Jewellery & coins
Describe the whole item
Jewellery may include solder, clasps, stones, coatings and components with different compositions. Coins may have finishes or collector significance. Explain what you want established and whether the item must remain intact.
Screening an item
XRF can be useful for surface elemental screening. Ask how test points will be selected, whether preparation might mark the surface and how the report will describe mixed components.
A reading at one point does not automatically describe every component or the interior of an item.
What to confirm
- Whether the proposed test is suitable for the item and purpose.
- Whether any cleaning, filing or other preparation is needed.
- How stones, non-metal parts and multiple components are handled.
- Whether the test establishes composition only or has a wider scope.
An analytical result does not by itself establish provenance, ownership, collectible value or an item's complete authenticity.
Start with the right questions.
Prepare your material details and testing objective before contacting a laboratory.