> Whether you sell to a jeweller or a dedicated gold buyer (comptoir) matters less than the buyback rate each one offers. The spot price is public and the sa *Source : https://meilleur-rachat-or.fr/en/guides/jeweller-or-gold-buyer-selling-gold-france/* --- ● Guide # Selling Your Gold: Jeweller or Gold Buyer? Published on **21/01/2025** · By **Sébastien Joumel** In brief Whether you sell to a **jeweller** or a dedicated **gold buyer (comptoir)** matters less than the buyback rate each one offers. The spot price is public and the same for all; the margin they take is not. Ask every buyer what percentage of spot they pay, get it in writing, and compare on the same day. ## Jeweller or gold buyer: which one should you choose? **Neither is automatically better; the right choice depends on what you are selling and how transparent the buyer is about their buyback rate.** A local jeweller may value gold jewellery in the context of resale or restyling, and can sometimes recognise the workmanship or brand of a piece. A dedicated gold buyer (comptoir) focuses on metal content and processes higher volumes, which can mean a leaner, more standardised offer. The decisive factor is not the shop type but the margin applied. The spot price is public and identical for everyone; what varies is the percentage of spot a buyer actually pays you. Ask each one directly what rate they apply before you hand anything over. ## What actually determines what you are paid? **Your payout is driven by fineness, weight and the buyer's margin, not by the shop sign above the door.** Fineness is measured against pure gold: 24k is 999, 22k is 916, 18k is 750, 14k is 585 and 9k is 375. A hallmark stamp confirms this, and weight in grams completes the calculation. Multiply the metal content by the day's spot price and you have the raw material value. From that figure the buyer deducts a margin. Coins and bars trade closest to spot because they are easy to resell; worked jewellery usually carries a wider spread. Collectable coins may also hold a numismatic premium above their metal value, which a specialist is more likely to recognise than a volume buyer. ## What French rules protect you in either case? **The same legal safeguards apply whether you sell to a jeweller or a comptoir, so use them.** Payment must be traceable: a professional buyer settles by bank transfer or cheque, never in cash. You must show valid photo ID, and the buyer is legally required to record the transaction in a police register. On tax, sales of gold in France fall under either the flat tax on precious metals, deducted at source, or the capital-gains regime if you can produce a proof of purchase. Keep any original invoices or certificates: without them you cannot opt for the capital-gains route. These obligations are non-negotiable, and a buyer who offers cash or skips ID checks is one to walk away from. ## How do you compare offers fairly? **Get the buyback rate in writing from more than one buyer and compare like for like on the same day.** Because spot moves daily, a quote is only meaningful on the day it is given. Ask each buyer the same question: what percentage of the current spot price will you pay for this fineness? Weigh your items yourself beforehand so you can sanity-check their figures. Do not feel pressured to sell on the first visit. Separate items by fineness, keep coins and bars distinct from scrap jewellery, and note whether any piece has collectable value. To line up several quotes efficiently, [compare gold buyers in your city](https://meilleur-rachat-or.fr/en/gold-buyback/) and approach both jewellers and comptoirs before deciding. ## Frequently asked questions Is a jeweller or a gold buyer better for selling jewellery? It depends on the piece. A jeweller may recognise brand or craftsmanship and value it beyond pure metal, while a comptoir focuses on weight and fineness at volume. For plain scrap gold the difference often comes down to margin, so compare the buyback rate at both. Can a gold buyer pay me in cash in France? No. French law requires professional buyers to settle by traceable means such as bank transfer or cheque. A cash offer for gold is a red flag and means the transaction is not being handled lawfully. Do I need to bring ID to sell gold? Yes. Valid photo identification is mandatory, and the buyer must record the sale in a police register. This applies equally to jewellers and comptoirs, so expect the check wherever you go. How is the sale of my gold taxed in France? Two regimes exist: a flat tax on precious metals deducted at source, or the capital-gains regime if you hold a proof of purchase. Without an original invoice you generally cannot use the capital-gains option, so keep any certificates you have. ## Read also [ Guide Free Gold Valuation in France: How It Works and What It's Worth ](https://meilleur-rachat-or.fr/en/guides/free-gold-valuation-france/)[ Guide Gold Buyback Rate: How to Compare Buyers in France ](https://meilleur-rachat-or.fr/en/guides/gold-buyback-rate-how-to-compare/)[ Guide Gold Buyback Scams: 7 Warning Signs to Watch For ](https://meilleur-rachat-or.fr/en/guides/gold-buyback-scams-7-warning-signs/) ## Sell at the best price near you Compare the gold buyers in your city. [See the rankings](https://meilleur-rachat-or.fr/en/gold-buyback/)