A true symbol of high status, success, and prosperity, gold is a luxurious, highly desired precious metal. However, even if you own a stamped gold piece, its hallmark isn’t a guarantee of its real gold content. This article explores the best testing methods on how to perform a proper gold test. Remember that you can always get a free top-notch appraisal from our expert NYC Bullion team.

When collecting or selling bullion or coins, you may have noticed that some items come in an assay card, or are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. In the bullion industry, the definition of assaying has two meanings. In precious metal refining, an assay process is a test procedure for measuring and analyzing the purity of a metal. This procedure includes determining its composition in ores, alloys, mineral deposits and precious metals. This way mints assure that the bullion meets its precious metal standards of content and purity.

Gold is a real global currency. If the fiat currency of your country fails, only gold can bail you out of this situation. Among all precious metals known to man, gold is the most highly regarded and has built and destroyed empires. People have been fighting since time immemorial for the ability to own this beautiful, glittering metal. Even today, many governments use gold for international trading. It is the most preferred precious metal for investment and acts as a hedge against inflation. Whether a freshly minted coin or old scrap jewelry, scrap gold always has value. Many people make a decent profit by dealing in scrap gold. It is a lucrative business that entices many. You can have a successful business of buying and selling scrap gold, all you need is to know how to go about it.

Get a free appraisal from a good jeweler, a professional diamond buyer, or even a pawnbroker. Tell the appraiser how you want to sell your jewelry so that they can provide you with the most realistic idea of the resale value. Getting free appraisals from two or three different stores will help you get a good idea of how valuable your diamond jewelry is.

Approach this process without unrealistic expectations about your diamond jewelry. Keep in mind that dealers and jewelers are in this business to make a profit, and if they agree to purchase your jewelry then they, in turn, have to make a profit out of it. Having unrealistic expectations will only lead to disappointment.

Familiarize yourself with the relevant information needed to sell diamond jewelry.

What is the difference between silver and sterling silver? Have you ever seen these numbers – 900, 925, 999 or 9999 – on your jewelry piece or bullion item? Some of you probably still wonder what they show or stand for. 

Silver is a precious metal which you won’t find in nature in a 100% pure form. This means that we need to extract it from various ores or mix it with galena and argentite. To offer silver the well-known shape, the ores undergo several refining processes. These processes separate the silver from all other types of particles. Namely, the complexity of these refining actions is the key factor that defines the fineness (and value) of silver. Thus, the first four numbers, the silver grades, showcase the amount of fine silver in a specific precious metal piece. For instance, 900 means 90% pure silver, while the remaining 10% indicate that it consists of other metals.

The maximum purity can reach up to 99.99% or .9999 fineness. But the most popular highest silver purity is 99.9%, .999 or 999 – all three being the same, differing only by scale/notation. Silver with .999 fineness is called fine silver, actual silver, or pure silver; 99.99% pure silver – ultra-fine silver. Therefore, the silver having less than .999 fineness is sterling silver, being usually 92.5% pure.

If you’re looking for a convenient way to sell your jewelry, try stores that offer consignment. Different kinds of stores offer consignment services (sell jewelry on consignment). This convenient service allows you to buy or sell jewelry. If you have a vintage piece of jewelry, or if you are an artist who plans to sell jewelry, consignment stores make a great option. Consignment is when you entrust a store that deals with jewelry and other precious metal products to showcase your jewelry for selling. Customers can take a look as they browse, and if they wish to buy your jewelry, the jewelry store will sell it on your behalf.