How do I verify gold content claims when selling scrap jewellery or dental gold?
Short answer: A buyer's stated karat and weight should be verifiable through a testing method you can observe, such as an acid test or electronic karat tester, rather than being something you're just asked to trust — ask to watch the testing happen, and for higher-value items, consider getting an independent appraisal or a second buyer's assessment before accepting a single buyer's claim about your item's gold content.
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List Free →Why gold content shouldn’t just be taken on trust
Karat purity directly determines value, and testing methods to verify it — acid testing, electronic karat testers, or more precise laboratory methods — are widely available and not overly complex, which is why a buyer’s unverified claim about your item’s purity isn’t something you need to simply accept without any way to check.
What to ask for during the transaction
Request to watch the actual testing happen, whether that’s an acid test or electronic tester reading, so you can see the process rather than just being told a result — a buyer confident in their testing should have no issue with you observing.
When independent verification is worth the extra step
For a modest amount of jewellery, watching the buyer’s own testing is usually sufficient — for a genuinely valuable piece or a larger quantity of dental gold, an independent appraisal or a second buyer’s assessment adds a meaningful additional layer of confidence before you commit to a sale.
How ScrapTrade Makes This Easier
Buyers on ScrapTrade handling precious metals should be able to explain their specific testing method clearly, giving you a basis to judge whether their process is one you’re comfortable relying on.
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