Beatrice Lang
Gold is a precious metal that comes in a variety of colours and different levels of fineness. The value of a piece of jewellery depends on whether it is plated or made of pure gold. One of the most common and effective methods of testing gold is through an electronic gold tester. This device uses electric current to measure the electrical conductivity of the metal, which indicates whether or not it is pure. The result of the test is displayed on the device, showing whether the item is made of genuine gold or another metal. Electronic gold testing is a useful method for determining the authenticity of gold, however, it is not always foolproof.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Electronic gold testing is a common and effective method to test gold. However, it is not infallible. |
| Ease of use | Electronic gold testers are easy to use and provide quick results. |
| Portability | The Precious Metal Verifier is a portable device that can be used to test gold at home. |
| Non-destructive | ECM tests are non-destructive, unlike fire assays or acid tests. |
| Calibration | The testing device needs to be calibrated before use, following the manufacturer's guidelines. |
| Sample preparation | The metal sample must be cleaned with a lint-free cloth to remove any impurities, oils, or coatings that may interfere with the results. |
| Sample size | The small testing wand is suitable for samples with a minimum diameter of 8 mm and a thickness of 0.8 mm. The large wand can be used for samples with a minimum diameter of 18 mm and a same thickness. |
| Conductivity measurement | The Precious Metal Verifier sends a small electrical current through the metal and measures the resistance. It then calculates the electrical conductivity and displays the result, indicating if the sample is genuine gold. |
| Interpretation | It is important to know how to interpret the test results, as electronic gold testing can be misleading. |
| Gold alloys | Electronic gold testers have manual adjustments to account for different types of gold alloys. |
| Gold fineness | The tester will indicate the fineness of the item (e.g., 14K, 18K) if it is positive for gold. |
| Gold plating | If the tester indicates negative for gold, test in multiple locations, as the item may be gold-plated. |
| Alternative methods | Other methods to test gold include visual tests, magnetic tests, acid tests, hardness/malleability tests, de-plating, X-ray fluorescence, specific gravity, and ultrasound. |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the gold item
It is important to clean the gold item before testing it with an electric tester. This is especially important for items that can collect dirt, such as chains. If needed, clean the surfaces to be contacted with an eraser.
Firstly, if you are using a testing kit, it will include a fine needle file or a steel scraper. You can use either of these to firmly file or scrape a small area of the gold item, in a place that won't be noticeable, such as the inside of a ring. This will ensure that you are testing the item underneath any plating.
Next, you can use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe the gold item. You can use a damp cloth to remove any plating particles from the surface. Rubbing alcohol is also an effective cleaning agent.
After cleaning the gold item, you can proceed to use the electric tester.
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Calibrate the tester
Calibration is a critical step in ensuring accurate results when using electronic gold testers. The process involves matching the tester's electronics to an actual gold sample. Proper calibration ensures that the tester's algorithm can correctly interpret the electrical conductivity of the item being tested and provide a precise determination of its gold content.
- Prepare a known piece of 18K yellow gold. Ensure that the gold piece has no special finish or plating on it. If necessary, gently clean the area to be tested for calibration.
- Place the 18K gold sample on the test plate of the KEE tester.
- Lightly touch the gold sample with the uncapped fiber tip pen probe.
- Adjust the calibration knob until the needle falls within the specified range, typically the center of the 18K range or the white zone.
- For testing 20ct to 24ct gold, perform an additional calibration step using a 22ct gold sample.
- Remember to calibrate your KEE tester each time you turn it on, as the accuracy may drift over time.
Other electronic gold testers, such as the AGT1, also require calibration. For example, the AGT1 needs to be calibrated against a 14ct gold sample each time it is turned on. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific calibration procedures, as they may vary among different models and brands.
It is worth noting that electronic gold testers rely on measuring the electrical conductivity of gold-bearing alloys. To ensure accurate results, it is crucial to establish a complete electrical loop between the probe, the metal, and the sensor during testing. This is achieved by using a suitable conducting medium, such as a proprietary liquid or gel, to ensure full contact between the components.
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Apply conductive gel
To test gold with an electric tester, you must first prepare the gold item. Clean the item thoroughly, especially if it is a chain or another item that can collect dirt. You may need to use an eraser to clean the surfaces to be contacted.
