New to this, but off to a good start

[KangaWoo]

Hi guys,
I'm new to this game. I guess I got into it after my metal detecting started to slow down a bit, and reading all the finds you guys make.

On the weekend I went to a Tender auction at our local Salvation army outlet, being a first for me I wasn't sure what type of bids to make, and I thought I would not have won any thing.

I ended up winning 8 out of my 13 tenders bids

I still have tons of stuff to sought through, but have already made back my $ in value plus more.

I have two items (so far) I would like to ask you guys about.

The first is this little set of collector spoons.



Has anyone ever seen this set?
The back of two of the spoons reads "silver"



I am not sure if that means these are solid silver or plated? and I don't know how to test as I don't have a test kit.

The next question is about this necklace I scored in a bulk jewellery lot.



I found .375 on the clasp in two places, and "Italy"
does this mean the whole thing is 9ct gold? or could it just be the clasp? sorry if that's a stupid question.



Thanks heaps in advance for any help you can offer this newbie. I think I'm hooked now.

 

[Beachkid23]

The spoons could be silver having that marking on there. I noticed everything else I've ever found that says silver ends up being that. Acid test will tell for sure.

As far as the necklace it probably is 9K gold. That's a nice find there! Probably diamond chip as well. Is the pendant marked also looks like it matches. Probably worth a couple hundred dollars over spot whenever that maybe! I would say you did well. When available order that acid test kit. Throw away the Sterling Acid and use the 18 K on the stone to test silver.

 

[captain flintlock]

That's a great haul for a freshman hunter. Well done. I agree with Beackid that an acid test kit is a must have. Well done!! ☠

 

[JimDon]

Fast start for sure. I find items marked just plain silver handle Asian usually are 900 or 925 silver.

 

[KangaWoo]

Thanks guys.
The pendant dangly thing feels light and plastic, so its only the rest of the necklace that I think is gold. I did a few more tests at home, scratch on unfinished porcelain, and magnet test. So far it's looking good.

I also scored three sterling silver rings, and two 9k gold rings in the lot, and one unmarked ring.



Any ideas on the Hallmark? and could they be diamonds? They scratch glass, and also turn blue when backlit.



The third ring (on the right) has no marks, but it is slightly heavier than the other two while slightly smaller, magnet doesn't attract and I put a decent scratch in it, but no base metal to be seen. is it heard of that a gold ring could have no markings? or am I just pushing my luck

And yeah, I need to get a test kit when I can afford one, they are stupidly expensive in Aus, and apparently customs take the acid.

 

[2Minnesota]

To me the third ring looks plated. Look close (with loupe) between the "bumps" on the outer edge. You can see playing lines. Also, yes, you can find gold that's not marked. They are often thin from wear and the marks have worn off.

 

[The Dirt Pirate]

I need to start hitting the thrift shops again. It's been a while since I've even tried.

 

[KangaWoo]

To me the third ring looks plated. Look close (with loupe) between the "bumps" on the outer edge. You can see playing lines. Also, yes, you can find gold that's not marked. They are often thin from wear and the marks have worn off.

I had a close look at that area under a scope, and I think it must have been the light.
I also noticed a couple of marcasites missing, so I thought it would be classed as scrap anyway, so I chopped the little bugger, not sure if I should have now

No sign of a base metal.

 

[jerseyben]

I had a close look at that area under a scope, and I think it must have been the light.
I also noticed a couple of marcasites missing, so I thought it would be classed as scrap anyway, so I chopped the little bugger, not sure if I should have now

No sign of a base metal.

You know, there are plenty of minimally destructive gold tests that you can do, right?

 

[KangaWoo]

I had these tested today. The ring I chopped is 9ct gold, and the necklace is also full 9ct with diamonds. I was offered $160 at the pawn shop just for the necklace, and was told that is a fraction of the replacement cost. I didn't accept this offer although I felt bad having them test everything then leaving without selling them anything, haha

The other ring with the two black stones and two small diamond stones, also tested as diamonds, but the third stone tested as cz's.

All in all I'm stoked, I only paid $110 for these pieces including three sterling silver rings.

 

[Drmad7]

If I use a certain place to test my gold and silver(to confirm my own acid tests), I make sure that I sell them something most of the time. I want to be able to continue to use them.

 

[KangaWoo]

If I use a certain place to test my gold and silver(to confirm my own acid tests), I make sure that I sell them something most of the time. I want to be able to continue to use them.

I did offer to pay to have them tested, and said I most likely didn't want to sell before the lady started, and again when she was finished testing. She seemed more than happy to help out.
She even said that the offer of $160 was a fraction of the replacement value, seemed she was hinting for me not to take the cash in a way.
Still felt bad though, maybe I will take something back.

I have a ton of silver plated flatware I might take back, she said they would give 20-50c each piece. I would be happy to off load it.

 

[captain flintlock]

I had these tested today. The ring I chopped is 9ct gold, and the necklace is also full 9ct with diamonds. I was offered $160 at the pawn shop just for the necklace, and was told that is a fraction of the replacement cost. I didn't accept this offer although I felt bad having them test everything then leaving without selling them anything, haha

The other ring with the two black stones and two small diamond stones, also tested as diamonds, but the third stone tested as cz's.

All in all I'm stoked, I only paid $110 for these pieces including three sterling silver rings.

There are great kits available on Amazon that have the test stones, acid kit and a scale that are very affordable. I work in a lab with scales and weights and measures and the ones in the kits are very accurate and a good investment. I would highly recommend that you pick one of these kits up. This way you can go into your buyers shop with some knowledge of what you have. You can also avoid turning a $500 piece into $50 with unnecessary damage cutting or filling into it when a simple scratch on a stone will suffice. Sorry if this sounds like a lecture. Just want you to get the most of your finds like the rest of us here on the forum. It sounds like you have a great eye for this stuff and you're on a roll! Keep up the great finds!!

 

[KangaWoo]

thanks, I appreciate the advice. I have been trying to source a good test kit, but for some reason they are very hard to obtain in Aus.
Another forum I am on in Australia talks about this issue, and some guys have tried to order from os but customs takes the acid from the kits.

I regret chopping the ring, the suspense got to me. if it was higher than 9ct and wasn't missing a stone I would consider getting it fixed. for now I will just hang onto it and keep it in my scrap bag.