Gold Filled or Gold Plated How To Tell The Difference

To contribute: paypal.me/sreetips?locale.x=e...

[@teresafortnerballentine825]

Thanks so much for this video! I wish that I had seen this earlier today, I got suckered into buying a piece that was supposed to be 10k & it turned out to be plated! I’m kicking my own a$$ because I know better. I did the acid test & it tested 10k. Then later (after the purchase) I got home & used the magnet test & the entire thing stuck to the magnet instantly! Uggghh! You’re video taught me a lot, thanks again! 🙌🏻

[@sreetips]

File deep into the metal. Apply a drop of 10k or 14k test acid to the file mark. I use 14k acid. Observe. If it bubbles, turns green and stinks, then it’s plated (or filled). If nothing happens then it’s probably 10k. I’ve seen 10k stick to a magnet.

[@jootai]

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank you for not using ridiculously annoying GREEN SCREEN EFFECTS on your videos like other KZbinrs do.

[@johnhamilton6591]

Between watching Dan and learning the mining and panning technique for raw material and yours for the testing and processing of commercial material, the educational levels are 20/20. Thank you so much. Keep them coming and keep up the good work.

[@PHUCKyoutube689]

Dan is good. Check out Jeff Williams if you haven't. He is a geologists and prospector. Lots of good info on how to find gold bearing ground, gold extraction, mining and mining history. Plus he is quite the character.

[@josemercado8496]

Great video, looking forward to the platinum video. Keep up the great work

[@xtra_frise]

Thank you, I’ve been thinking about flipping jewelry for a little bit of extra cash and was wondering how I could tell the difference between plated and actual gold...very informative thanks

[@shaneyork300]

This is a learning process! Thank You!! Have a GREAT Day!!!

[@romangarcia1252]

I liked this video. Thanks. Another option is to use concentrated nitric acid instead of diluted royal water, directly on the piece. It is the easiest way to know if the piece contains solid gold, gold filled or gold plated because the acid attacks the metal faster.

[@shaneyork300]

That was good, I learned what I was looking for! I knew what Karat Gold and Gold Platted was, but was unsure of Gold filled!!! You helped me with that!!! Thank You for that VERY informative video!!!

[@shaneyork300]

This angle grinder comment says it's from shane york, that's me! BUT I DID NOT WRITE IT!!!!!!!!!!!

[@hadablockers]

I don’t see an angle grinder comment, looks like you were commenting on you being unsure of gold filled and gold plated materials

[@VintageSoul]

This is the best explanation that I have seen in a video! Thank you so much for all your information👍🏻👍🏻🤗💙🖤 Can't wait to see about the platinum! Thank you again.

[@Redemption2395]

As awesome as always Sir! Thank you for all that you do.

[@americanrebel413]

Thank you for your presentation, This is very interesting, Good to know this stuff!

[@juliestout4692]

Thank you,this has been very helpful. I actually use a flashlight to see the metal scratches on the stone better.

[@sreetips]

Excellent, thank you

[@evafontaine88]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. So happy I found your video

[@patrickwynkoop2218]

Your the man u gotta go big and open a bigger 💪 shop for the public n charge people for your services!! I know it's a hobby but not many people here do what you do you'd probably get swamped with orders it's less stressful doing the way you do it awesome love your videos keep it up awesome 👍

[@robinjonson5242]

Thank you !! Lesson was Great !

[@dennisgeroux4483]

Thanks for the info and tips on determining the difference between plated and filled.

[@robertrios6649]

I think that having some scrap gold plated jewelry may be a good learning tool for a novice to familiarize themselves with. excellent video

[@annas7399]

Thank you very much, it was really informative

[@NailsBySue]

Extremely helpful. Thanks

EXCELLENT VIDEO Sir!!! Thank you!

[@EliseMicheals]

Really informative! Is there a way to test without shaving or possibly destroying the piece?

[@sreetips]

NDT (non-destructive testing) such as an XRF (X-ray fluoroscope) shoots radiation to determine metal purity. But they cost about $20k - too rich for sreetips

[@ManMountainMetals]

Another awesome video. Any jewelry making/repairing videos in the future?

