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The rings submitted for appraisal bear a hallmark indicating 750 fineness gold. An initial check using spectral analysis also confirms this high standard, which can mislead even an experienced appraiser.
The rings submitted for appraisal bear a hallmark indicating 750 fineness gold. An initial check using spectral analysis also confirms this high standard, which can mislead even an experienced appraiser.
However, upon physically breaking the item, it becomes obvious that it is a counterfeit. Inside the gold plating, a metal of a completely different, white color is revealed. This indicates that the item is merely gold-plated and not made of solid precious metal.
Since items cannot be damaged in pawnshops and during appraisals, the method of determining metal density is used to identify such counterfeits. This method does not compromise the integrity of the jewelry and allows for accurately determining its composition. The procedure consists of several sequential steps.
| Density Value | Corresponding Fineness |
| ~12.5 - 12.8 | 500 |
| Claimed on the item | 750 |
During the experiment, the following data was obtained: the ring's dry weight was 8.60 grams, and its weight in water was 0.67 grams. By dividing the dry weight by the weight in water, a density value of approximately 12.6-12.8 was obtained.
A special table correlating density and gold fineness is used to interpret the result. Comparing the obtained value with the table data shows that this density is characteristic of 500 fineness metal, not 750 fineness, as was claimed on the hallmark.
Thus, the hydrostatic weighing method unerringly detects the discrepancy, proving that the item is a counterfeit. This method is recommended for use in pawnshops to prevent fraud.
