How to Tell if Gold Is Real


By American standards, fake gold is anything less than 10 Karats/Carats. If you're wondering whether your gold is real, the most reliable way to find out is to take it to a certified jeweler and have it tested. If you want to check for yourself, here's a list of tests you can conduct to tell if your gold is real.

Steps

Visual Inspection

The first thing to do to check if you have real gold is to look at it. Look for particular signs that point to real gold.
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    Inspect the piece for official markings. A stamp will indicate either fineness (1-999 or .1-.999) or karat (10K, 14K, 18K, 22K or 24K). A magnifying glass will make this easier.

Select Gold Bullion Coins


Listed in the tables below are various gold, silver, and platinum bullion coins available, including the years they were minted, their fineness, the country they are from, the denomination, and the name of the coin. Become familiar with available options to locate a favorite collectible.

Gold Bullion Coins

Listed below are a few of the many gold bullion coins available. Favorites include the U.S. Gold Eagle, UK Britannia, French 20 Francs Napoleon, and Russian Saint George the Victorious.

Country

Name of Bullion Coin

Fineness

Denominations (Gold Weight)

Years of mintage

United States
Gold Eagle
.9167
1/10 ozt, ¼ ozt, ½ ozt, 1 ozt
1986–present
United Kingdom
Britannia
.9167
1/10 ozt, ¼ ozt, ½ ozt, 1 ozt
1987–present
France
20 Francs Napoleon
.900
0.1867 ozt
1808–1914
Russia
Saint George the Victorious
.999
.2537 ozt
2006–present

Select Bullion as Gifts for Special Occasions


Bullion can make a thoughtful gift to mark special occasions, such as weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and birthdays. Here are some gift ideas for that special someone.

Gift Idea

Description

Birthdays
Look for a bullion bar featuring a Happy Birthday greeting. Also, many collectors enjoy searching for coins issued during the person’s birth year.
Weddings
Shoppers might choose vials of 24-karat gold flakes or silver flakes for wedding favors.
Anniversaries
For a thoughtful anniversary gift, look for bullion dated with the couple’s wedding year.
Starting a Coin Collection
Collectors often say that a gift started their collection. To introduce someone to the hobby of kings, select bullion to match their interests. For example, choose a silver bar created for Donald Duck’s 45th birthday or a Looney Tunes set of silver coins displaying Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, and Elmer Fudd.

Understand Bullion Term


Sellers use a variety of terms to describe coins and other numismatic items. Become familiar with bullion terminology so as not to overlook any of the important details in product descriptions. Common terms used on eBay in the Coins category include:

Term

Definition

Brilliant
Brilliant coins have no tarnish or oxidization.
BU rolls
BU rolls are wrapped coins, usually enclosed in paper.
Eagle coins
Eagle coins are coins with a face value of $10.
Error
Error numismatic items unintentionally vary from the norm.
Fineness
This term defines the percent of the precious metal in a bullion bar or coin, with .9999 generally being considered the purest.
Full strike
Full-strike numismatic pieces have full detail created by metal flowing into all areas of a die.
Mint mark
Each mint uses a particular letter or mark, called a mint mark, to indicate which mint manufactured a coin. The presence or absence of a mint mark can greatly affect the value of a coin.
Proofs
Proofs are brilliant with a mirror-like surface.
Slabbed coins
Slabbed coins have been encapsulated in a sonically sealed plastic holder by a grading service.
Toned, toning
Toned or toning indicates the coloring that forms on the surface of a coin due to interaction of the metal with paper or other elements.
Uncirculated
An uncirculated designation means that a coin or other uncirculated numismatic item was never circulated. This also refers to a coin without wear.
Wear
This designation indicates the erosion of metal, normally from the highest points of a scene.

Three Stone Engagement Ring


Three Stone Engagement Ring

Finding The Most Excellent Diamond Engagement Ring

One of the most significant events in any woman's life is her engagement, a time when she accepts a proposal of marriage from her beloved. As a sign of his love and commitment to her, she can expect to receive a diamond engagement ring, a sparkler that she will cherish the rest of her life. 
Clearly, an engagement ring purchase isn't a decision that should be rushed. For many men, a primer in diamond education is needed, the sort of instruction which can ensure that the diamond engagement ring being purchased is the right one. Please read on for some helpful ring buying advice designed to make your choice the best one, since there are so many styles, shapes, & setting options for Engagement Rings. 
Quality - Some would say that there isn't such a thing as a poor quality engagement ring, but I beg to differ. Quite honestly, if the ring doesn't include a diamond gemstone, then you're choosing a lower quality rock. Emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and amethysts may look pretty, but they don't rise to the level of hardness or have that special look of a diamond. She'll know it too and wonder who convinced you otherwise! 
Style - Maybe you are already familiar with her tastes in jewelry, perhaps not. Many women enjoy gold bands as it is one style that always remains popular, but perhaps a ring with diamonds embedded in the channel is her preference? She needs to be comfortable with the style you select as she'll be wearing the ring every day for many years to come. Consider a custom-made ring if that would please her the most. 
Metal - You'll find that there are a variety of wedding bands available with three metals typically shown: yellow gold, white gold, and platinum. Forget the silver band - though some retailers offer them, they are cheap-looking and won't stand the test of time. Yellow gold is the most popular of all with 14k and 18k gold used. White gold has the look of silver but retains the worth of gold, a choice she may prefer over yellow gold. Platinum is the most durable metal -- and the most expensive - the perfect symbol of a marriage that will stand the test of time. 
Center Stone - Many women prefer a diamond engagement ring with the stone in the center by itself while others favor the center stone with sidestones or with three stones. A diamond solitaire is cut in a variety of shapes including round, princess, emerald, asscher, marquise, oval, radiant, pear, heart and cushion. There are some people who consider personality traits that supposedly match each shape, but if you're simply looking for the best investment go with a round brilliant ring and you'll not be disappointed. 
Other Considerations - You'll probably hear about the 4Cs of diamond characteristics (cut, carat, color, clarity), with cut already mentioned. The carat represents the size of the diamond, while color is its natural body color with D,E, and F grades colorless (and the most rare) all the way down to Z, which is light yellow in color. Clarity describes a diamond's purity or the elements which give each diamond its unique look, kind of like a birthmark. You can find quite a few diamonds which are not at the very top of the scale that are still quite beautiful and which look virtually the same as the most expensive grade of diamond, but for less money. 
Of course, your personal budget must be considered when purchasing a ring. Conventional wisdom suggests that you spend at least two weeks of your salary on a diamond engagement ring, but at Calaveras Coin & Pawn, we have beautiful rings available that start at $250. Weigh her needs with your wallet and you'll find the perfect diamond engagement ring for a couple soon to be married. 
Finally, it can be mind-boggling deciding which diamond is best - your local jeweler can help you out or, if you are buying through Calaveras Coin & Pawn, we have advisors standing by who make your diamond education a fast learn and a purchase you won't regret!