[@sreetips]

I may try ring sizing on video.

[@salchaw]

gold filled items can easily fool a person ! thank you for the advice !

[@amirjan2895]

It's much appreciated, Sir.

[@UFObuilder]

This is awesome thank you for sharing this

[@brendawhite243]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@aquarius9900]

Brass and cheep metals often have a strong smell to..

[@esmeraldadiaz4255]

Hello, one question gold filled jewelry can change color when is in contact with pool water, sea water,shampoo,soap, sweat or any cosmetic product? Thank you

[@megazab13]

Thanks Sreetips for another good video. I was about to ask you about some older watches I have that do not have any markings. Wasn't sure if they were gold filled or plated. I'll test them with the acid and stone method like you did. I have found that some pocket watches have a heavy gold plating and was wondering if they are heavy plated, could they be used in my gold filled pile I am accumulating to refine the gold from later on? One more question if I may. The liquid droppers you use in your other videos, are they glass or plastic? ( was thinking plastic and acid don't do well together) I've found these Kookeli 3ml dropper pipettes on ebay and was wondering if they were the same as yours. Thanks so much.

[@sreetips]

Pocket watch cases that are gold filled will say "20 year warranty" or something similar to that. This means that they are guaranteed to not wear through the thick coating of gold, as you slide it in and out of your pocket, for at least 20 years. I have a pocket watch listed in my eBay store that is marked like this. So yes, they can go into your gold filled pile. The disposable droppers that I use are plastic. I only use them once or twice then throw them away.

[@megazab13]

@@sreetips Thank you for that.

[@johnnyblueeyes8037]

Most plated jewelry will be marked . For instance it will say 18k hge or 14k ge. Hge is heavy gold electroplate and ge is gold electroplate

[@sreetips]

Yes, some will be marked and I should have mentioned that in the video - rats. But in my experience it's rare to see gold plated marked. It's usually not marked at all. I find the HGE on the inside of gold plated rings.

[@johnnyblueeyes8037]

Most plated items I've ran across have been marked as such. I dont trust things that arent marked but I've also learned to look at the color and that will tell me a lot

[@cgrist87]

Out of interest, are there any ways to test if gold plating is real and not some alloy designed to mimic gold?

[@TceWatches]

Very educational thank you so much

[@zmcfarling]

welcome back sir!

[@sreetips]

I'm headed back to sleep, been up all night. Thank you.

[@zmcfarling]

@@sreetips i completely understand, i work 3rd shift

[@Hartcore11]

Can you do a video to see if black sand has gold encapsulated inside some of them?

[@williammondier9785]

Love your material and what does it mean when karat solution turns blue?

[@sreetips]

Blue is copper

[@zmcfarling]

odd question, and if its been answered, i apologize, do you eventually take the coppers out of your waste and refine that into bars and sell that or just discard the waste? didn't know if there was a video i missed.

[@sreetips]

I can get copper very cheap so there is no need to try to recover it from the waste bucket.

[@noecarrillo4391]

good information man and really nice video

[@divineangelic2727]

Hi thank you for great insights

[@salchaw]

very simple trick ! it turns gold into green soup !

[@freekingawwsome]

I have some 24kt gp material it is stamped . Would it make much difference if it was 14kt or 24kt gp or would the yield be slightly ly different?

[@freekingawwsome]

Nice video ,thank you for the share

[@shanebaggybagnall4398]

I've come across some vintage pins marked 10K-B. I've seen conflicting posts saying that it's bonded gold, and someone else saying that the B indicates that it's Mexican gold. I get conflicting results with 10k JSP acid. Any insight?

[@sreetips]

File deep into the metal. Add a drop of 10k gold test acid. If nothing happens it may be karat gold. If it starts bubbling, turning colors (green) and stinks to high heaven, then it may be gold filled.

[@robinjonson5242]

The watch is working ! 👍

[@sreetips]

How did you find that out? The video has not completed uploading!

[@GraceTV08]

Tnx for the efforts explaining

[@frederickanthony1965]

Great teacher..

[@kasimshahid6786]

Where do you get the black stone?

