The Critical Role of Specialized Repair Job Envelopes
Proper record-keeping and secure handling are paramount in managing repair services for jewelry and watches.
The chemical symbol for gold is Au, which comes from the Latin word aurum which means “shining dawn”, hence the glitter of gold.
There are many ways to determine if gold is real or fake.
Here are a few quick tests that you can perform to determine if the item is real or not:
Magnet test
Using a magnet is the most popular way to determine if it is gold or a metal alloy.
Use a strong rare earth magnet and place it next to your gold piece. If it is gold, there will not be a reaction because gold is non-magnetic. If there is strong magnetism, then it is probably not gold.
Heavily gold-plated metals also tend to be non-magnetic. So, this method isn’t 100% foolproof, but it’s a great place to start. Rare earth magnets can be found at HERE
Hallmarks or stampings
Real gold jewelry usually is marked by the manufacturer after it is produced, A good example is Tiffany jewelry. This is a very prestigious stamp found on luxury jewelry items.
Gold jewelry stamps usually are indicated by karat, and the most popular are: 6K, 8k, 9k, 10k, 14k, 18k, 20k, 22k, and 24k. Some coins and bars may not indicate the actual rating and require further testing.
Silver purity is quite different. It is graded by the following popular purities: 333, 375, 417, 500, 583.3, 585, 625, 750, 834, 899, 900, 916, 958, 986, 990, 995, 999, 999.9, 999.99, and 999.999.
Other ways to determine if the item is real or fake, is by the following stamps: KT (Karat), GP (Gold Plated), GF (Gold Filled), GE (Gold Electroplated), GEP (Gold Electroplated), RGP (Rolled Gold Plate), HGP (Heavy Gold Plated), HEG (Heavy Gold Electroplated). However, be careful! Stamps are easy to add to any jewelry item.
Acid test
This is the oldest and most popular test.
Gold, silver, or platinum pieces are scratched on a test plate. The remaining scratch is tested using different strength acids. If the gold does not disappear after acid is applied, then it is real gold and the karat is determined by the acid strength. Gold test acids are available in: 10K,12K, 14K, 18K, 22k, silver and platinum. Test acids and test plates are available HERE
Rubbing test
Take a gold test plate or rough surface and scrape your gold across it. If the gold left a mark, then it’s possibly real. However, it may be necessary to file into it to ensure the inside is also gold.
It is also suggested that you next perform an acid test to determine the karat.
Check the size and weight
Compare the piece of gold you wish to test with the one that you know to be real. This works easy with coins.
You can also use Sigma Metalytics tester for testing solid coins or bars. This is a very accurate instrument and very popular amongst dealers in precious metal bars and coins.
The Sigma Metalytics tester will test completely though the item to insure that it is not filled with a different metal.
It can be found HERE. There are 3 models to choose from.
X-Ray testers
Thermo Scientific produces both a desktop and gun which can test all precious metals quickly and very accurately. With the use of x-Rays, a very detailed report is provided listing up to 21 elements that are contained in the test sample. This is an expensive instrument but is widely used within the jewelry and pawn industries to ensure the accuracy of the test item. One mistake in an appraisal can be quite costly. The Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 100 is the most reliable and widely used instrument for precious metal testing. For more information Click HERE
In conclusion, discerning the authenticity of gold is a multi-faceted process that can range from simple tests to sophisticated analysis requiring specialized equipment. In the world of gold and other precious metals, meticulous testing not only affirms the value of the items but also protects the integrity of dealers, collectors, and enthusiasts alike. Remember, it’s not just the luster that matters, but the assurance that the glimmer you hold is indeed genuine gold.
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