How Testing Works When You Sell Precious Metals

Understanding Precious Metal Testing Before You Sell

People who want to sell old gold jewelry, dental gold, broken chains, silver coins, or sterling flatware often wonder: how do buyers know what is real and what it’s worth? The testing process is designed to confirm purity and distinguish solid pieces from plated ones. Knowing the basics helps you feel confident before mailing or dropping off your items.

Why Testing Matters

Because gold and silver are priced by weight and purity, even small differences in karat (for gold) or hallmark (for silver) can change the payout significantly. Testing also avoids confusion between solid pieces and plated or filled items.

Identification Basics Before Testing

• Karat Stamps: Gold is marked as 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K. Higher karat equals higher gold content.

• Hallmarks: Sterling silver is usually marked 925, Sterling, or occasionally “Ster.” Coin silver may have lower silver content—often around 90% in older U.S. coins (U.S. Mint coin composition charts).

• Magnet Test: Gold and silver are not magnetic. If a piece sticks strongly to a magnet, it is probably plated or contains base metal.

• Visual Clues: Plating may show worn areas with different color beneath.

Step 1: Visual Inspection

A professional will start with a careful look: are there hallmarks, are clasps or pins clearly marked, do coins match mint specifications? A magnifying loupe helps identify small stamps. This is the least invasive test and can sometimes be enough to sort silverware, coins, or clearly marked jewelry.

Step 2: Scratch and Acid Testing

The traditional method of checking gold purity uses a small scratch stone:

1. A sample of metal is rubbed lightly onto the stone, leaving behind a visible streak.

2. Acid solutions of known strength (for 10K, 14K, 18K, etc.) are dropped onto the streak.

3. If the streak dissolves quickly under a given acid, the gold is less pure than that karat. If it resists, the item is likely at least that purity.

This test is quick and provides a solid estimate of karat value. It does not damage the item significantly, since only a tiny sample is removed from an inconspicuous spot.

Step 3: Electronic Testing

Electronic testers can confirm purity without acid. These devices use probes and conductivity or resistance to evaluate metal composition. They are especially handy for coins or dental scrap where a scratch test is difficult. Professionals may use both acid and electronic testers for accuracy.

Step 4: Weighing

Once purity is established, the item is weighed using a precise digital scale. Gold and silver weights are listed in grams; values are later converted to market melt value. See NIST resources on weights and measures for accuracy standards.

Dental Gold Considerations

Dental gold is usually a mix of 10K–18K alloys. Crowns, bridges, and fillings can also include porcelain or steel. Safe preparation usually means separating obvious non-metal parts when practical, and packing small pieces in a labeled bag. Even small grams of dental gold can be valuable.

Understanding Results: Melt Value vs. Offer Value

• Melt Value: Based on current gold or silver spot prices multiplied by purity and weight.

• Offer Value: What a buyer pays after refining costs, handling, and market adjustments. It will always be somewhat less than melt value.

Clear Test Results with Online Dashboards

Some companies provide an online dashboard where you can log in, see your test results (confirmed karat or silver content), total weight, and the corresponding payout offer. Transparent reporting makes it clear how each number was reached so you can decide to accept payment or request your items back.

How to Prepare & Send Your Metals for Testing

• Gather all pieces and sort by type (gold jewelry, silverware, coins, dental scrap).

• Remove stones or non-metal parts only if safe.

• Bundle very small bits together (earring backs, scrap pieces) in labeled bags.

• Take photos and notes for your records.

• Request an insured and trackable mail-in kit, or prepare your own package with USPS Registered Mail (insurance options).

Payment Options After Testing

Once testing is complete and you accept the offer, you can usually choose among several payment methods:

Safety and Documentation

Protect yourself by photographing your items, weighing them at home, and noting what you send. A general record tool such as GavelBase can help organize these details if you have larger collections. Always keep tracking numbers from shipping receipts.

Quick Checklist

• Look for stamps and hallmarks (10K, 14K, 925, Sterling).

• Do a simple magnet test.

• Sort items into groups.

• Weigh at home if possible (grams).

• Take photos for your records.

• Send via insured, trackable shipping.

• Review clear results and offer before accepting payment.

FAQs

Will testing damage my item? Scratch tests remove a tiny trace of metal from an unseen spot. For coins or collectible works, electronic testing is preferred.

Can I test at home? Yes, with a small acid test kit and scale, but professional testing provides greater accuracy and assurance.

What if my item is plated? Plated pieces usually have little melt value. Hallmarks like “GP,” “HGE,” or “GF” indicate plating or filled material rather than solid gold.

Conclusion

Testing precious metals is straightforward when you know the basics. Hallmarks, acid or electronic testing, and precise weighing all come together to determine fair value. With transparent reporting and secure payment options, sellers can confidently handle unwanted gold, silver, coins, or dental scrap and turn them into quick cash.