[@Jo-fs5]

How can you test without ruining the jewelry? Thanks in advance and have a blessed day, merry Christmas

[@sreetips]

I don’t know

[@divineangelic2727]

Hi have three vintage gold filled 10k watches Elgin bulova and green that don’t work but I’d like to sell maybe to pawn shop ? Wondering what it would be worth

[@elizabethdukulis1134]

Thank you so much good to know

[@adama1294]

Interesting. Although you have ruint the object and its good for just reclamation. Is there a non destructive method of testing? Like for when people are buying the jewelry.

[@sreetips]

After sorting through thousands of pieces over the years, I’ve learned to tell just by looking. But some pieces are very deceiving. The only way to be sure is to test it with acid. The acid doesn’t lie.

[@josepeixoto3384]

Getting a bit technical,gold filled has a thickness of about 25 mils of gold,while gold plated has 3 mils and less.

[@QHawk7]

*What do you think about electronic testers, what models that are reliable* ?

[@sreetips]

I’ve never used them

[@seadoocruiser1863]

I found a large chunky gold ring metal detecting that looks handmade, I did the acid test all the way upto 22k and it looked like it had a minor affect on the scratchings. Could this suggest it's 24k or could the acid be off etc?

[@sreetips]

That’s fantastic - nice find. Hard to determine 24k without analysis

[@goldmancash]

You could take something like that into a jewelry store and ask to color compare with high karat pieces or if they have an XRF to scan it.

[@khaterehlunden5136]

Thank you so much

[@ronnisargent4210]

Hi what if I have a piece of jewelries it just feels like it's not gold it could be gold plated but it does Have came markings on it

[@user-st3bp2by8g]

good detail with thanks

[@rickyt1218]

I need to know how do I figure out if its just gold tone. I here you talking about yard sale s , and rummy sales , but I brought something with no markings, and put them in solution, and got noting but green foam , , can you help me , rick from Philadelphia , PA, USA,

[@sreetips]

Yes, get some 14k test acid eBay. Take the piece and add a tiny drop right on it and see what happens. If it just sits there with no reaction then it could be gold filled (a thick coating of karat gold over brass) or solid karat gold. If it bubbles, stinks and turns green almost immediately then it’s probably gold plated, just a few microns thick (almost nothing).

[@rickyt1218]

@@sreetips i beleave its just gold tone not gold at all , becuease it gold all the way through but , its not real gold , but in the batch there are some 10k and 14 k pieces, and some gold plated and golf filed matteral , I just can't tell which is which , but thanks anyway , my man , when you make your video , know that this man , rick from phily is watching

[@Horns-knowledge]

Hello sir....thank you first.....how much gold could it come from 1 kilo of gold plated scrap when recovered at perfect way...........huge thank you

[@sreetips]

We will find out. I'm making a new sulfuric acid stripping cell to reverse plate all the gold plated junk jewelry that I have.

[@angelbluerider9588]

What if the gold item only says 12kGF could it be fake then?

[@shrirangbhalerao1905]

nicely explained

[@mikesmithey1892]

What would happen if you dropped a gold-plated ring in the solution in a solid gold ring in the same solution?

[@sreetips]

The acid would quickly begin dissolving the junk metals under the gold plated and the solid gold would remain unscathed.

[@pavy415]

"the gold ring is not the touched" of course he never filled down the ring at all like he did to the other items lol

[@chrismoore1555]

Hi I was just wondering how much gold filled scrap you come across that is not marked .

[@sreetips]

A little here and there. Most of the big pieces will be marked. To test, put some 14k test acid on the piece. If it's gold filled then the acid will just sit there with no reaction. With gold plated, the acid will almost immediately eat thru the very thin gold plate on a plated piece and there will be bubbling, fumes, and the acid will turn green.

[@charlescain7962]

Great video, close-up, fine detail, needs a 'macro' focus lens.

[@sreetips]

I've got my son-in-law looking into it for me. A 4K camera with remote mic. Shoot some high quality vids.

[@hulkhulk4819]

Here’s my q Will people allow me to file into their jewelry? I’m assuming people won’t like that

[@S13402]

What do you think of (Kee gold tester)? Is it reliable?

