What are the samples of gold?

Gold is a popular precious metal that is in demand among a large number of consumers. Modern jewelers make various jewelry out of it: rings, chains, brooches, etc. At the same time, in the process of creating precious accessories, specialists can use gold of various samples. Today in our article we will talk about what it is, what options and varieties exist and how to choose the right sample of a precious material.

Generally speaking, by itself the term "fineness of gold" means how much precious material is present in the composition of the alloy. Accordingly, we can conclude that the sample will have any decoration, which includes more than 1 component. It should be borne in mind that the test affects how a particular piece of jewelry looks externally.

If we talk about what materials can act as impurities in gold jewelry accessories, then it should be noted:

• nickel;
• copper;
• silver;
• platinum;
• palladium;
• zinc, etc.

It should be borne in mind that each of these elements is capable of influencing the chemical and physical properties of the precious accessory. So, some of them increase the flow properties and elasticity, while others affect the level of hardness or can change color (for example, impart whiteness). In addition, chemical components can be added to give elasticity, change the melting point, etc.

The concept of "test" is used not only by jewelry specialists in the course of performing their professional tasks, but also by ordinary people in their daily life.

Generally speaking, gold is a natural material. It has existed on Earth since the Precambrian period. This material has been mined for a long time. So, over the entire history of human existence, about 161,000 tons of gold have been mined, the market value of which is 8-9 trillion dollars.

If we talk about gold samples, then the systems for assessing this indicator have undergone changes throughout history. In addition, different principles of gold assaying were also applied on the territory of different states. One way or another, the fact that this metal was considered precious remained unchanged.

It is no secret that ancient jewelry made in tsarist times or during the existence of the USSR is of particular value.

If we turn to historical sources, then we can note the fact that at the beginning of the 20th century in the territory of the modern Russian Federation, items made of 999 gold were especially popular. Very often, jewelry that was valuable not only in the material, but also in the moral sense - wedding rings - was created from such metal. Such products were distinguished by a very large weight and large dimensions. However, contrary to ancient principles, today this test is very rarely used, which is considered the highest.

In tsarist Russia, 56 samples were of particular value. If we evaluate this indicator, taking into account modern data, then we can testify that those products that were characterized by this indicator had 96 parts in their composition, 56 of which were 100% precious metal.

During the Soviet period, 583 samples of gold were very popular on the territory of our state.

Due to the fact that such an indicator as a sample is important, several systems and tables of samples have been developed to date. Today in our article we will consider the main ones, as well as understand their features and distinctive characteristics.

As you might guess from the name of this system, the main unit of measurement in this case is the spool. So, the direct mass of the spool is 4.266 g. It was with the help of this indicator that the precious metal was measured over a long period of time (1711-1927). So, all products that date from the specified period, on their surface, without fail, have a corresponding designation of 2 digits. Such jewelry is highly prized and considered a rarity. If we talk about the spool sample system, it is important to note that it includes several indicators: 36, 56, 72, 82, 92, 94 and 96.

After the spool sample of the precious metal has outlived its usefulness, the metric system came into use. It was introduced during the existence of the USSR. At the same time, it is considered that the metric system is more practical. Its main purpose is to determine the quantitative content of precious metal in jewelry. In this case, this indicator is expressed in grams. So, if you see an indicator of 385, then you can safely conclude that this precious accessory contains 385 parts of gold and 615 parts of impurities.

The multiple system is especially popular in the United States of America and Europe. If we refer to the term "carat", then it should be noted that it means 0.2 grams and in its essence is the official and generally accepted unit of measurement for precious stones. In order to determine the carat value of a particular accessory, a kilogram of gold is divided into 24 parts. Accordingly, if in the process of purchasing a jewelry accessory you see the designation "fineness 12 k" on it, this means that 24 parts of the entire alloy account for 12 parts of gold.

Such a system for measuring gold samples is not used in the modern world, but it was widespread in antiquity in Europe. During that period, the mass of precious metals was measured in marks. If you become the owner of an antique product, the sample of which is designated within the framework of the lot system, then in order to convert to the modern metric system, the existing designation must be multiplied by 25 and then divided by 2.

Due to the fact that today there are gold jewelry with a wide variety of sample formats, it is very important to be familiar with all existing systems... Only in this way will it be possible to correctly determine the value and value of a particular gold jewelry. Accordingly, in the process of choosing and purchasing a jewelry accessory, you should be as careful as possible.

