Scrapping Household Metals: What to Look Out for With Gold, Silver, Brass and More

Not all scrap comes from the garage or the yard. Plenty of valuable metal is sitting around the house without anyone realising it. From old jewellery to unused ornaments, here's what to look out for before you clear it out or throw it away.

Gold and Silver

Old or broken jewellery is one of the most overlooked sources of household value. Rings, chains, earrings and bracelets that are damaged, unworn or simply out of fashion can still hold genuine value in their gold or silver content. Even small items add up, so it's worth setting aside anything you're not using rather than letting it sit in a drawer.

Look out for hallmarks, small stamps on the metal that indicate purity. These can help identify genuine gold or silver pieces, though it's always best to have items properly assessed rather than guessing.

Brass

Brass turns up in more places than people expect. Door handles, light fittings, ornaments, old taps and even some furniture fixtures are commonly made from brass. It's a metal that holds decent scrap value, and clearing out old brass items is a simple way to tidy up the house while making a bit of money back.

Copper

Copper is one of the most valuable common metals, and it's often hiding in plain sight. Old wiring and water pipes can all contain useful amounts of copper. If you're doing any home renovation work, it's worth keeping any old copper piping aside rather than sending it to landfill.

Other Items Worth a Second Look

• Ornaments and figurines made from mixed metals or plated finishes

• Old cutlery sets, particularly silver plated ones

• Trophies and awards, which are often brass or silver plated

• Picture frames and mirrors with metal edging

• Old coins and medals that are no longer in circulation

A Word of Caution

Not everything that looks valuable is. Many household items are plated rather than solid metal, meaning only a thin layer covers a base material. This doesn't mean they're worthless, but it does mean values can vary quite a bit. If you're unsure, bring items in and we'll be happy to take a look and give you an honest assessment.

Bring It In to Lelo Metals

Whether you're having a clear out, sorting through a family member's belongings, or just curious what's sitting in your junk drawer, we're happy to help. With over 20 years of experience, we offer fair, transparent pricing on all metals, big or small.

Get in touch or drop by our Corwen site to find out what your household metal is worth.