Discovering The Benefits Of Gold Test Kits

By Author: Jo Alelsto
Total Articles: 405
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You may see gold jewelry pieces anywhere since there are a lot of stores that sell gold pieces. While everyone can buy a gold jewelry piece, not everyone knows how to scrutinize it. Some simply get something when they like it, unaware of the possibility of getting a false piece. Expert jewelers know how to spot a fake jewelry item but many of them get help by using gold test kits.

You cannot always trust the 10 karat, 14 karat, and 24 karat rating. Deceptive sellers can brand their items such names to hoodwink unsuspecting buyers. Sale of fake gold jewelry is rampant because there is no regulation for selling gold items. Sometimes you get a 14 karat gold that is branded as 18 karat and you usually wouldn't know the difference unless you are a virtuoso. Sometimes naive buyers can stumble upon gold plated items, unknowing they were already tricked into purchasing something that is not worth of their money. Fake gold jewelry gets ugly with time but genuine gold keeps its luster.

A gold test kit is a handy set of tools that will help you identify whether a piece is truly gold or something else. Careful examination ...
... should come first. Of course, you have to look for the karat mark. Your kit will test whether this karat mark speaks the truth. You will need the acid testers and the gold tipped needles. What is unique about the acid tester is that it comes compatible with a certain mass of gold. In other words, there is a compatible acid testing solution for a 10 karat gold (and it should only be used on a 10 karat gold); and there is a different solution for a 14 karat gold, and so on.

Basically, a test kit also includes a touch stone which is an essential tool. You don't pour the acid on the whole piece of gold in order to test it. Instead, you rub a section of the gold article against the stone. Then you put a drop of acid on the golden streak on the stone. All right, for example you rub a 14 karat gold on the touch stone. You will need an acid that is appropriate for testing a 14 karat gold and a 14 karat test needle. This test needle ensures that acid is in working condition and isn't contaminated. It also allows comparative analysis.

To start the test, scratch the test needle against the touchstone but be careful not to scratch too hard or you'll destroy either the stone or the needle. Then rub the gold piece to be tested on the touchstone. Use the acid for testing 14 karat gold here. If it is really a 14 karat gold then nothing should happen once you drop the appropriate acid. If the streak fades then it's probably a lower karat gold or a fake gold item. Try using an acid for a 10 karat gold this time. Expert jewelers simply put a small drop of acid on a part of the gold ring or bracelet to test it. Be careful when working with the acid though because it is corrosive. It is advised to wear safety gloves when testing. Keep in mind that you should use the appropriate acid when testing.

Testing the purity and quality of a gold ring, pendant, or bracelet this way does not always yield accurate results. You can determine the true karat of gold by means of an electronic tester. But an electronic tester is expensive and impractical for people who only want to check if a gold necklace or a gold bangle is really made of gold.

You have to determine the karat of the piece before making any tests. You will see the karat marking on the gold surface through a loupe magnifying glass.
Jo is a content writer for 'Gold Testing Kit' (http://www.gold-testing-kits.co.uk), whereby one can find all you need for safe, reliable and convenient to use gold testing. Their own gold testing kits are manufactured in-house by their experienced and knowledgeable chemists that are usually familiar with the safe processing of the component materials in their gold testing kits. In the event you are shopping for gold test kits that is efficient and safe to work with then you ought to check out Gold Testing Kits.