TreasureHunters
Hero Member
I keep hearing bring a magnet along but whats the purpose? It will stick to non silver/gold? Thanks
Thanks! Helps a lot!The Magnet is usually used by "scrappers" which I've done myself. A magnet will let you know quickly what type of metal your dealing with. Usually if it sticks, it's not worth much. For example, aluminum is non magnetic, as is brass, and copper. Your average steel would be magnetic. Gold, and silver also not magnetic. For things such as brass and copper, when you walk by and it looks like it, then your magnetic doesn't stick. Then you make a small score with a pocket knife, you'll know in less then a minute what your dealing with.
So the combination of the material weight, a magnet and knowledge of what is magnetic and, knowledge of material colors..treasure finding is quick and easy.
& also really helps weed out those fakes.
Hope that helped.
Those magnets are so strong i think you will soon look for one weaker. try pulling those two halves apart, almost impossible.
now that said, I use neodymium magnet for checking jewelry and plated brass/copper. Except the magnet i have is the size of a pencil eraser X .125" and then to disguise it I hot glued it to my magnifying glass that I carry to every yard sale.
Both come in very handy.
Today I saw a small Mint Julip cup at the local Goodwill store. I wasn't sure if it was silver plated or silver. So what you're saying is if a magnet sticks to the cup it's probably plated. If not it should be silver?
First off I would like to say, DO NOT scratch things with a pocket knife or acid test them in stores where they are being sold. Also worth noting, don't scratch things with a random piece of metal you found which is copper or something because odds it transfers and you will think the new item is copper also. Instead why not use your noggin and just check for wear areas instead of damaging things (your eyes are your best tool), or pay the minimal price if you think it is worth the risk. This trick could be useful if metal detecting, scrapping, pulling stuff out for free, but trust me I have seen it happen, if you are caught scratching an item being sold at a thrift shop, antique mall, flea market, etc... You will get any number of reactions or combination of them (also gives pickers a very bad rap):
1. You are told DO NOT do that again or else.
2. You are told you WILL buy the item now.
3. You will have the police called.
4. You will be asked to never come back again.
Magnet test is a good cursory check on things if you suspect them not being real in the jewelry counter. However, with a powerful magnet I have seen some gold/silver jewelry still slightly attract to the magnet, also if there is a spring inside the clasp, odds are it will be attracted to a magnet. Also is jewelry that is partial junk and partially not. Also just because it doesn't stick to a magnet does not mean it is precious, there a are lot of junk metals out there that jewelry and other things are made of. Go test some pots in the pot area, or a lot of the blatant costume jewelry.
Hey Twiasp, I wasn't accusing you, my previous post just followed yours. A band-aid is good padding too. I'm behind this post of yours 100%. Yes, I was gently referring to a new member. I have a reputation for putting my foot in my mouth so far that I can taste the back of my knee.
Today I saw a small Mint Julip cup at the local Goodwill store. I wasn't sure if it was silver plated or silver. So what you're saying is if a magnet sticks to the cup it's probably plated. If not it should be silver?