Pure (24K) gold is too soft to be appropriate for everyday wear; therefore, gold jewelry is made of a mixture of gold and other metals (such as silver, copper, nickel and zinc). The K (karat) number tells us what fraction of 24 parts of the alloy are pure gold; ie., 14K is 14/24, or 58.33%, pure gold. The metals used in the alloy also determine the color of the gold; a greater percentage of nickel gives white gold its color, while a high percentage of copper lends a reddish tone to
rose gold. While gold itself does not tarnish, these alloying metals can sometimes cause a piece to darken with time, or leave a dark residue on the skin. In Europe, gold is marked with a number indicating the gold content as parts per thousand; ie., 18K gold, which is 75% pure gold, is stamped 750.
If a piece has no markings, there are other clues to help determine the metal. Look closely at the edges or any place that was likely to rub against things. Many times small patches of
base metal are visible at these points. If the base metal is white and the piece is yellow gold, obviously not solid gold. To see brass or copper base metal under yellow is more difficult.
There is only one true test for gold, and that is done with acid. A jeweler will perform this test, usually for a fee. A good gold testing kit can usually be purchased at a jewelry supply store. The kit comes with everything you need except for the acid, the most important ingredient. The nitric acid can either be ordered through a pharmacist or purchased premixed at the jewelry supply store.
Your first step in testing your gold is to find an inconspicuous place on the piece of jewelry in which to file a groove or notch. This is to get past any layer of gold in a gold filled piece. Apply a small amount of nitric acid to the area. If the piece is gold over brass, it will bubble green; if a bluish color appears, the base metal is copper. When the piece is 14K gold or better, the acid keeps its clear color. If, after a few minutes the spot darkens, this is an indication of 10K gold.
The exact karat can be determined by using the needles that come with the kit. With these needles a mixture, called
Aqua Regis, (one part distilled water, one part nitric acid, and three parts hydrochloric acid) is used. For those who do not care to invest in a gold test kit, there is a less expensive alternative. Simply purchase glass acid bottles and premixed testing solution for 10, 14, 18 and 22 karat gold. You will still determine if the piece is gold by using the nitric acid method explained above. After the piece has tested as gold, make a mark by rubbing the piece on a test stone. If the piece is 14K or better and a 14K solution is used, there will be no reaction. The mark will remain as visible as ever. Proceed by making another mark and using a higher karat solution until the mark dissolves. If an 18K solution dissolves the mark and the 14K solution does not, the piece is at least 14K. After testing, always rinse the piece with a mixture of baking soda and water to neutralize the acid.
The testing kit (plus acid) is really the only way to find out for sure if it's gold and how much karat. If you
click here or here you'll find other tests and clues used by other folks.
31.1 Grams = 1
Troy ounce
20 Pennyweights (DWT) = 1 Troy ounce
At 8 AM (
CT) the
APMEX precious metals spot prices were:
- Gold price - $1435.70
- Silver price - $34.86
- Platinum price - $ 1849.00
- Palladium price – $822.60
COMMENTARY: The
big news coming out of UBS AG this morning is that China is the big global buyer in gold. Through the first two months of 2011 China has purchased over 200 metric tons of gold. Compare this to a total 2010 consumption of 579.5 metric tons. The
spot price is driven by inflation concerns on a global level and in China itself a lack of viable alternative investments.
In other world news,
the Middle East unrest is still dictating safe-haven appeal of gold. With other countries now joining Egypt, Bahrain and Libya the political unrest in the whole region is supporting the appeal of gold.
The domestic news would appear to be very good since ADP Employer Services estimates show an
approximate increase in private sector jobs at approximately 37,000 over original estimates.
Ben Bernanke, in testimony before Congress, said there are “grounds for optimism” within the labor market over the coming months.
Gold spot price is up $3.50 – Silver price is up 36 cents – Platinum spot price is up $2.90 – Palladium price is up $6.30
APMEX Market Commentary is the resource for the above information. They also have quite an inventory of gold and silver coins available for purchase. Definitely worth a look.
