Services
OUR SERVICES
Our Comprehensive Metal Testing Services
At the core of our services is the delivery of private, convenient, and objective metal authentication.
We provide meticulous and trustworthy testing for a diverse range of precious metal assets, ensuring you receive definitive validation of purity and precious metals content.
professional, technical and documented
Our Testing Methods
Convenient testing when you need Gold, Silver or Jewelry authenticated.
A multi-method approach is at the basis of our service. We never rely on a single test. Verification is always based on a combination of scientific methods. Providing you with confidence and conclusive results.
Detailed Visual & Hallmark Inspection
Initial visual assessment and documentation
- Note brand/mint (if applicable)
- Record and photograph the item
- Weigh the item (gross weight)
Hallmark & Stamp Inspection:
- Purity stamps (e.g., 999, 925, 750, 14K, 18K)
- Mint logos
- Assay marks
- Serial numbers (bullion bars)
- Country of origin marks
Surface condition, craftmanship, fit and finish
- Color tone consistency
- Surface texture (cast vs. struck vs. forged)
- Edge quality (especially coins and rounds)
- Seam lines or solder joints
- Plating wear at high-contact area
Dimensional & Edge Inspection
(bullion specific i.e. bars, coins and rounds)
- Measure thickness, diameter, and length
- Check edge milling (coins and rounds)
- Inspect for tampering, drilled holes, filled cavities
Density Testing
Density Testing
We utilize a method known as density testing to determine the true density and specific gravity of a metal sample. Depending on the item’s geometry, this can be performed either by calculating density from measured dimensions and weight, or by using a controlled water displacement procedure to determine volume.
Density verification serves as an important cross-validation step, supporting compositional findings and working in conjunction with other testing technologies, e.g. XRF analysis, to confirm the results.
The Science Behind It
(Archimedes’ Principle)
With regard to ‘controlled water displacement’, when a metal sample is submerged, it displaces a volume of water equal to its own volume. By measuring the sample’s weight in air and its apparent weight in water, we can precisely determine its density and specific gravity using established physical principles.
These results are compared against known density standards for the declared metal or alloy as part of our multi-method verification protocol.
Specific Gravity (SG) Formula:
How We Perform the Test:
- Weight in Air: We weigh the dry metal sample and record the measurement.
- Weight in Water: We carefully submerge the sample in distilled water and record its submerged weight.
- Calculation: We use these two measurements to calculate the Specific Gravity and then determine the final, absolute density of the sample.
A powerful example of mutli-method approach testing is demonstrated by combining XRF Results & Density Testing.
- XRF Tells Us: The surface elemental composition (e.g., 75% Gold / 18K).
- Density Tells Us: The physical density of the entire bulk material.
By comparing the measured density to the expected density of the alloy identified by XRF (for example, the known density of 18K gold), we can check for authenticity.
If the calculated density is significantly off, it indicates that the core of the item is made of a different metal or alloy (e.g. Cu, Ni or Ag) that was hidden beneath a precious metal plating. It can also point to internal flaws or cavities.
This combination of tests gives you the highest degree of certainty about your item’s internal and external composition.
PMI XRF Analysis (X-Ray Fluorescence)
Initial Visual Assessment
- We conduct a thorough visual inspection of the item to be analyzed. This step is crucial for identifying any visible surface irregularities, contaminants, or potential structural issues that could impact the XRF analysis or require pre-treatment.
Equipment Configuration and Safety Briefing
- After carefully setting up the XRF analyzer, a brief explanation of the mandatory safety requirements and necessary precautions for operating the XRF analyzer may be provided. This typically covers radiation safety procedures and requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE).
Explanation of Technological Principles
- We provide a concise and understandable overview of how X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology works. This includes explaining how primary X-rays interact with the atoms within the material, causing the emission of characteristic secondary (fluorescent) X-rays. These signals are measured by the detector to determine the elemental composition of the metal
Equipment Calibration
- We perform a comprehensive equipment calibration appropriate for the expected elemental composition. This step is mandatory to ensure the accuracy, precision, and reliability of the analytical results.
Surface Preparation Assessment and Execution
- Assessment: We evaluate the item’s surface again for any conditions that might interfere with accurate XRF measurement, such as heavy tarnish, corrosion, dirt, or residues.
- Preparation: If surface preparation (e.g., cleaning or light polishing) is deemed necessary to remove contaminants and expose the base material for accurate measurement, it will be executed with extreme care.
- Conservation Principle: Any cleaning or polishing will be performed without metal loss by abrasion, unless such a requirement is explicitly identified and explicit approval is obtained from the client prior to proceeding. The preservation of the item is paramount.
Execution and Reporting
- The XRF analysis is performed following the pre-established parameters and analytical method. This involves placing the prepared item securely on the XRF analyzer and initiating the X-ray exposure sequence to collect the necessary data spectrum. Multiple readings may be taken on different areas to ensure a representative result.
