Testing Precious Metals: Gold, Silver, Platinum Metals - Identifying - Buying - Selling - A Handbook for the Jeweler, Dentist, Antiquarian, Layman

Precious Metals are always fascinating, and even the mundane tasks of testing, refining, and processing them continue to pique interest. As someone with years of experience in these topics, the author aims to address common questions in the following pages.When dealing with Precious Metal items, it's often necessary to determine their karat, such as whether it's an 18-karat piece of gold or a different karat. This information is essential to estimate the value of an item without analyzing it or examining it closely.The book's objective is to describe the touchstone method and its variations, which enable this type of identification. The touchstone method dates back to 500 BC, when the Lydians rubbed metal on a smooth stone to compare the streak with similar streaks of known compositions. The method became even more accurate during the Middle Ages with the introduction of strong acids. In recent years, with the emergence of new metals, alloys, and combinations, the method has improved significantly and provides valuable information in the hands of a careful worker.The following chapters detail the touchstone method, starting with yellow gold alloys commonly used since our grandfathers' time. The book then moves on to discuss silver, white gold, and platinum alloys that gained popularity during World War I.Some other identification methods are also described, where the touchstone is not used. Special attention is given to the new alloys and combinations, including Ruthenium- alloys which appeared during the Second World War.The book does not deal with the special analysis of metals called "assaying," but it deals with the chemical analysis of a small weighed sample. It only briefly covers the problems of the prospector. The purpose of the book is to provide jewelers, antiques dealers, metal buyers, and laypeople with information on identifying precious metal objects and estimating their value. Knowledge of chemistry is not required.One chapter is dedicated to quality stamping and karat marks. Another chapter contains advice not only for the layperson who wants to purchase jewelry but also for the jeweler or refiner who buys it. It outlines the development of the Gold industry, draws attention to the laws under which it operates, and highlights the responsibilities associated with the profits.As a bonus, a brief biography of C.M. Hoke is included, along with previously unreleased documents. Read more