Not sure what your jewellery is made from? At Trentham Jewellery Centre, we take the guesswork out of precious metal testing.
Using specialist X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology, we can analyse the composition of precious metals, helping identify their purity and the different metals present within an alloy.
Whether you have unhallmarked gold, inherited jewellery, foreign precious metals or pieces of uncertain origin, our advanced testing equipment allows us to provide a reliable, informed assessment of their precious metal content.
Our aim is simple: to help you understand exactly what you have, so you can make an informed decision about its value.
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is an advanced analytical technique used throughout the precious metals industry to identify and measure the elemental composition of metals.
At Trentham Jewellery Centre, our specialist handheld XRF analyser allows us to examine precious metal items quickly and efficiently, without the need for destructive testing.
Unlike traditional methods that rely primarily on visual inspection, hallmarks or acid testing, XRF technology provides a detailed breakdown of the metals detected in the area being tested.
This means we can identify the presence and proportions of metals such as:
The result is a far more detailed understanding of a piece’s metal composition than can be achieved through appearance alone.
Just because your jewellery doesn’t have a hallmark doesn’t mean it isn’t valuable.
Many pieces brought into our showroom have no visible hallmark, an unfamiliar foreign stamp or markings that have become worn over time.
This is particularly common with:
Using our XRF equipment, we can assess the metal composition of these pieces without relying solely on their markings.
This is particularly beneficial when identifying gold alloys that do not correspond to the standard caratages commonly found in modern British jewellery.
No hallmark? No problem. We can still investigate what your jewellery is made from.
Not all precious metal jewellery is manufactured to the same purity.
Gold, for example, is commonly mixed with other metals to improve its durability, alter its colour or achieve particular manufacturing properties.
Our XRF testing equipment helps us identify these different compositions and assess the precious metal content of the area examined.
For example, jewellery traditionally described as 9ct gold contains approximately 37.5% pure gold, while 18ct gold contains approximately 75%.
By analysing the actual metal composition, we can assess whether a piece is consistent with its stated purity, identify unusual alloys and investigate discrepancies between its markings and composition.
Gold plating, gold-filled construction and other surface treatments can make identifying jewellery more complicated.
XRF technology can help identify certain plating and alloy inconsistencies. However, because it primarily analyses the surface of a material, additional examination may be necessary to establish whether an item is consistent throughout.
Where appropriate, our team considers the XRF results alongside the item’s construction, hallmarks, weight and other relevant characteristics.
Our priority is to provide an informed and transparent assessment, particularly when the composition of a piece is uncertain.
At Trentham Jewellery Centre, accurate precious metal testing is central to our gold-buying service.
Whether you’re selling unwanted jewellery, broken gold, inherited pieces or precious metal items that are no longer worn, we want you to feel confident that their metal content has been properly assessed.
Our XRF equipment allows us to evaluate items that might otherwise be difficult to identify, including unhallmarked and foreign jewellery.
Combined with our experience in buying precious metals, this helps us determine an appropriate offer based on the nature, weight and assessed purity of your pieces.
We believe customers deserve to understand what they’re selling and how its value has been assessed.
Visit our Trentham showroom for a free, no-obligation appraisal of precious metals you’re considering selling.
Our expertise extends beyond jewellery to investment gold, silver coins and precious metal bullion.
Alongside our XRF equipment, we use specialist bullion-verification technology, including our Precious Metal Verifier Pro, to carry out additional checks on suitable coins and bars.
Unlike XRF, which primarily measures surface composition, this complementary equipment assesses the electrical properties of precious metals, helping us investigate whether a coin or bar is consistent with its stated material.
Using appropriate testing methods together provides greater confidence when assessing precious metal bullion.
Yes. Our XRF equipment allows us to analyse the metal composition of unhallmarked jewellery, helping establish its likely gold purity without relying on a hallmark.
This is particularly useful for foreign, antique and inherited jewellery.
No. XRF analysis is a non-destructive testing method that does not require scratching, cutting or applying chemicals to your jewellery.
If further testing is required, we can explain the available options before proceeding.
XRF is a highly reliable method of measuring the elemental composition of precious metals at the surface.
It is widely used throughout the jewellery, precious metal and assaying industries.
However, because XRF primarily analyses the surface, additional checks may sometimes be necessary, particularly for plated, filled or unusually constructed items.
Our XRF equipment can identify gold and measure its proportion within the tested area, helping us distinguish gold alloys from many non-precious metal alternatives.
When necessary, we use additional checks to investigate whether a piece is solid gold, plated or constructed using different materials.
Absolutely. Jewellery purchased overseas may have different markings or gold purities from those commonly found in the UK.
Our XRF technology is particularly useful for investigating these pieces and assessing their precious metal composition.
Customers wishing to sell unwanted gold or jewellery are welcome to visit our showroom for a free, no-obligation appraisal during our normal opening hours.
For more specialist testing enquiries, we recommend contacting our team beforehand to discuss your requirements.
Whether you’ve inherited an unmarked gold chain, discovered forgotten jewellery or simply want to understand the precious metal content of a piece, our team is here to help.
With specialist XRF technology, extensive jewellery expertise and a commitment to transparent assessments, Trentham Jewellery Centre offers a professional, welcoming environment for precious metal testing in Stoke-on-Trent.
Visit our Trentham showroom or contact us to discuss your precious metal testing requirements.
