I. Gold Testing Methods for Large Enterprises
For large enterprises, near-absolute accuracy is always the top priority. Even if it requires high investment costs or accepting complicated testing procedures, they are willing to pay to ensure brand reputation and customer trust.
1. Fire Assay Method
The Fire Assay method involves melting a sample
The Fire Assay method involves melting a sample with fluxes at very high temperatures to separate precious metals from impurities. This is considered the benchmark method in the mining and metallurgy industries because of its very high accuracy. However, it is time-consuming, costly, and unsuitable for jewelry stores or pawn shops that require fast and convenient results.
2. Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy (ICP)
Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy (ICP) is a modern analytical technique
Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy (ICP) is a modern analytical technique used to determine elemental composition in various types of samples. The sample is introduced into a high-frequency plasma (from argon gas), where atoms are excited and emit characteristic spectral lines, allowing precise identification and quantification of each element.
ICP is notable for its high sensitivity, ability to analyze multiple elements simultaneously, excellent accuracy, and repeatability, making it ideal for trace analysis. However, like Fire Assay, this method requires sample destruction and is generally limited to professional laboratories due to high costs and technical complexity.
>> See more: Free Gold Testing Service – The Anti-Counterfeit Gold Solution
II. Gold Testing Methods for Jewelry Stores and Pawn Shops
For jewelry stores and pawn shops, where daily transactions must be processed quickly, safely, and without damaging customer assets, selecting the right gold testing method is a critical challenge.
1. Traditional Methods
1.1 Touchstone Method
This manual method involves rubbing a gold sample on a stone to create a streak, then applying acid to observe the reaction and estimate gold purity. It is quick and has been used by generations of goldsmiths, but accuracy depends entirely on the craftsman’s experience. Errors are common, especially with low-karat or counterfeit gold.
Additionally, some metals in alloys (such as palladium or platinum) do not react clearly with acid, leading to inaccurate results.
>> See more: Why Jewelry Stores Need the DXL800 Gold Analyzer
1.2 Density Method
This method determines gold purity based on Archimedes’ principle. The object’s weight is measured in air and then when fully submerged in water. The difference in weight allows calculation of density.
If the calculated density is close to that of pure gold, it is likely genuine. However, this method has limitations since results can be skewed if the gold sample contains internal voids or is made of alloys with similar densities.
1.3 Metal Testing Pen
This method uses a small battery-powered pen with a metal testing tip. When the pen touches the sample, it emits a signal (light or sound) to indicate whether the item is a precious metal such as gold, platinum, or silver.
The pen contains a special chemical solution that reacts with the gold surface, producing a color change. Based on this change, users can estimate purity or detect fake gold. While simple, convenient, and easy to use, it is less accurate than professional equipment.
2. Modern Method – X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analysis
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive method with minimal error, ensuring peace of mind for both jewelers and customers. The principle of XRF is based on the phenomenon where, when exposed to high-energy X-rays, the atoms in the sample emit characteristic fluorescence for each element. The analyzer collects these signals and processes them to determine the elements and their proportions.
>> See more: What Is an XRF Spectrometer? Differences from Handheld XRF Machines
>> See more: What Is a Handheld XRF Analyzer? Principles and Applications of Niton – XL2
III. Why Jewelry Stores and Pawn Shops Should Choose XRF Machines
Jewelry Stores and Pawn Shops Should Choose XRF Machines
Compared to traditional methods like acid testing or fire assay, XRF machines provide significant advantages, especially for jewelry stores and pawn shops.
1. High Accuracy
Modern analyzers deliver measurements with extremely small error margins, ensuring maximum reliability. With advanced technology, they can detect and identify elements even at very low concentrations, giving users confidence in crucial decisions for business and production.
2. Non-Destructive Testing
A key concern for customers is whether jewelry will be scratched or damaged after testing. XRF solves this problem, offering absolute reassurance and a major competitive advantage.
3. Fast Results
Unlike traditional methods, XRF provides nearly instant results. Users only need a few seconds to obtain precise data, saving valuable time, especially when testing multiple samples continuously.
4. Multi-Element Analysis
XRF can analyze multiple elements in a single sample, detecting impurities in alloys from gold and silver to heavy metals. This not only ensures accurate purity testing but also prevents fraud in buying and selling.
>> See more: Eliminating Gold Purity Fraud
IV. Where to Buy Quality XRF Machines?
One of the biggest concerns for jewelry stores and pawn shops when investing in XRF is finding a reliable supplier. The market offers many XRF models with wide price variations, but not all guarantee long-term accuracy and durability.
In Vietnam, PMAC is the official distributor of SpectraX analyzers such as SpectraX 20, SpectraX 25, SpectraX 30, and SpectraX 55. These machines fully meet requirements for accuracy, speed, and durability. With an experienced engineering team, PMAC not only provides equipment but also supports customers throughout operation and maintenance.
Among them, the SpectraX 20 is considered the optimal choice for jewelry stores, perfectly balancing price and features, helping shop owners quickly and accurately verify gold purity while keeping investment costs manageable.
the SpectraX 20 is considered the optimal choice for jewelry stores
Contact us today for consultation or to book a free gold testing appointment!
V. Conclusion
In today’s increasingly competitive gold market, accuracy and transparency are the keys to maintaining reputation and customer trust. XRF machines not only allow jewelry stores and pawn shops to verify gold quickly, accurately, and safely, but also serve as a long-term investment that minimizes risks and enhances business capacity.
If you are seeking the most effective gold testing solution, choose XRF – the modern, convenient, and reliable technology for your store.
PMAC – PMAC Joint Stock Company
Address: High-Tech Center, 4th Floor, HUTECH Building, D1 Street, Saigon Hi-Tech Park, Long Thạnh Mỹ Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Website: https://pmac.asia/
Hotline: +84 938 085 278
