In today’s market, where jewellery is not just a symbol of wealth but a long-term investment, authenticity matters more than ever. Unfortunately, counterfeit gold and silver items are more common than people think—and even experienced buyers can get duped without proper verification.
So how do you distinguish real from fake? Let’s explore the most trusted testing techniques that gold and silver testing labs use to determine the true value and purity of your precious metals.
Why Testing Is Crucial
Gold and silver are often alloyed with other metals for strength and design. But unethical sellers sometimes mix excessive amounts of cheaper metals—or sell entirely fake items that only look real.
That’s where professional testing labs come in. They help:
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- Prevent fraud
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- Verify karat and purity
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- Build buyer-seller trust
- Support accurate valuation for resale or loans
Gold vs. Silver: Key Differences in Testing
| Feature | Gold | Silver |
|---|---|---|
| Common Purities | 24K, 22K, 18K, 14K | 99.9%, 92.5% (Sterling), 80% |
| Hallmarking | BIS Hallmark (India) | 925 Stamp (Sterling Silver) |
| Risk of Counterfeit | Medium–High | High (esp. in coins & ornaments) |
Top Testing Techniques Used in Labs
1. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Testing – Non-Destructive & Accurate
How it works:
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- A piece of jewellery is placed inside a machine that emits X-rays.
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- The machine detects and analyzes the radiation emitted by the metal atoms.
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- Within seconds, you get a full metal composition report.
Used for: Gold, silver, platinum, and other metals Safe for jewellery: No scratches or damage Time taken: 2–5 minutes
2. Touchstone Testing – Traditional but Effective
How it works:
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- The item is rubbed on a black touchstone.
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- A drop of acid is applied.
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- The reaction is compared with test samples to estimate karat value.
Commonly used for quick field testing Slight abrasion may occur Not suitable for silver; works best with gold
3. Acid Test for Silver – Simple and Low-Cost
How it works:
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- A small drop of silver testing acid is applied to a scratch sample on the touchstone.
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- Color change (usually red, brown, or green) indicates purity level.
Widely used for silver coins and ornaments May leave minor surface marks if done improperly Not suitable for fine jewellery
4. Fire Assay – The Most Accurate (But Destructive)
How it works:
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- A small portion of the item is melted at high temperature.
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- The resulting residue is analyzed to determine purity.
Accuracy: 99.9% Sample is destroyed (not suitable for entire jewellery pieces) Mostly used for bulk gold or in refinery-level labs
Other Indicators: Quick Home Checks (But Not Always Reliable)
| Test | Suitable For | Accuracy | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnet Test | Silver, gold | Low | Fake metals may pass |
| Float Test | Silver | Low | Limited accuracy |
| Weight & Sound | Coins | Moderate | Needs experience |
Why Use a Certified Testing Lab?
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- Non-destructive XRF testing
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- Instant metal composition report
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- QR-coded and digitally signed purity certificates
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- Trusted by jewellers, buyers, and sellers alike
A lab test takes the guesswork out of jewellery ownership—and replaces it with confidence and clarity.
FAQs
Q: Can silver also be hallmarked like gold?
A: Yes, especially sterling silver (92.5%) often has the ‘925’ mark.
Q: Is XRF testing better than acid tests?
A: Yes. XRF is non-invasive, faster, and more accurate than traditional acid methods.
Q: Can I test gold-plated or silver-coated jewellery?
A: Yes, but results may vary based on coating thickness. Labs can detect such layers.
Final Thoughts: Know the Real Worth of What You Own
Whether it’s gold or silver, your jewellery’s true value lies in its verified purity, not just its appearance. With advanced testing methods like XRF, touchstone, and acid tests, today’s labs can easily detect fakes, impurities, and substandard metals.
For more information on gold and silver testing, visit: https://nageshtouchlab.com https://nageshtouchlab.com