[@sreetips]

I’ve never used one. I don’t know.

[@thegun1649]

Ty very much.

[@JJ-up5ie]

A sterling video like this? What exactly is tarnish resistant sterling wire please? Thank you!

[@sreetips]

According to the book, "Silver Economics, Metallurgy, and Use" by Allison Butts, page 5, English Sterling silver was formulated about AD 1200 and consists of 925 parts silver and 75 parts copper. On page 9 the author claims that, "Until the 16th century the air was pure and did not affect silver. But the use of coal, and later mineral oil and coal gas, for lighting and heating put sulfurous gases into the air and tarnishing of silver resulted". So I don't think that there is such a thing as tarnish resistant Sterling silver. If some other metal is alloyed with it then it's not Sterling.

[@buggsy5]

I don't know if it is legal, but I have seen sterling that has been rhodium plated - but still marked as sterling. Since rhodium is a platinum group metal and rare, it would not decrease the metal value of the sterling. White gold is also sometimes rhodium plated.

[@Shamarihindsbmx]

👍👍

[@jaybryant9447]

gold plated .000000000000001% lmao that is so funny to me. Very useful Information. THANK YOU!

[@petermccuskey1832]

thank you sir

[@robertlewis5611]

What do they mean when they call it gold layered I was going to buy a coin and they said it was gold layered

[@sreetips]

That probably means gold plated.

[@mysteryguy793]

I Think I have also seen pieces say 1/20 14k but without GF or RGP would that still be gold filled or actual karat?

[@sreetips]

1/20 14k is gold filled. Sometimes it will read 14/20

[@mysteryguy793]

@@sreetips and what is the testing process for wire? same or different? Someone told me with wire I can cut it up and look through a magnifying glass. But would that be enough to ensure me that it in fact is or is not?

[@philem68]

Always wanted to know this as I want to invest due to the economy

[@sreetips]

Right now you can use fake paper money to buy real metal. Dollars used to be backed by gold. Most people think that they still are. Ask your bank teller, "true or false, are dollars backed by gold?" Eight out of ten of them will say, "of course!" And most have never heard of the term "fiat currency." This ignorance is what allows the Fed to continue to print money as they need it to promote a false economy. Why would anyone store their wealth in a medium that can be printed out of thin air? But they can't print more gold and silver. Using fiat money has been tried over and over throughout history and it always fails. Every time. But maybe, in this era of modern technology, it will be different this time. Not!

[@kasimshahid6786]

What about 24k?

[@harrieteestelberman2997]

Don't ever do any of these methods to jewelry you want to keep looking nice. Every single method demonstrated here will damage the gold filled layer or the gold plating.

[@glow1815]

Um why would anyone wants to do the test on plated and gold filled knowing they're what it is lol

[@sreetips]

Most people are clueless about how to determine what they have. At least now they have a place to see how to tell. I’ve known folks to throw a bunch of gold plated jewelry into nitric then wonder why they don’t have any gold foils left.

[@codybarton4414]

how would you tell if something is gold plated or fake gold since it dissolves both immediately?

[@sreetips]

Cody, what's the difference between fake gold and gold plated? Answer: nothing.

[@codybarton4414]

@@sreetipsdo you mean value there's pretty much no difference or that most costume type jewlery is real gold but just a fine coating of it?

[@codybarton4414]

@@sreetips also I absolutely love you channel! I have learned so much from you. You are the only person on KZbin that does this and actually knows what they are talking about, your content is amazing!

[@sreetips]

There are three kinds of gold scrap that I am familiar with. 1) gold plated, or fake gold, or "costume", that is a very thin layer, just microns thick (a micron is one millionth of one meter) of gold plated onto a base metal. 2) gold filled which is a thick coating of karat gold over a base metal and is several thousand time thicker than gold plated. 3) karat gold that is an alloy of solid gold containing about 50% pure gold by weight depending on its karat.

[@sreetips]

Thank you!

