There are many ways to test metals. Jewelers and pawn shops often employ different methods to make sure that jewelry pieces are authentic and learn more about a specific piece’s composition. For example, different pieces of jewelry might have distinct metal compositions. Rose gold is made by combining pure copper with pure gold, but this can be done at different percentages to change the color. One of the best ways to test metals is with an XRF testing machine. Here at Paradise Pawn in the Bronx, our pawn shops use XRF testing as well as other testing methods to identify and appraise the value of different pieces of jewelry. In this article, we will cover the benefits of using an XRF machine for gold testing.
What Is XRF Gold Testing?
XRF stands for X-ray fluorescence and uses X-rays to break down the composition of a gold sample. Basically, when X-rays hit the piece of jewelry the atoms in the jewelry emit fluorescent X-rays which can be used to determine which elements are present in a specific piece of metal. This is one of many ways that jewelry can be tested and appraised. For example, many jewelers use acid tests which involve using a small amount of nitric acid to a scratch taken off the surface of the item. The reaction between the acid and the metal can determine if the metal is genuinely gold.
XRF Testing Provides Multi-Element Analysis
Many of the traditional methods for testing jewelry are simply based on testing for gold. What makes XRF special is that it can identify compositions where gold is mixed with other metals like silver, copper, or platinum. In fact, this method can actually be used to determine if some luxury items like watches are authentic. Many companies like Rolex have specific metal compositions they use to make their watches, so if the composition of a watch matches the composition they use, this can help determine that the watch is truly authentic. Outside of that, this method can help us determine what percentage of a piece of jewelry is gold.
Traditional Methods for Testing Gold
When it comes to testing gold, most pawn shops and jewelers will use traditional methods before they use XRF testing. For example, one of the easiest and quickest methods of testing if a piece of jewelry is gold is using a magnet. Gold is not magnetic but other metals like iron are. Some pieces of jewelry will use iron as a base and plate the item in gold. As we mentioned before one of the common tests for gold involves taking a small scratch from the piece and using nitric acid to see if the gold is authentic.
XRF Gold Testing in NYC
Here at Paradise Pawn, our shops in the Bronx provide a variety of jewelry services. We buy and sell used jewelry, provide pawn loans, and provide a variety of other services including resizing and engraving. Our team can also test the gold in your jewelry and provide evaluations.
