, Gold Cross Pendants, Gold Necklaces, Gold Pendants, Gold Valuation, Intrinsic Value of Gold
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