What is the easiest way to identify if old jewery is actually gold or silver.?
fjpro@sbcglobal.net
2006-04-04 22:06:05 UTC
I inherited boxes of old jewelry which I believe is cosmetic but I want to be sure....
Three answers:
pishpuns
2006-04-06 07:43:50 UTC
Look for any of these marks:
Silver- Ster, Sterling, 800, 900, 925
Gold- 585, 9K, 10K, 12K, 14K, ect.
If they are unmarked:
Do not acid test, especially silver! Take them to a Jeweler. Most of the time, they will tell you for free.
atlnative
2006-04-05 05:20:12 UTC
There are acids that can tell even the karatage of the gold (if it's gold). These tests are somewhat destructive and usually the acids are only found in jewelry stores with an on site bench jeweler.
An easy layman's way to see if what you have is plated material is to give it a good polish. Most plating will polish off; this too can be somewhat destructive if you don't have electro-plating equipment on hand.
the_silverfoxx
2006-04-05 05:08:24 UTC
a julery store?
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