The value of an 18-karat gold ring in Dakar has almost nothing to do with the price you paid for it at the jeweler's. This is the first thing to understand — and the one that surprises most people. When you resell, neither the brand nor the workmanship counts, but the gold actually contained in the ring.
| Karat | Purity | Price per gram (spot, USD) | Jayma Or buy-back price |
|---|---|---|---|
| … | |||
Wondering what an 18-karat gold ring is worth at buyback? The good news is that this value is calculated precisely, to the gram, from three simple figures. Once you know them, you will know exactly what your ring is worth before you even bring it to us.
At Jayma Or, we buy rings, wedding bands, and all kinds of gold jewelry in Dakar every day. We test, we weigh in front of you, and we pay cash, the same day, based on the world market rate. Here, fully transparently, is how the value of an 18-karat gold ring is determined.
In this guide, you will learn:
- how the buyback price of an 18-karat gold ring is calculated;
- why it differs from the price paid in store;
- why stones are not counted as gold;
- how to sell your ring (or wedding band) completely safely.
How the Value of an 18-Karat Gold Ring Is Calculated
18-karat gold contains 75% pure gold; the remaining 25% is other metals (the corresponding hallmark is 750). It is this purity that serves as the basis for the calculation. The value of an 18-karat gold ring rests on three elements:
- The purity: 75%. This is the share of gold actually present in the ring.
- The exact weight. The ring is weighed to the gram, and even to the tenth of a gram, on a precise scale.
- The day's rate. The price of gold changes every day; it is what sets the value of the gram of 18-karat gold.
The formula is therefore: weight of the ring × 75% × the day's price per gram of 18-karat gold. For example, a 4-gram 18-karat gold ring contains 4 g × 75% = 3 grams of pure gold; you simply multiply the weight of the ring by the day's price per gram of 18-karat gold to get its buyback value. You will find the price per gram of 18-karat gold in Senegal shown in real time on our home page.
Why the Buyback Price Differs from the Jewelry-Store Price
This is the point that sometimes disappoints: a ring bought at a certain price never resells for that price. Why? Because in a jewelry store, the price includes far more than the gold:
- The workmanship (the artisan's work to create the ring);
- The brand and the design;
- the retailer's margin and VAT.
When you resell, none of this is bought back: only the gold contained in the ring counts. That is why the buyback price reflects the real value of the gold, not the original purchase price. This is not a loss: it is the tangible value your ring always keeps, whatever its age or fashion. For an overview, read our article: how much your gold jewelry is worth.
Stones Are Not Counted as Gold
Many 18-karat rings — especially engagement rings — carry a stone. You need to know this: a diamond, a colored stone, or a zircon is not gold and does not enter into the calculation of the gram of gold.
In practical terms, during the estimate, only the gold of the setting is weighed and valued at the day's rate. If the stone has real value, it can be assessed separately. But do not expect a costume stone to add to the "gold" value of the ring: gold and stone are two distinct things.
Wedding Bands and Engagement Rings: We Buy Those Too
A wedding band you no longer use, an engagement ring from a past story, an inherited ring you do not wear? We also buy your gold wedding bands and engagement rings, in 18-karat as in other karats.
The principle is always the same: the gold is tested and weighed in front of you, then valued at the day's rate. A damaged, bent, or mismatched ring keeps its value: it is the amount of gold that counts, not the condition. Discover more tips for selling your 18-karat gold jewelry.
How to Sell Your 18-Karat Gold Ring Completely Safely
To get a fair price with no nasty surprises, a few simple rules:
- Check the hallmark (750 or 18K) to confirm the karat. If it is illegible, a quick test determines it.
- Note the day's rate for the gram of 18-karat gold before you come in.
- Insist on a weighing and a test in front of you, with the detailed calculation (weight × 75% × rate).
- Sell in a professional setting that pays cash, immediately, and that verifies the seller's identity — a normal and protective practice.
Cannot come in person? We can send a trusted courier to your home or office. And if you need cash without selling your ring permanently, we also offer gold safekeeping and buyback (réméré): you recover your ring later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an 18-karat gold ring worth in Dakar?
It is calculated as follows: weight of the ring × 75% (the purity of 18-karat) × the day's price per gram of 18-karat gold. Since the rate is shown on our home page, you can estimate the value yourself as soon as you know the weight of the ring.
Why does my ring not resell at the purchase price?
Because the purchase price in a jewelry store includes the workmanship, the brand, the margin, and VAT. When you resell, only the gold is bought back. The buyback price therefore corresponds to the real value of the 18-karat gold contained in the ring, at the day's rate.
Is the stone in my ring counted in the price?
No. Only the gold of the setting is weighed and valued. A stone is not gold; if it has real value, it can be assessed separately, but it does not increase the "gold" value of the ring.
Do you buy gold wedding bands and engagement rings?
Yes. We buy your gold wedding bands and engagement rings, in 18-karat as in other karats, with or without a stone. The gold is tested and weighed in front of you, then paid cash at the day's rate.
Is a damaged ring worth less?
No. For equal weight and karat, a broken or bent ring is worth as much as an intact one. It is the amount of 18-karat gold that determines the value, not the condition of the piece.
Take Action: Get Your Free Estimate
You now know how the value of an 18-karat gold ring is calculated: weight × 75% × the day's rate. All that is left is to find out your own.
Get a free estimate, no obligation: send a photo of your ring by WhatsApp to +221 78 111 66 87, or make an appointment. We test, weigh in front of you, and pay cash the same day — and if you prefer, we send a courier to you.
Check the day's rate for 18-karat gold, then write to us: you will know in a few minutes what your ring is really worth. To go further, also see how to sell your gold jewelry in Dakar.