Gold Testing

[Scottowl]

I don't normally hang out here, as I use a MXT, but I have a question you guys should be more familar with.

I have got a few rings and pendants that I wonder if they are gold, so I have been thinking of ways to test them.

The easiest would be to go to the pawn shop, but I doubt they have my interests at heart.

I see some use an electronic tester, such as the Mizar. That would be nice, but a little spendy for my needs.

Are the acid tests accurate? Will they spot plated items? How are they used?

If you had your choice, what method would you use?

I guess that is more than one question! Thanks for your consideration.

 

[Beachcomber]

Acids are the cheapest accurate method of testing unmarked and marked gold. I assume from what you are saying the items you have are not marked? Also the first test is to see if they are magnetic. Many fake pieces of gold-looking jewelry are magnetic even though they do not read as iron on a metal detector...especially fake gold chains.

HH

Beachcomber

 

[Scottowl]

I have 6 items in that are marked, but worn off enough that I can't read them. I have one ring that's stamped 10k, but the pawn shop claims it is plated. How common are unmarked items? I have a few that look like they are possible, but unmarked.

They all pass the magnetic test OK.

I might get an acid kit to play around with. Is the one from Kellyco good enough?

 

[Beachcomber]

Most are marked but over time especially if being washed around in the surf the markings can get worn off. If you do a search you will find quite a few Jewelry Store Supply Outlets. I would suggest buying your acid testing kit from one of those. I have never bought a gold test kit from Kellyco. I wouldn't necessarily believe what a Pawn Shop tells you. As you mentioned before they are looking out for their interests not yours.

HH

Beachcomber

 

[sookie]

I don't know MANY--if ANY people, who are not looking out for their best interest and NOT JUST pawnshops. Even being a pawn-shop owner I have experienced the same selfish, hateful, self-righteous attitude from alot of pawnshops. In my shop, one of my creeds, is to break the mold of the "normal" pawn-shop by NOT treating every-one who walks in the door as == stupid, broke or a crack-head. Plus remember, if its gold, they will tell you, because they want to buy it. But maybe not for a fair price.
Annyy--wwaayy heres my input on the gold thing if anyone is interested.

I've never tried a magnet as most gold-plated items are plated over brass or copper (why your skin turns green), these are non magnetic

I would check E-bay for the acid test kit. E-bay is cheaper than even Wal-mart. The secret to a acid test kit is the stone that you rub the item on. Most kits come with a really cheap stone. The gold (in question ) will lay on top instead of actually getting into the grain of the stone, so that when you apply the acid, the gold can float and make it hard to tell if its real or not. I bought a (fine,medium,coarse) fine grain Arkansas knife stone approx. 3" x 3" on e-bay for about $10 total. Works great! You can file a place in the piece or even drill a small hole and drop the acid straight on it. If it turns Green== bad. A 10k, 14k 18k acid test kit is enough I think.

I have used a Mizar ET18 gold tester (around $60 on e-bay), but It cost me money to find out the ET18 is fooled by heavy plate gold.
The electronic tester I use now is the RS Mizar M24, its around $175 total. I back it up with the acid test if I have any doubts. Peace

 

[MikeDahms]

I have to agree with Sookie, acid test kit from ebay is a good deal. Like all other things experience will help. The more you test the more confidence you will get. Lastly I have found a lot of rings. I wish I had them now. I would be sitting on a pile of money. Its not just the money my wife and I hunted together and we would recall the conditions of when we found individual rings and enjoy it again. Best to you, Mike.