Gold has long been treasured not only for its beauty but also for its financial and emotional value. Whether you’re purchasing new jewellery, evaluating family heirlooms, or planning to sell your gold, testing its purity is crucial.
But what really goes on inside a professional gold testing lab? In this blog, we walk you through the complete process of gold testing—from initial inspection to final certification—and why it’s the only way to be truly sure of your gold’s purity.
Why Gold Testing Matters
In today’s market, fake, impure, or adulterated gold is more common than you think. Even hallmark stamps can sometimes be forged or incorrectly applied. That’s why a certified gold testing lab plays a vital role in:
- Verifying karat value (e.g., 22K, 18K)
- Ensuring you’re not overpaying
- Building buyer-seller trust
- Getting accurate valuation for resale or loans
🔬 Step-by-Step: How Your Jewellery Is Tested in a Lab
1. Visual & Hallmark Inspection
The process begins with a careful inspection of your jewellery. The lab expert checks for:
- BIS hallmark (if present)
- Claimed karat marking (e.g., 916 for 22K)
- Weight and appearance
This step helps determine if further testing is needed and what method is best.
2. Surface Cleaning
Any dirt, polish, or coating on the jewellery can affect the test results. The item is gently cleaned to ensure that only the core metal is analyzed.
3. Non-Destructive XRF Testing
Most reputed labs use X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) testing:
- The item is placed in an XRF machine.
- It emits X-rays to read the metal’s atomic structure.
- Within minutes, a detailed report is generated.
This method is non-invasive, meaning your jewellery stays completely intact. The report shows:
- Gold purity (in karats and percentage)
- Presence of other metals (silver, copper, zinc)
- Overall composition of the piece
4. Touchstone & Acid Test (if needed)
For cross-verification or when XRF is not available, the lab may use the traditional touchstone method:
- A small sample is rubbed on a black stone.
- Acids of varying strengths are applied.
- The reaction reveals the gold’s approximate karat value.
While slightly abrasive, it’s still widely used for quick checks or in informal settings.
5. Issuing a Purity Report
After testing, the lab provides a purity certificate or report detailing:
- Karat value (e.g., 22K or 91.6% gold)
- Weight of the jewellery
- Metal composition
- Testing method used
Some modern labs issue digital certificates with QR codes to prevent tampering and improve authenticity.
Types of Gold Testing Methods Explained
| Method | Type | Accuracy | Jewellery Safe? |
|---|---|---|---|
| XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) | Non-destructive | High | ✅ Yes |
| Touchstone & Acid | Semi-destructive | Moderate | ⚠ Minor wear |
| Fire Assay (Lab-grade) | Destructive | Very High | ❌ No (sample melted) |
Benefits of Testing Your Jewellery at a Lab
- Confidence in what you own or buy
- Better resale and loan valuation
- Protection from fraud
- Peace of mind
Whether you’re a buyer, seller, investor, or jeweller, lab testing adds transparency to every transaction.
Common Myths About Gold Testing
❌ “It will damage my jewellery.”
✅ Not true. Modern methods like XRF are completely safe and non-invasive.
❌ “I can trust the hallmark alone.”
✅ Not always. Hallmarks can be misapplied. Testing confirms actual purity.
❌ “Only big gold pieces need testing.”
✅ Wrong. Even small items may have significant value.
When Should You Get Your Gold Tested?
- Before buying new gold
- Before selling or exchanging old jewellery
- When applying for a gold loan
- To verify inherited ornaments
- When hallmark is missing or questionable
Conclusion: Know What You Own
Your gold might look beautiful—but its true worth lies in its verified purity. A gold testing lab ensures that what you own or buy is real, valuable, and fair. With advanced machines and certified processes, labs today make testing easier, faster, and more reliable than ever before.
Don’t just trust the shine. Test, verify, and be sure.
🔗 Visit us to know more or book your gold testing today:
👉 https://nageshtouchlab.com https://nageshtouchlab.com