Large marked 14k Chain is FAKE

[LawrencetheMDer]

Back Story – Found this chain (picture) last year in Florida. Marked 14k, heavy at about 5-6oz, and looked real good. Never crossed my mind that it could be fake. Sent it home for safe-keeping and then posted find on TreasureNet. Several viewers thought it might be fake with one major reason being that the chain links were not welded together (see pic). Had to wait until I returned to Ohio in May to test chain.

Update – A scratch test revealed that the chain was between 10 and 14k (see pic, 14k and 18k acids blended afterwards). However, when a small cut was filed in one of the links and a 10k acid test performed, the test cut produced extensive bubbles (see pic, couldn’t make out color) indicating that the base metal was NOT gold. I think my wife cried even more than me… Easy come and easy go.

Happy Hunting

 

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[cudamark]

It still looks good enough to wear, just isn't worth much to sell.

 

[vpnavy]

B U M M E R!

 

[alloy_II]

You should reply of the sratch test, your acid drop test reacted with the base metals used to alloy the gold.

Do a specific gravity test, then you'll know for sure.

 

[OBN]

I remember this, but before you go any further It still has good value and can be sold. I've seen fake chains (and rings) go for a few hundred dollars even with the buyers knowing the purity.

 

[LawrencetheMDer]

You should reply of the sratch test, your acid drop test reacted with the base metals used to alloy the gold.

Do a specific gravity test, then you'll know for sure.

Specific gravity was 7.292 and appears to closely match Tin at 7.26-7.30, depending on reference. So it appears the base metal is tin. Thanks for the advice and I sure plan to use specific gravity in future gold finds.

 

[CASPER-2]