Gold Purity Testing and Valuation in Mysore
Before any figure is discussed, your gold is tested two ways: with an XRF karat analyser and on a traditional touchstone. Then we explain the weight, the purity and the value in plain terms.
Why purity matters when you sell gold
Two pieces of the same weight can be worth very different amounts. A 22K bangle is 91.6% gold, while an 18K one is 75% gold. Purity has the biggest effect on what your gold is worth, so it should be tested, not assumed.
A hallmark or an old bill tells you what was declared when a piece was made. Testing tells you what the piece is today, which matters for older family jewellery, repaired pieces and gold bought without a hallmark.
Two methods, used together
XRF karat analyser
XRF stands for X-ray fluorescence. The analyser directs a small X-ray beam at your gold, and each metal in it responds with its own signature. The machine reads those signatures and reports how much gold, silver, copper and other metals are present. Nothing is cut, scraped or melted.
Touchstone testing
The touchstone is the jeweller's traditional test, used in India for generations. Your gold is rubbed gently on a dark, fine-grained stone, leaving a thin streak. That streak is compared side by side with streaks from reference gold of known purity, and the match in colour and tone is read by eye.
Why we use both
Each method checks the other. The XRF analyser gives a precise reading of the metal at the surface of a piece. The touchstone gives an independent, traditional comparison. When both point to the same purity, you have two separate checks behind the figure you are given.
If the two differ, for example on a plated or repaired piece, that difference is worth knowing before anyone talks about value, and we will explain what it means.
Gold purity at a glance
Indian gold is described by karat and by fineness, the number of parts of gold in a thousand. These are the standard figures.
| Karat | Gold content | Fineness mark | Commonly found in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.5% to 99.9% | 995 / 999 | Coins and bars |
| 22K | 91.6% | 916 | Most Indian jewellery |
| 18K | 75% | 750 | Stone-set and lightweight jewellery |
| 14K | 58.5% | 585 | Some imported and fashion jewellery |
How your gold is valued
Weighing
Your gold is weighed. Stones, beads, lac or wax filling are not gold, so they are not counted as gold weight.
Purity
The XRF analyser and touchstone results establish the purity of the gold.
Fine gold content
Weight and purity together give the amount of fine gold, which is valued at the prevailing gold rate.
Explanation
We walk you through each figure and the applicable offer, and answer any question you have.
Your decision
You proceed only if you are satisfied. There is no obligation to sell.
What to expect at the store
Testing happens at our store on D. Devaraj Urs Road, Mysuru. Our team tells you what each test is for, and you are welcome to ask questions at any point.
Want a rough idea before you visit? The gold calculator on this website gives an indicative figure from the weight, the purity and a rate you enter.
Speak with Ruhi Gold
Ask a question before you visit, or tell us what you would like to sell. We are happy to help.
FAQs
COMMON
Is XRF gold testing accurate?
XRF gives a precise reading of the metals at the surface of a piece, which is why jewellers use it widely. Because it reads the surface, a plated or coated item can mislead it, so we also check purity on the touchstone.
Why test gold on a touchstone as well as by machine?
The touchstone is an independent check. It compares a streak of your gold with reference gold of known purity, so it does not depend on the same measurement as the XRF analyser. Two methods agreeing gives more confidence than one.
If my jewellery is hallmarked, does it still need testing?
A hallmark shows the purity declared when the piece was made. Repairs, wear and alterations can change a piece over the years, so we test purity on every item before value is discussed.
Can stones or plating affect the purity reading?
Yes. Stones are not gold and are not counted as gold weight, and plating can make a surface read differently from the metal underneath. That is one reason we use two testing methods and explain any difference we find.
Related pages
Sell Old Gold
Old jewellery and coins, weighed, tested and valued clearly.
Gold Jewellery Buyers
22K, 24K and 18K chains, bangles, rings and necklaces.
Our Selling Process
Five clear steps, from your first call to your decision.
Gold Calculator
An indicative estimate from weight, purity and rate.
Contact
VISIT RUHI GOLD
Above Bombay Tiffanys Annexe,
Subbarayanakere, Chamrajpura,
Mysuru, Karnataka 570004.
How to find us: we are on the first floor in central Mysuru, directly above Bombay Tiffanys Annexe on D. Devaraj Urs Road.
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