How I Test Your Scrap Gold in Front of You — No Guessing, No Pressure, Just Real Results
Thinking about selling your old, broken, or unwanted gold jewelry? Before you do, it’s important to understand how gold is tested — and why it matters who does the testing. At Devine & Co. Private Jeweler in Carmel-by-the-Sea, I test every single gold item in front of you using both electronic testing and acid testing. It’s all about transparency, accuracy, and making sure you walk away feeling confident in the offer.
This article walks you through everything you need to know about gold testing when selling scrap gold: how the process works, what the results mean, and how to make sure you’re getting a fair deal. Plus, I’ve included a real-life video walkthrough of me testing a bracelet marked 18K that actually tested as 14K — proof that stamps aren’t always right!
Why Gold Testing Matters When Selling Scrap Gold
Most people selling scrap gold aren’t metallurgists or jewelers. They may have inherited jewelry, broken chains, single earrings, or old pieces stamped “14K” or “18K,” and assume that the stamp tells the full story. But unfortunately, gold stamps can be misleading or even fake. Some jewelry is plated, mislabeled, or mixed with other metals.
Gold testing is the only way to verify karat purity. And when you’re being paid based on the weight and karat of the item, that difference could mean hundreds of dollars — especially if you’re selling multiple pieces.
That’s why I test every piece you bring in using two proven methods:
- Electronic gold testing — Fast, non-invasive test that uses conductivity to estimate karat
- Acid testing — The industry standard that confirms purity by observing how the metal reacts to nitric acid
Both are done in front of you, with full explanation. No back rooms. No mystery. Just a clear process from start to finish.
Related: What is Scrap Gold?
Step 1: Electronic Gold Testing (Quick, Non-Destructive)
I start every evaluation with an electronic gold tester — a professional device that uses the principle of electrical conductivity to give a quick reading of your item’s karat level. It’s especially helpful for initial testing and works well on items that might be hollow, lightweight, or missing stamps.
What it does: Measures how well the item conducts electricity and compares that to gold’s expected values at different karats (10K, 14K, 18K, etc.).
What it doesn’t do: It can’t detect gold plating or mislabeling with 100% certainty — which is why we always confirm with a second method: acid testing.
Step 2: Acid Testing (Industry Standard for Gold Buyers)
After the electronic test, I confirm results with a traditional acid test. This involves rubbing the gold onto a black testing stone and applying nitric acid of different strengths. The reaction tells us the true purity of the metal.
- If the metal disappears under the acid, the karat level is lower than the test strength.
- If the metal resists the acid, it confirms the karat is equal to or higher than the test strength.
Example: An item stamped 18K might dissolve when tested with 18K acid — revealing it’s actually 14K. That difference significantly affects the item’s payout value.
Acid testing is fast, reliable, and still the gold standard in the industry.
📹 Watch Me Test Scrap Gold Live (Real Video)
In this video, I test a bracelet that’s stamped 18K but ultimately tests as 14K. This is a perfect example of why testing matters.
Step-by-step from the video:
- I use an electronic tester to check conductivity, which suggests 14K gold.
- I rub the bracelet on a testing stone and apply 18K acid. The streak fades — meaning it's not 18K.
- I repeat the test with 14K acid. The streak stays — confirming it’s solid 14K gold.
This is why I never rely on stamps alone. Every offer I make is backed by visual evidence, real testing, and a transparent process you can trust.
How I Calculate What Your Gold is Worth
I calculate your payout using the current market price of gold and your item’s actual karat and weight. I use live gold pricing from trusted sources like Kitco.
Example:
If gold is $2,400/oz (≈ $77.14/gram for 24K):
- 14K gold is 58.3% pure
- 10g × 0.583 = 5.83g pure gold
- 5.83g × $77.14 = $449.76 melt value
- My payout at 70% = approx. $314.83
Some buyers offer 50% or less — or hide their calculations. I don’t. I’ll show you the math and let you decide. No pressure. No games.
What Kind of Gold Can You Sell?
I buy all types of gold, including:
- Broken gold chains
- Single earrings
- Old wedding rings
- Gold coins or nuggets
- Dental gold
- Hallmarked or unmarked gold
Not sure if it’s real gold? I’ll test it for free. Whether it’s 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K — or just plated — I’ll let you know on the spot.
Why Clients Trust Me
As a GIA Graduate Gemologist and Certified Master Appraiser (NAJA), I’ve spent over 20 years evaluating fine jewelry, diamonds, and precious metals. I’ve worked with clients from Monterey to Sacramento, and now operate a secure, private office in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- ✅ In-person testing — done right in front of you
- ✅ Transparent offers — no mystery, no bait-and-switch
- ✅ Up to 70% of gold value — above what many local buyers pay
- ✅ Private, secure appointments
- ✅ No-pressure consultations
I’ve worked behind the scenes at major local jewelers — and I’ve seen how opaque some gold buying practices can be. That’s why I set out to do it differently: with fairness, transparency, and real expertise.
FAQ – What Else Do You Want to Know?
Is it safe to bring in my gold?
Yes — my office is private and secure, and you’re the only client in the room. I also offer house calls for large collections or sensitive situations.
Do I need an appointment?
Appointments are preferred to ensure one-on-one service. You can schedule here or DM me directly.
Do you buy silver or platinum?
Yes, I also buy sterling silver, platinum, and select pieces of jewelry with diamonds or gemstones. Let’s review it all together.
What if I don’t want to sell?
No pressure. I’ll still test it, explain the value, and let you decide. There’s no obligation.
Final Thoughts: Know Before You Sell
Gold testing is simple — but it’s powerful. It protects you. It gives you peace of mind. And it ensures you get paid fairly. That’s why I test every single item in front of you, using both electronic and acid methods.
If you’re thinking of selling gold — from broken jewelry to inherited items — come visit me. I pay up to 70% of gold’s market value, test everything right in front of you, and explain every step.
Let’s find out what your gold is really worth.
— Shelly Devine, GIA GG, CMA (NAJA), RMV
📍 Visit Devine & Co. — Carmel-by-the-Sea
Location: Private office in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Services: Scrap gold testing and buying, certified appraisals, diamond evaluation, consignment, and custom design
Website: www.devinejeweler.com