Karat scrap

[sebastionay]

Ok so you standard way to test gold is via scrapping and the acid test, However with online auctions where you cannot do that.

How can you tell when you don't have a standard hallmark?

I've seen a couple of pieces go for around half spot where the jewelery in question is marked .75 or 750 or 18ct and the seller claims ignorance and no responsibility if the item is in fact not gold at all.

Does someone have a link to a chart of foreign hallmarks? surely some jewelers on the forum encounter these more unusual hallmarks frequently do you find counterfit hallmarks are rare?

 

[qst42know]

How can you tell when you don't have a standard hallmark?

Standard marks of what country? What era?

Standards change over time and each country has their own standards and some none at all. Enforcement is a whole other matter.

the seller claims ignorance and no responsibility if the item is in fact not gold at all.

That's two strikes against right there. If they can't test themselves it's likely they have already had the item tested with unfavorable results. If they won't stand behind what they are selling be very suspicious.

Fake marks are everywhere and with such high prices are likely to increase in frequency.

I know of no single resource that covers all the multitude of possible hallmarks. Web browse and read all you can find and check your local library.

 

[philddreamer]

If I may share some of my experience, too...

qst42know wrote:
"Standard marks of what country? What era?"
That's very important indeed! I bought a couple of weeks ago some jewelry made in Mexico, stamped 14K; it was 11 to 11.5k. I found out for sure after refining. Next batch I bought from the same lady & paid for 11k. Mind you, I was able to test myself, I can only imagine buying without testing.

"If they won't stand behind what they are selling be very suspicious."
That's a big red flag indeed!!!

"Fake marks are everywhere and with such high prices are likely to increase in frequency."
Very true. Last month I had I nice batch of 10 & 14 karat scrap that I bought, & while testing, there was a beautiful "golden medallion" stamped, "14k made in Italy". I don't know for sure where it was made, but I do know it was brass. :shock:

Test what you're buying!!! If you can't test it or are not allowed to test it, DON'T BUY IT!!! ...and save your money for the real stuff.

Just my 2 centavos! 8)

Take care!

Phil