[@theresa42213]

l don't know why l like seeing people work with gold, l like to wear gold, and learn about it. l'm not greedy, or want to be rich ...l just find gold a really _cool_ metal! lt seems that gold 'filled' is kind a waste to me. l understand that some simply cant afford it though. Thank YOU for this vid!

[@sreetips]

Gold has mesmerized people since the beginning of time. I consider myself very lucky to have been bitten so hard by this "gold bug" that I get the privilege of working with it as my hobby. I only wish that I could keep more of it rather than having to sell it.

[@crackrokmccaib]

Someone on feebay sold me gold plated watch bands saying they were gold filled. Didn't find out until I only got 2g from 190g material.

[@sreetips]

Learn how to tell the difference between gold plated and gold filled

[@dilciafermin7180]

Thanks

[@jovanitorres67]

I bought a 18k gold “filled” necklace I received it today and it says “18kgp” but it’s suppose to be gold filled? I got ripped off?

[@sreetips]

18k gold filed should say GF, or 1/20 18k GF.

[@jovanitorres67]

sreetips Doesn’t say either one🤦🏻‍♂️time for a refund. Thank you for replying back .

[@buggsy5]

@@jovanitorres67 Yes, you got ripped off. That stamp means gold plated.

[@COMONSONAJ]

What does 1/10th of gold mean is it still real gold will it not fade ?

[@sreetips]

1/10 means that the actual karat gold content of the item is one tenth of its weight. For example, if I had 100 grams of 1/10 14k gold filled then I would expect to yield 0.1 times 0.5 times 100g equals 5 grams of REAL pure gold.

[@williammondier9785]

How to test white gold and what does it mean when test solution turns blue?

[@sreetips]

White gold is tested the same way as yellow gold. Blue solution is usually copper.

[@spicydiarrhea5662]

so every method of testing we can do in home is kinda destructive / invasive one? That's a shame... Heard there is some expensive ultrasound device that will give us answer if we are dealing with counterfeit or not.

[@sreetips]

A file and some test acid is the only way to be sure. I’ve got a big gold filled refining video coming up

[@intrinsicgoldhoarder4327]

Do you know what gulch gold is? There is a person selling gulch gold... is this a new term for gold filled?

[@sreetips]

A gulch is a narrow ravine with running water going through it. A natural place for placer gold deposits to be found. Placer gold is anywhere from 18k to 22k. Remember that if it seems too good to be true then it's probably a fraud.

[@randik1701]

Very helpful, but unnecessarily long.

[@wxchv3.0]

So i tested my "solid" 14k gold bracelet , I filled a bit so you can notice the scratch and I poured the 14k solution and it kept smoking for minutes . Is it gold filled? Or why does it keep smoking . It didnt turn green or crazy brown . Everything seems to wash off??

[@wxchv3.0]

I've only scratched tested my jewelry and they all passed but I was skeptical on the bracelet that I got so I filled the scratch and like I said it keeps on smoking. Why is it doing that? Ive spent about $3000 at this "jewelry" shop inside a supermarket. What should I do?

[@wxchv3.0]

After i had scratched it with a file and applied the acid right after i was thinking maybe it was reacting to the metal from the file so I washed it and i scratched super hard the test pad rock not sure what its called sorry lol and i applied the acid and it did nothing at all , i then dropped a drop of acid on the bracelet again where I had just scratched it on the pad and nothing happend. After washing it good with soap . I dont see much marks that I can notice. Maybe im not sure but it might be a tiny tad bit darker kind of like more copper color. More like it lost its super shiny look.

[@wxchv3.0]

Its marked bbb on one side and 14k on the other side

[@wxchv3.0]

I bought a chain there almost a year ago and its fine . The shop has been there for years and offers payments . I bought everything cash . Not sure if he can lying about what hes selling . Ive even asked him if hes sure its all solid 14k and he says yes its not filled or plated.

