Gold and Silver testing Instructions

Pre-Mixed Test AcidsPre-mixed gold, silver, and platinum test acids are available for those who do not wish to mix and handle acids. Generally a selection of these pre-mixed test acids are kept on hand to test for a variety of karats and metals. These acids can be used on test stones or directly on jewelry.Using Pre-Mixed Acids with a Test StoneRub the jewelry on the test stone using firm strokes (two forward and two back) so that a very noticeable streak of metal is left on the stoneApply a drop of the pre-mixed acid to the center of the streak:If the metal streak noticeably changes color or disappears than the metal is less than the test acid karat. If the metal streak changes color only very slightly, then it has the same karat as the test acid. If the metal streak does not change at all, than it has a higher karat than the acid. Example: When using a 14K test acid, a 12K gold streak will exhibit a large, change color change or completely disappear, a 14K gold streak may have a very slight color change, and if the gold is higher than the 14K it will not change at all. Using Pre-Mixed Acids on Jewelry Find a place on the piece of jewelry where you can file a small groove without ruining the jewelry - the intent is to penetrate the thin surface layer of plated metal ( if it is plated). Try testing behind a link of a chain if you can - beware that it is not uncommon to use karat gold for clasps on chains that are only plated with gold. Apply a drop of pre-mixed test acid in the small groove that you filed. Note the color changes if any ( as above when testing on a stone) Most jewelry pieces have areas of wear that can be good places to test. Occasionally the wear is sufficient to remove any plating and testing these areas without filing can confirm that the jewelry is a lower karat that the test acid. If you do try this and there is no color change, file a small groove and try again to be sure. Test Acids come in Easy-to-use plastic bottles with, color-coded labels. Use with test stones or on a portion of the jew