Why Buyers Test Items Instead of Trusting Stamps
Jan 11, 2023
{
"Title": "Why Gold and Silver Buyers Test Items Instead of Relying on Stamps",
"Date": "01/11/23",
"Content": "
Understanding Why Precious Metal Buyers Verify Instead of Just Trusting Stamps
\n\n
When people decide to sell unwanted gold, silver, or coins, one of the first surprises is that buyers test every piece regardless of its stamp. Many assume that a mark like “14K” or “925” guarantees authenticity, but in reality, marks can wear off, be misread, or even be falsified. To protect both sellers and buyers, testing the actual metal is standard practice. This guide explains why markings are not enough, what tests are performed, and how organized results help ensure fair payouts.
\n\n
Why Stamps and Hallmarks Are Not Always Reliable
\n
Karat stamps (10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K) and hallmarks (such as “925” for sterling silver) are helpful starting points, but they are not foolproof for determining actual purity.
\n
\n
Wear and Damage: Over decades of use, many stamps become faint or illegible.
\n
Counterfeits: Unfortunately, false stamps exist and can mislead owners.
\n
Plated Jewelry: Gold-plated or silver-plated items may carry marks that resemble solid markings.
\n
International Standards: Some stamps reflect standards from other countries that don’t always match U.S. hallmarking regulations.
\n
\n\n
How Buyers Test Precious Metals
\n
Testing verifies purity and ensures sellers are paid fairly for true metal content. Common methods include:
\n
\n
Magnet Test: Gold and silver are not magnetic. A strong magnet can help weed out base-metal fakes quickly, but this is only a preliminary step.
\n
Acid Test: Small surface scratches are tested against acid solutions designed for different karat levels. This helps determine whether an item is truly 10K, 14K, 18K, etc.
\n
Electronic Testers: Portable machines measure resistance or conductivity to gauge metal purity more precisely than acid alone.
\n
XRF Analysis (X-ray fluorescence): Some professional buyers use this advanced tool to identify exact elemental composition.
\n
\n\n
Dental Gold and Mixed-Metal Items
\n
Dental gold typically ranges from 10K to 22K but is often alloyed with other metals for durability. Pieces may also still contain porcelain, steel clasps, or other non-gold material that must be separated. Buyers test these items individually to determine the real gold portion. Safe handling and careful packing are recommended: place small fragments in a sealed bag so nothing is lost in transit.
\n\n
Sorting Before Sending
\n
While you don’t need to separate every grain of material perfectly, you can make the process smoother by:
\n
\n
Keeping gold and silver items grouped apart when possible.
\n
Removing non-metal parts like beads or fabric if safe to do so.
\n
Placing smaller items in labeled bags to prevent mix-ups.
\n
\n\n
Weighing and Value Basics
\n
A basic digital pocket scale can measure items in grams. Since precious metals are typically valued by weight relative to purity, the more exact your measurements, the clearer your expectations. Remember:
\n
\n
Melt Value vs. Offer Value: Melt value is the theoretical worth of pure gold or silver based on market prices. Offers may be lower to account for refining costs, non-precious parts, and market factors.
\n
Purity Matters: 14K is only about 58% gold, while 24K is nearly pure. Stamps predict purity, but testing confirms it.
\n
Coin Silver vs. Sterling: Sterling silver is 92.5% silver (marked as 925). Some older U.S. coins may only contain 90% silver. Reference the U.S. Mint’s coin specifications for details.
\n
\n\n
Mail-In Kits, Shipping, and Security
\n
If mailing items to a buyer, many companies provide trackable, insured kits. It’s best to:
\n
\n
Photograph all items before shipping.
\n
Use padded envelopes or small boxes so items don’t shift.
\n
Keep small fragments or dental gold sealed in separate plastic bags.
\n
Use insured and trackable shipping methods. See USPS Registered Mail insurance details.
\n
\n
International Gold & Silver, for example, uses insured mailer kits with tracking and clear testing results, so senders remain informed at every step.
\n\n
Clear Test Results and Online Records
\n
One major benefit of professional buyers is organized reporting. Instead of vague estimates, you’ll often see clear test results tied to each lot—whether from an acid test, electronic tester, or more advanced analysis. Storing these results together in one online place makes payouts transparent. Sellers can match test outcomes back to their photographed items, ensuring confidence in the process.
\n\n
Payment Methods Explained
\n
Once testing is complete and you accept the offer, payments can be sent securely. Common options include:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Payment Method | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
PayPal | Often same day | Widely used, may charge small fees |
Venmo | Fast | Easy for mobile users, transfer to bank may take 1–2 days |
Zelle | Usually instant | Bank-to-bank, limits depending on bank policy |
Cash App | Fast | Simple interface, but daily limits apply |
ACH Transfer | 1–3 business days | Direct bank deposit, reliable for larger amounts |
Check | Several days by mail | Paper record but slower |
\n\n
Best Practices for Safety and Records
\n
\n
Photograph Items: Take clear pictures before mailing.
\n
Keep Notes: Write down weights and your own observations.
\n
Use Tools: Free or simple tools like GavelBase can help you track your inventory and results in one place.
\n
Save Test Reports: Retain copies of any electronic results or emailed breakdowns.
\n
\n\n
Quick Checklist Before You Mail Gold or Silver
\n
\n
Examine items for stamps (“10K,” “14K,” “18K,” “925,” “Sterling”).
\n
Perform a simple magnet test yourself if curious.
\n
Group gold, silver, dental gold, and coins in separate bags.
\n
Weigh items in grams for a personal record.
\n
Take photos and label your packages.
\n
Use insured, trackable shipping methods.
\n
Review test results provided before confirming payment.
\n
\n\n
FAQs
\n
How can I tell if my gold is real at home?
\n
A magnet test and checking stamps is a quick first step. For certainty, professional testing using acid or electronic tools is necessary.
\n\n
Is dental gold valuable?
\n
Yes. Dental gold is usually high purity but alloyed. Testing separates the valuable portion. Even small fragments are worth sending in, as they can contain significant gold content.
\n\n
What if my silverware says “plated”?
\n
Items marked “EPNS,” “silverplate,” or “plated” do not contain enough silver to be valuable for melt purposes. Sterling silver (925) is the standard for value.
\n\n