Authenticating precious metals requires a precise combination of chemistry, physics, metallurgical analysis, and hallmark interpretation. Modern counterfeits—especially gold-plated alloys, rolled gold, deceptive hallmarks, and tungsten-core fakes—are increasingly sophisticated, making single-method testing unreliable. Professionals rely on a layered evaluation that begins with non-destructive screening and escalates to chemical, density, and elemental analysis.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 412 — Master Guide to Precious Metal Testing (Acid, XRF, Density, Hallmarks) provides the full scientific workflow used by appraisers, jewelers, laboratories, estate evaluators, and authentication specialists to determine metal purity, alloy composition, authenticity, and structural integrity.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Perform proper acid tests for gold, silver & platinum without damaging items
Interpret reaction speed, color shifts & karat thresholds accurately
Use XRF spectrometry to identify alloy percentages & surface plating inconsistencies
Conduct density/specific-gravity testing for high-accuracy metal verification
Identify rolled gold, bonded metal, vermeil, electroplate & other layered constructions
Authenticate hallmarks, assay marks, maker’s marks & regional purity stamps
Detect tungsten-core counterfeits, steel inserts & gravity-matched fakes
Evaluate solder joints, casting voids, understructure flaws & metal-color shifts
Apply magnetism, conductivity & ring tests during preliminary screening
Interpret international hallmark systems (British, French, Russian, Italian, American, etc.)
Understand when advanced laboratory testing is necessary (SEM-EDS, ultrasonics, micro-drill sampling)
Determine how testing results affect appraisal value, resale price, insurance value & authenticity confidence
Whether evaluating jewelry, coins, bullion, artifacts, or antique metalwork, this guide provides the full professional methodology required to authenticate precious metals accurately and defensibly.
Digital Download — PDF • 10 Pages • Instant Access
Authenticating precious metals requires a precise combination of chemistry, physics, metallurgical analysis, and hallmark interpretation. Modern counterfeits—especially gold-plated alloys, rolled gold, deceptive hallmarks, and tungsten-core fakes—are increasingly sophisticated, making single-method testing unreliable. Professionals rely on a layered evaluation that begins with non-destructive screening and escalates to chemical, density, and elemental analysis.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 412 — Master Guide to Precious Metal Testing (Acid, XRF, Density, Hallmarks) provides the full scientific workflow used by appraisers, jewelers, laboratories, estate evaluators, and authentication specialists to determine metal purity, alloy composition, authenticity, and structural integrity.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Perform proper acid tests for gold, silver & platinum without damaging items
Interpret reaction speed, color shifts & karat thresholds accurately
Use XRF spectrometry to identify alloy percentages & surface plating inconsistencies
Conduct density/specific-gravity testing for high-accuracy metal verification
Identify rolled gold, bonded metal, vermeil, electroplate & other layered constructions
Authenticate hallmarks, assay marks, maker’s marks & regional purity stamps
Detect tungsten-core counterfeits, steel inserts & gravity-matched fakes
Evaluate solder joints, casting voids, understructure flaws & metal-color shifts
Apply magnetism, conductivity & ring tests during preliminary screening
Interpret international hallmark systems (British, French, Russian, Italian, American, etc.)
Understand when advanced laboratory testing is necessary (SEM-EDS, ultrasonics, micro-drill sampling)
Determine how testing results affect appraisal value, resale price, insurance value & authenticity confidence
Whether evaluating jewelry, coins, bullion, artifacts, or antique metalwork, this guide provides the full professional methodology required to authenticate precious metals accurately and defensibly.
Digital Download — PDF • 10 Pages • Instant Access
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