Big "Gold" in the Water

[SusanMN]

This summer's hunting hasn't been particularly good for me, but today I thought I'd hit the big one with this 34.6 gram necklace, marked "14K" Italy. It was stunning in the scoop and looked like the real deal. Unfortunately, it is a lesson for treasure hunters on why you need to have your own gold tester and test everything you find, since this is another phoney. Makes you wonder how much marked but fake jewelry out there is sold to unsuspecting buyers.

 

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[CoinandRelicMan]

Yep have heard here before that marked "Italy" often meant fake. Better luck next time Susan !

 

[BurntBear]

I think the manufactures of such pieces should be prosecuted.

 

[mariposagold]

All the fakes I found have 14k Italy on them. But I must say, that's a nice fake.

 

[park pirate]

Nice one for sure..

 

[Argentium]

It is a shame that this is so widespread ! Keep the faith , you'll score the real deal before too long !

 

[treblehunter]

Keep digging, it was exciting for awhile for you, I always like the excitement!

 

[dirtlooter]

yep, those testing kits are worth the money. my necklace was big and marked 14 k as well....fake! someday it will be the real thing and you will appreciate it even more. don't give up

 

[vpnavy]

Nice! Thanks for sharing...

 

[xr7ator]

Wow. That doesn't look fake! All the fakes I've seen have green patina from the copper under the gold plate.
How do you know this is fake and what is the base metal if not copper?
Did you test it yourself or take it to another person? If another person, did they file into the piece to see the base matal?
Got any pics of the file mark?

 

[unfound]

Holy Kabling !!! a real heartbreaker right there, it still had to be cool seeing it in the scoop !!

 

[SusanMN]

Wow. That doesn't look fake! All the fakes I've seen have green patina from the copper under the gold plate.
How do you know this is fake and what is the base metal if not copper?
Did you test it yourself or take it to another person? If another person, did they file into the piece to see the base matal?
Got any pics of the file mark?

I have my own tester - an electronic Mizar. You don't need to scratch the gold, you turn the machine on, add solution to a small well and then clip and dip your item. The machine will then either light up the karat of the gold, or remain at the "not gold" setting. I tried it twice and got "not gold" and then checked one of my own gold rings just to be sure it wasn't a machine malfunction. But it really is a good looking fake.

 

[SusanMN]

Holy Kabling !!! a real heartbreaker right there, it still had to be cool seeing it in the scoop !!

Yes, regardless of the outcome, the adrenaline rush of seeing it in my scoop was awesome. I also found a small silver chain and pendant today, so I didn't get totally skunked.

 

[J P]

Thanks for posting. Jewelry clasp can be bought and attached later on. I myself have gotten stung, like Susan was saying nothing is better then the reliability of a good gold tester. Never test the clasp because they are the only gold that is real. The reason for having Italy on the clasp is to make it more convincing. Italy makes some of finest jewelry in the world, known for their quality

 

[WHADIFIND]

Just wondering, if you took it somewhere to get it tested, did they just happen to offer something? You know, to take it off your hands?

Still a wonderful piece! Blingie would have a conniption fit!

 

[SusanMN]

Just wondering, if you took it somewhere to get it tested, did they just happen to offer something? You know, to take it off your hands?

Still a wonderful piece! Blingie would have a conniption fit!

Nope, Whatifind, I tested it myself. It it would have been real, it would have had a melt value around $850. Sigh.

 

[leviathanrick]

I've been told that Italian gold is 18K.