[@sreetips]

Nothing worse than feeling like you've made a bad purchase or that you got ripped off. After reading all your comments, it sounds like you've got solid 14k there. The acid don't lie. If you scratched through deep into the metal and applied 14k acid, and the scratch on the stone stayed there, then it's probably safe to conclude that you gold is real. If it was gold filled then the acid applied directly to the gold would immediately begin to react with the base metal forming green goo and smelly fumes. Take a piece that you know for certain is 14k and then take the $3k piece and scratch them both right next to each other on the "touch stone" then apply the acid. Let it sit and watch what happens. If your still not convinced, take it back to the seller and ask him to test it for you and let you watch. You're probably ok, it's good to be vigilant because thieves abound!

[@alopez0308]

What does GHR mean on a gold necklace?

[@sreetips]

If it's karat gold then it could be the makers initials. I've seen gold plated rings with this mark: HGE. It means high/heavy gold electroplate

[@HEMIBOSS426]

Where do you buy your nitric acid from and how much does it cost you

[@sreetips]

GFS Chemical six 2.5 liter bottles delivered for about $220

[@HEMIBOSS426]

@@sreetips thank you also great videos

[@HEMIBOSS426]

Hey sreetips have a ? I some gold in muriatic acid with peroxide and I'm getting gold in solution how can that be.

[@divineangelic2727]

Oh I meant vintage 10k gold filled Gruen watch

[@theflyingchillipepper]

Dangerous wipe board?

[@larranlee3288]

How do I refine 14k gold

[@matte6352]

I never knew the US Army branch pin plates were gold... always thought were brass...

[@sreetips]

The gold filled pins will be marked 1/20 12k GF or something similar.

[@matte6352]

Well I’ll be. I wore the Sta-brite pins on my uniforms. It’s a polyethylene coating, that is supposed to keep the metal from dulling out. Worked well... when it worked. Unfortunately, it could be pretty easy to scratch the shit off, thus ruining the pin. Went through them fairly regularly.

[@respecttheface7152]

I LIKE YOUR EXPLANATION BUT WHAT IS WITH THE GLASSES ON TOP OF GLASSES ? YOU LOOK OFFICIAL AT LEAST

[@rattenfanger6104]

If its okay, i would like to make a little suggestion about your Donations. How about writing the names of your Donators (the ones who whant that) on some little paper strips and the next time you refine Gold with aqua regia, show dem to the Camera and put them in the acid. Maybe its only me, but i would like to see that. Ps. Greetings from Germany!

[@sreetips]

Write the names on a paper and add it to the batch, that's brilliant. Thank you.

[@rattenfanger6104]

Happy to help and thank you for answering. Just contributed 10€. Sorry cant give more. Ps. had a big Smile in my face when i saw your Family name. its the same as mine 🤣

[@sreetips]

Thank you!

[@albertalbert4333]

What about rolled gold scrap?

[@sreetips]

Expect about 2.5g of pure gold per 100g of rolled gold scrap

[@williamholliday3633]

WHAT ABOUT ROLLED GOLD FILLED ?Some watch will be stamped this way

[@sreetips]

Rolled Gold = Gold Filled

[@johnhiggins3084]

So a pawn shop may get gold filled stuff thinking it's real

[@sreetips]

Most pawn shops know how to tell the difference. But they will sell it as real to an unsuspecting buyer who does not know how to tell the difference.

[@buggsy5]

@@sreetips Some pawn shops will cheat their customers like that - others are honest in their dealings. I suspect a few pawn shops will rely on the stamped marking on a piece, not all jewelry is honestly marked.

[@outdoorswithwoodswoman8467]

have a piece sayes 585 RG what does that stand for thx

[@sreetips]

Possibly 14k rolled gold. That the same thing as gold filled. To test, file deep into the metal. Add a drop of 14k test acid to the file mark. If nothing happens then it could be solid 14k karat gold. If it bubbles, stinks and turns green then that an indication of a base metal (usually brass) under a thick coating of karat gold.

[@outdoorswithwoodswoman8467]

@@sreetips thx so much for ur time and answering my question may god bless you

[@shermdeazy]

The carbon 12 diamonds we're formed because the Earth is full of giant mud fossils. Trapped in mud when the great flood happened. Evidence of an unknown time and life we are not aware of. Life could have always existed on this planet

[@mercedessoto-garcia5]

I have a question what mean 14 kt ga

[@sreetips]

I don’t know, I’d have to see it.