Once the item is clean, you can apply the conductive gel. This gel is usually available for purchase from the same places that sell the testing devices. Apply a small amount of the gel to the metal item, ensuring that it covers the area that will come into contact with the electric tester.
The conductive gel is necessary because it facilitates the flow of electricity from the tester to the item. Without the gel, the electrical current may not be transmitted effectively, resulting in inaccurate test results.
After applying the gel, you can proceed to the next step of the testing process, which involves making direct contact between the electric tester and the gel-coated item. The tester will send an electrical current through the metal and analyze its response to determine its authenticity.
It is important to follow the specific instructions provided with your electric tester, as different models may have unique requirements or procedures. Additionally, ensure that you handle the tester with care and take the necessary precautions to avoid any potential hazards associated with electrical devices.
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Run the probe
To test gold with an electric tester, you must first prepare the gold item for testing. Clean the gold item thoroughly, removing any dirt or debris, especially from chains and other items that can collect dirt. If needed, clean the surfaces to be contacted with an eraser.
Now, you are ready to run the probe.
Firstly, apply a conductive testing gel to the metal item. This gel is usually available for purchase from the same places that sell the testing devices. The gel is essential as it helps to transmit the electrical current from the probe to the metal item.
Next, select the appropriate testing wand for your sample. If your sample has a minimum diameter of 8mm and a thickness of 0.8mm, use a small testing wand. For larger testing samples, use a large wand, which is capable of testing items with a minimum diameter of 18mm and a thickness of 0.8mm.
Then, turn on the device and select the appropriate testing profile for your sample. Most testing devices have inbuilt testing profiles for precious metals of different fineness. For example, you can select the "gold" profile, which may include options such as "Pure gold .999+", "91.7% 22K bal Cu", or "American Eagle".
Finally, gently rub the probe against the item. The device will send a small electrical current through the metal and measure the resistance encountered. It will then calculate the electrical conductivity based on this resistance and produce a result on its digital display.
If the result indicates that the sample is genuine gold, you can be confident in its authenticity. However, it is always a good idea to test the item in a few extra locations to ensure that the results are consistent and steady.
Remember, electronic gold testing is an effective but not infallible method of determining gold authenticity. It is just one indicator, and it is important to know how to interpret the results correctly.
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Interpret the results
Interpreting the results of an electronic gold test is critical, as it is very easy to misinterpret the results and end up buying something that is not gold or that has a lower fineness than expected.
Firstly, it is important to understand that electronic gold testers work by measuring the electrical conductivity of a material. Gold is a conductive metal, so a pure gold piece will have a higher reading than a plated one. The tester will apply an electrical charge to the item and measure its level of resistance. This resistance level is then correlated to a known gold alloy conductivity signature by an algorithm. The result, such as "14K", is then displayed digitally.
If the tester indicates "not gold", test again in a few extra locations to ensure that the results are steady. If the results are consistently negative, the item is likely not gold.
If the tester indicates a certain level of gold fineness, this does not necessarily mean that the item is made of gold. It means that its electronic conductivity signature closely resembles what the algorithm in the tester recognizes as a type of gold alloy. To verify the results, you can use a file to remove some of the item's surfaces and test again. If the grading matches the karat stamp, then the item's fineness is likely as per the stamp. If not, the item may be gold-plated over a base metal or higher-karat gold-plated over lower-karat gold.
In addition to electronic testing, other methods such as acid testing, magnet testing, and X-ray fluorescence testing can also be used to determine the authenticity and purity of gold. It is recommended to consult a professional assayer for a deep analysis of the content of the metal if you are unsure about the results or want to verify your findings.
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Frequently asked questions
An electric tester for gold is a small hand-held device with a probe at the end that can be purchased online or through a jewelry supply store. The Precious Metal Verifier sends a small electrical current through the metal and measures the resistance encountered. It then calculates the electrical conductivity based on this resistance and produces a result on its digital display to indicate if the sample is genuine gold.
Firstly, clean the gold item of any surface impurities, oils, or coatings that could interfere with the test results. Then, rub a conductive “tester” gel onto the metal item. This gel can usually be purchased from the same places that sell the testing devices. Finally, rub the probe against the item.
The result of an electric tester will indicate whether or not the item is pure gold. If the item is not gold, the tester will indicate “not gold”. If the item is gold, the display will indicate the fineness of the item (e.g. 14K, 18K, etc.).