Data Interpretation and Reporting
- The XRF analyzer instantly provides the data which can be captured and presented on a comprehensive report detailing the analysis process, including the equipment used, calibration standard information, any surface preparation performed, and the safety procedures observed.
Conductivity Testing
Precious Metal Conductivity Testing
We measure the electrical conductivity of your metal using advanced eddy current technology with a Fischer SIGMASCOPE® Gold C . A probe generates a small electromagnetic field that interacts with the metal and measures how easily electrical currents flow through it.
Because every metal has a unique conductivity signature, this test helps confirm the material type, verify purity, and detect plating or counterfeit cores. The process is fast, highly accurate, and completely non-destructive, meaning your bullion, coins, or jewelry remain untouched.
Equipment Calibration
If necessary, the equipment will be calibrated to the specific testing requirements.
Surface Condition & Execution
The conductivity testing performed with the Fischer SIGMASCOPE® Gold C requires little to no surface preparation. Because the probe measures the metal’s electrical response using an electromagnetic field, it does not require direct probe-to-metal contact and can often take reliable measurements even when the item is separated by a thin non-conductive layer, such as the plastic capsules or protective packaging commonly used for bullion coins and bars. This allows testing to be performed without removing the item from its casing and preserving its condition.
Explaining Your Results and Reporting
The results obtained from the SIGMASCOPE® Gold C are presented as a measured electrical conductivity value, typically reported in MS/m (mega-Siemens per meter) or %IACS, depending on the reference standard used. This value is compared to the expected conductivity range for the declared precious metal and purity. The measured result and its interpretation are reviewed with you on-site, explaining how the conductivity aligns with the expected properties of the tested item.
Ultrasonic Testing
Explanation of UT principle
Ultrasonic Testing uses high-frequency sound waves to evaluate the internal structure of a metal item without causing any damage. During testing, a small probe sends ultrasonic pulses into the metal using a coupling medium to allow the sound waves to enter the material. These waves travel through the metal and reflect back when they reach boundaries such as the back wall of the item or any internal irregularities.
One important property measured during this process is the velocity of sound through the metal. Every metal and alloy has a characteristic acoustic velocity—meaning sound travels through gold, silver, platinum, and other metals at specific, known speeds. By measuring the time it takes for the ultrasonic pulse to travel through the material and return, the instrument can determine whether the measured sound velocity aligns with the expected value for that particular metal.
This makes ultrasonic testing a powerful verification tool for precious metals. In addition to confirming the consistency of thickness within bars or larger bullion items, the technique can reveal internal anomalies or materials with different acoustic properties. If a different metal were present inside the item, the change in sound velocity and signal response would indicate that the internal structure does not match the expected composition. As a result, ultrasonic testing provides an additional layer of internal verification beyond surface analysis methods.
Surface Condition Requirement
Ultrasonic testing requires direct contact between the probe and the metal surface so that sound waves can properly enter the material. The surface should be relatively smooth, clean, and free of debris such as dirt, oil, loose scale, or heavy oxidation that could interfere with sound transmission.
A coupling medium (couplant)—typically a small amount of gel or liquid—is applied between the probe and the surface to eliminate air gaps and allow the ultrasonic signal to pass efficiently into the metal. Minor surface texture or light scratches generally do not affect the measurement, but very rough surfaces, coatings, or heavy contamination may reduce signal quality and require light cleaning before testing.
No material removal or preparation is required, making ultrasonic testing a completely non-destructive method for examining the internal structure of precious metal items.
Equipment & Calibration
Before testing, the ultrasonic gauge is calibrated to ensure accurate readings. Calibration is performed using reference standards or materials with a known thickness and known sound velocity.
Once calibrated, the instrument is ready to measure the thickness, sound velocity, and internal integrity of the test item, helping verify that the material behaves consistently with the expected properties of the metal being examined.
Reporting
Following testing, the measured ultrasonic thickness, sound velocity, and signal response are reviewed and compared with the expected values for the metal being examined. The results are then clearly explained to the client, outlining whether the measurements are consistent with the expected properties of the item.
Certificate of Metal Verification
The certificate will specify all testing methods performed with the corresponding results, which may include measurements such as elemental composition, electrical conductivity, density or specific gravity, ultrasonic response, and other relevant observations.
This documentation provides a transparent record of the verification process, outlining the methods used and the measured values obtained during testing at the time of examination.
Request Your Private Appointment Today
Why Choose Our At-Home Testing Service?
- Convenience: We work around your schedule and come to you, saving you time and hassle.
- Privacy & Security: All testing is conducted in your own home or chosen location. Your privacy and the security of your valuables are our top priority.
- Expert Analysis: Rely on our professional expertise for precise identification and evaluation of your precious items.