Anybody have an answer to this?

[pixiecrinkle]

How might one tell if a piece of jewelry is solid gold v. gold plated? I have a ring for sale on ebay and someone asked me this question, but I've got no idea. I would guess it's solid, based on where I got it, but I'm sure that's not good enough evidence to give a potential buyer.

Comments

[pixiecrinkle.livejournal.com]

So if it's marked that, does that mean solid automatically? I'm trying to google for this and getting nowhere.

And, I think I just determined that I'm wrong and it says "14KT" Actually, it looks like "914KT." I'm off in search of a magnifying glass now.

[lightning-rose.livejournal.com]

24KT would be pure gold (24/24). 18KT is 18/24 gold, 14KT is 14/24 gold, and so forth. Gold is usually alloyed (melted and mixed) with copper because it's a similar color. Jewelry is seldom 24KT because pure gold is soft and easily bent or scratched, so making it an alloy is a good thing.

The previously mentioned weight and displacement to calculate the density would be a good indicator whether it's solid 18KT or 18KT gold filled, but even that may not be definitive.

BTW, Sterling silver is stamped .925 (925/1000 silver) and Fine silver is stamped .999

[pixiecrinkle.livejournal.com]

BTW, Sterling silver is stamped .925 (925/1000 silver) and Fine silver is stamped .999

See, this I knew. :-)

Hence, why I'm getting rid of this ring--I wear tons and tons of silver, but never ever wear gold, and received this as a gift. Thanks for your help!