Is This Gold?

[greenrook]

Don't know where to ask this, but there are always knowledgeable people in ChatterBank, so can anyone tell me how I can test an article of jewellery I suspect to be gold? The piece is filigree work, quite small and delicate, with no place for an assay mark. For a number of reasons, I would like to know if it's gold before expert inspection. Thanks for looking.

[Buenchico]

The ceramic plate test and the magnet test are the easiest to use:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzaKMePtwik

[Retrochic]

Firstly try a magnet -if it sticks to it its not gold
Does it feel heavy in relation to its size?
scrape it along a pure white plate -if it leaves a black mark its not gold
Best of all take it to any shop that buys gold -they will test it and tell you what it is for free

[greenrook]

Thank you both - the piece is non-magnetic but the 'plate test' leaves me doubtful it's gold. Why a craftsman would make a piece of such delicacy using base metal I don't know, but there you are. I'll take it to a jeweller. Thank you both again -G-

[Peter Pedant]

sorry you're disappointed Gr

[Peaspeculiars]

greenrock - may be cheaper to go to a high street pawnbroker and get it tested there rather than a jeweller (You don't have to sell it, just get a test done, they will be able to tell you)
I've seen indian gold jewellery with no marks - once tested it turned out to be solid gold.
Fingers are crossed for you :-)