Gold is a precious metal that is considered one of the most valuable resources on earth. Gold is popular and in demand all over the world, including in Russia. Today, on the territory of our country, there are Russian legislative acts that regulate the process of testing and branding products made of precious metals.

So, on the territory of our state since 1927, the so-called metric system of testing gold items has existed and is being applied. Within the framework of the metric system, to determine the purity of a precious metal, special designations are put on jewelry: 375, 500, 525, 585, 750, 900, 958, 999. Accordingly, the higher the sample, the more pure and yellow in shade of gold a particular piece of jewelry is made ... At the same time, the lowest and cheapest is 375 samples, the maximum sample is 999.

The metric system of samples is not used everywhere. So, on the territory of the United States of America, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Finland and some other countries, the so-called carat principle is used. It differs from the metric accepted in the Russian Federation. It should be borne in mind that products are indicated not only by numbers, but also by letters.

Let's take a closer look at several types of gold samples, as well as study their features and characteristics:

• 375 test corresponds to 9 carats, while a similar metal in its composition contains impurities of silver and copper, according to its external color, the decoration can be red or yellow;

• 500 sample gold is equal to 12 carats, silver and copper are used as impurities (as in the previous case);

• if you purchase product 585, then they should understand that its value is equal to 14 carats, while the alloy may contain elements such as palladium and nickel (the main distinguishing feature is that 585 gold does not tarnish);

• 750 precious metal (or 18-karat gold) contains platinum in its composition, while the products themselves can be painted in a variety of shades: from green to white;

• sample 958 equal to 23 carats, it is rarely used in the jewelry industry;

• the highest purity of gold is 999 (or 24 carats), it is soft and easily deforms.

You were able to make sure that today on the market you can find gold items of a wide variety of samples. Depending on the purity of the metal and specific impurities, the appearance of the product, as well as its physical characteristics (and some other parameters), may differ.

In some cases, consumers are confronted with gold items that have no purity. but in this case, do not panic and worry that you are dealing with a fake, since this is not always the case.

The absence of a sample can be due to several reasons. Let's consider them in more detail.

• Gold jewelry is antique. The absence of any identification marks (including samples) is characteristic of a large number of antique jewelry. This is due to the fact that not every jeweler put appropriate tests on his creations. In addition, the previously existing mark with information about the sample could simply be erased due to long and frequent wearing.
• Restored jewelry. In the event that you purchase a restored piece of jewelry (for example, in an antique store or pawnshop), it may also not have a sample. Such situations appear especially often if the jewelry was made of remelted metal.
• The decoration was brought from abroad. Quite often, jewelry that was brought from foreign countries is sold in Russia. So, in some countries of the world, it is legal and fully authorized to sell products that do not have any labeling.
• Product to order. If you are purchasing a precious accessory that has been custom-made for you, it may not be labeled accordingly. The presence or absence of a sample depends on the jeweler who made the accessory.
• Medical metal. Medical gold (as a general rule) is not labeled. However, without fail on accessories made of this material, such data as the composition and method of applying the gold-plated coating must be indicated.

Choosing a precious gold jewelry is an important and responsible task that should be taken seriously. This is primarily due to the fact that the purchase itself is quite expensive.

To begin with, one should bear in mind the fact that the direct cost of the product largely depends on the sample. That is why it is worth determining in advance the budget available to you.

Wherein not only the cost of jewelry is influenced by its trial. So, depending on the composition and amount of impurities, the appearance of the jewelry accessory (primarily its color) will differ significantly. In this regard, it is recommended to focus on your personal preferences and individual aesthetic tastes.

Generally speaking, among the mass consumer, gold jewelry made of 585 gold is very popular and in demand. It is believed that they have a sufficient level of strength and reliability, are resistant to negative influences from the outside, and also serve their owner for a long period of time.

But if you are a real connoisseur of jewelry and pure metals, then the best option in your situation will be 999 grade metal.

Thus, we can conclude that when purchasing gold jewelry, it is not recommended to spend the entire family budget in pursuit of the highest figure. On the contrary, you should give preference to products of the middle price segment, which have proven themselves well in the process of wearing.

How to check gold for sample, see the video below.