The XRF analyser we use
GoldPaid assays with a Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 handheld XRF analyser, which uses a silicon drift detector to read gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). On a clean, solid surface it reads gold content to roughly ±0.1 to ±0.5 per cent absolute, and every item is scanned at several points rather than once. It is not a hallmark, and a reading on it does not replace an assay office’s own testing and marking.
What it cannot tell us
XRF reads the metal at the surface of each point tested. Gold plating, rolled gold or another surface layer can hide what is underneath, which is why a plated piece is also judged on its weight, wear points and marks. The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office in London, which does the vast majority of its assaying by XRF, occasionally removes a surface layer or takes a small sample to read the alloy underneath.
Common questions
Does XRF testing leave any residue or marks on jewellery?
None whatsoever. XRF spectrometry measures surface fluorescence excited by low-energy X-rays without scratching, filing or acid contact.
Not the question you had? The full GoldPaid FAQ covers the rest, from postal cover and ID checks to what happens if you decline the offer.
Request a prepaid Royal Mail label for your XRF test
Tell us which pack you want in the note on the first step and we will confirm the price and how to pay before anything is charged. The label is prepaid and costs you nothing, and your items are returned to you free once the report is issued. Here to sell rather than to have items tested? Testing is free as part of selling, and how it works is the page you want.
Rather ask a question or send a photo first? Message us on WhatsApp.
GOLDPAID LTD · 07944 014111