Gold Hallmarks -Check The Gold Purity By Testing & Stamping
Pakistan is among the top ten countries in the world having high consumption of gold. It is considered one of the precious metals in Pakistan. It has the economical and cultural value.
Mostly people perceive gold as a safe investment. It is also the sign of pride and wealth in Pakistan. But before buying or selling gold keep in mind that there are some special symbols or gold hallmarks that are engraved on the gold bars and coins.
These gold hallmarks are internationally recognized by the Millesimal Fineness System and World Gold Council.For assaying and hallmarking, the Pakistan Gem and Jewelry Development Company has established two state of the art centers in Karachi and Lahore.
These centers are playing an important role in building trust among the people and jewelers while buying or selling gold and during investment in gold without any doubts.
Types of hallmarks In Pakistan
There are some common gold hallmarks;
- 24 Karat pure gold bars contain a 999 hallmark indicating 99.9% gold .It is used for investment purposes rather than for jewelry making.
- 22 karat gold contains 916 hallmark indicating 91.6% gold and 8.4% other metals in the form of impurities.It is used for jewelry making.
- 21 karat gold having 875 hallmark indicating 87.5% gold and 12.5% impurities.
- The gold hallmarks like 833,750,625,583,500,410,375,333,250 used in other countries of the world
How to check gold purity in Pakistan?
Gold purity can be checked by different tests.
Gold Testing Machine
In a gold testing machine,you can check the weight and liquid content of the gold jewelry or bars then figure out the exact purity of gold.
Weight and Size Testing
You can use a digital scale to check the weight and size of gold. The real gold has specific size and volume.
Fire Testing
This method is also called Fire Assaying.Put a small piece of gold into fire After melting, It will separate the gold content from the impurities. Then you can measure the amount of gold and impurities separately in it.
Magnet Testing
The pure gold does not have the magnetic property. The pure gold cannot attract towards magnet. If it does so, it will not be a pure gold.
Acid Testing
Nitric Acid is used to check the purity of gold.Put a drop of acid on the gold, if it dissolves, the gold is not real.
Skin-Color Testing
You can check the gold purity by simply rubbing the gold piece against your skin. If it leaves the black or green color on the skin then the gold purity is not genuine but this method of testing is not much reliable.
Float Testing:
If you want to check the gold purity, put the gold jewelry piece in the container full of water, if it sinks into the water container it is made of real gold but in case it floats than the impurities content is high in gold.
Sound Testing
Traditionally, jewelers practice this method.The pure gold has a unique and continuous sound when it is struck with other metal ,the expert can easily identify this sound
Frequently Ask Questions -FAQs
What are the gold hallmarks ?
The symbols or gold hallmarks that are engraved on the gold bars or jewelry to show the purity or fineness of gold.
Is there any Hallmark present on the gold jewelry in Pakistan?
In Pakistan, the gold bars and coins contain the hallmarks but unfortunately there is no proper hallmarking system for gold jewelry for the customer’s satisfaction .
What are the methods used for Hallmarking used in Pakistan?
There are commonly three methods used in Pakistan
1)Touchstone 2)X Ray fluorescence (XRF) 3) Fire Assaying
How to check the gold purity?
Gold purity can be check by hallmarking, stamping and different testing methods i.e Acid Test, Fire Test, Floating Test, Sound Test, Magnet Test etc.