Gold purity, also known as karat (K) or fineness, indicates the amount of pure gold present in an alloy compared to other metals. It’s crucial for gold buyers Brisbane because it determines the value of the gold item. The higher the purity, the more valuable the gold is.
To find out the purity of gold, an ordinary person can use several methods:
- Gold Testing Kits:
These are available online or at jewellery stores and typically include acid solutions and a testing stone. By applying a sample of your gold to the stone and then using the acid, you can compare the reaction to a colour chart to determine purity.
Which acids are used to test gold?
- Nitric Acid: This is used to test for gold purity and authenticity. Gold is resistant to nitric acid, so if the gold is pure, it won’t react to this acid. If the gold is not pure or is mixed with base metals, the nitric acid will cause a reaction, indicating the presence of other metals.
Often used in combination with nitric acid is a mixture known as aqua regia, which dissolves gold. This mixture is used in more advanced testing and is typically not used in home kits due to its corrosive nature.
- Professional Appraisal:
Taking your gold to a jeweller or a professional appraiser can provide a precise purity measurement. They use more advanced methods, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing, which is non-destructive and accurate.
- Hallmarks:
Check for any hallmarks or stamps on the gold item. Common stamps include 24-K (pure gold), 18-K, 14-K, etc. These indicate the gold’s purity in karats. For example, 18-K gold is 75 percent pure gold.
- Electronic Gold Testers:
These devices are available for purchase and can measure gold purity electronically, providing results quickly and accurately.
- Gold Testing Acid Solutions:
Commercial gold testing kits usually include specific acid solutions designed to test different karats of gold. For instance, you might find 10K, 14K, 18K, and 22K acid solutions. These acids react differently depending on the gold’s purity, allowing you to match the reaction with a purity chart.
What about gemstones?
Gold buyers typically focus on gold itself and not be interested in precious stones like diamonds, sapphires, or rubies. However, some buyers and dealers purchase jewellery that includes precious stones, and they might offer a price based on the combined value of both the gold and the stones.
If you’re selling jewellery with precious stones, consider the following:
1. Jewellery Stores and Dealers:
Some jewellery stores or gold buyers Brisbane will buy pieces with stones, especially if the stones are high-quality and the jewellery is in good condition.
Some gold buyers Brisbane are more likely to offer a fair price for the stones themselves.
2. Separate Valuation:
Sometimes, it’s worth getting the stones appraised separately to understand their value before selling them along with the gold.
3. Online Marketplaces:
Platforms that deal with both gold and gemstones might be another avenue to explore for selling your jewellery.
Make sure to get a proper valuation for both the gold and the stones to ensure you’re receiving a fair price.
Using one of these methods can help ensure you get a fair price when selling your gold.
