Testing Silver & Gold

[C4talyst]

I have amassed a small collection of silver and gold jewelry through public and estate auctions I've attended over the past few years. I'm unsure whether a few of the pieces I have are gold and was wondering what the best method would be for me to test the metals?

I've seen the acid kits they sell on eBay and figured I'll purchase one; I thought I'd ask you folks for any opinions first.

[Gcubed]

Take the stuff to a buyer for an offer. You don't have to sell. Watch and learn.

[C4talyst]

I know I can sell a lot of the jewelry I've acquired easily. However, I'm interested in testing it first for metal content. I ordered a set of acids off of eBay that are capable of testing gold and silver. I've also seen some electronic tools that claim they can display karat content of gold. Does anyone here have advice on gold testing techniques or tools?

[AgK]

I think what Gcubed is suggesting is let the potential buyer do the testing. Then, you can walk out the door with your loot.
They will let you know what is real, what is not, and so on.

-K

[Hope+Change]

Acid is the cheapest and most accessible way to test gold and silver.

[teamnick]

the electronic tools are really good at telling you plated junk is gold. I hardly ever use my electronic tester anymore, although it is kinda nice for sorting through piles of stuff at a time, grabbing the ones that light up as gold, and then testing them with acid. just use the acid.

[fasTTcar]

I use GT-3000's from Tri Electronics. About $250 and work very well if you know what you are doing.

If you are not buying continuously or a dealer, Gcubed had the best suggestion. Acids are cheap and work well, but are messy and a pain. Have a pro look at your stash and flip him a beat up morgan for his time.

[Garyw]

I sell jewelry gold and silver on line. The easiest and cheapest ways to test gold and silver is first get a rare earth magnet. If it sticks to the magnet it is plated. Then if not I test it with an acid kit White gold can fool you. I have seen items that test as 18k and are plated. Hope that helps. Silver is also hard to test.