Gold Measurement in the UK
The UK primarily uses grams and troy ounces for gold measurement. The tola remains relevant for the significant South Asian diaspora community. London's Hatton Garden jewelry district and gold shops across Birmingham, Manchester, and Leicester often cater to customers familiar with tola measurements.
📐 UK Gold Weight Conversions
1 Gram
0.0857 tola
0.032 troy oz
1 Tola
11.6638 grams
0.375 troy oz
1 Troy Oz
31.1035 grams
2.667 tola
UK Gold Trading Hubs
- • Hatton Garden, London - UK's premier jewelry district
- • Birmingham Jewellery Quarter - Historic jewelry manufacturing center
- • Leicester Golden Mile - South Asian jewelry hub
- • Manchester, Rusholme - Gold shops serving Asian community
British Hallmarking Council Standards
In the UK, gold items weighing 1 gram or more must be hallmarked. The hallmark includes three mandatory marks:
- • Sponsor's Mark - Identifies the manufacturer or importer
- • Fineness Mark - Shows purity (e.g., 375, 585, 750, 916)
- • Assay Office Mark - London (Leopard), Birmingham (Anchor), Sheffield (Rose), Edinburgh (Castle)
UK Gold Purity Standards
- • 9K (375) - Minimum legal standard in UK, 37.5% pure gold
- • 14K (585) - Popular for engagement rings, 58.5% pure
- • 18K (750) - Premium jewelry standard, 75% pure gold
- • 22K (916) - Asian-style jewelry, 91.6% pure gold
How the grams to tola conversion works
Historically used across South Asia, the tola is a unit of mass standardized at 11.6638038 grams (≈180 troy grains). This tool multiplies or divides by that constant and only rounds for display based on your Decimals setting.
How to use this calculator
- Type a value in Grams or Tola — the other field updates instantly.
- Adjust Decimals to control output precision.
- Use Quick picks for common jewelry weights.
What Gold Measurement Units are Used in the UK?
The UK officially uses grams and troy ounces for gold measurement. The tola (11.6638 grams) is not a British unit but is widely understood in areas with large South Asian communities. Cities like London, Birmingham, Leicester, and Manchester have jewelry shops catering to customers familiar with tola.
Why is the UK an Important Gold Market?
- • LBMA Gold Fix - London sets the global gold benchmark price twice daily
- • Hatton Garden - Europe's premier jewelry district
- • British Hallmarking - One of the world's oldest and strictest hallmarking systems
- • VAT-Exempt Investment Gold - No VAT on investment-grade gold coins and bars
Common Questions About Gold in the UK
What are UK Hallmarking Requirements?
In the UK, all gold items weighing 1 gram or more MUST be hallmarked before sale. The hallmark includes: Sponsor's mark (who submitted it), Fineness mark (375/585/750/916/999), and Assay Office mark (London Leopard, Birmingham Anchor, Sheffield Rose, or Edinburgh Castle).
Which Gold Purity is Legal in UK?
The UK allows 9K (375), 14K (585), 18K (750), 22K (916), and 24K (999) gold. Note that 9K is the minimum legal standard - lower purities cannot be sold as gold. 22K is popular for South Asian jewelry, while 18K and 9K are common for British/Western styles.
Is There VAT on Gold in UK?
Investment gold (bars 1g+, coins from approved list like Sovereigns and Britannias) is VAT-exempt. However, gold jewelry is subject to 20% VAT. Some dealers offer VAT-margin schemes for secondhand jewelry. Investment gold is also CGT-exempt if UK legal tender (Sovereigns, Britannias).
Can I Bring Gold From UK to India/Pakistan?
Yes, but follow destination country rules. India allows duty-free import of 50g (men) or 100g (women) if staying abroad 6+ months. Beyond limits, you pay duty. Always carry receipts and declare gold at customs. UK has no export restrictions on personal gold.
