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 Replies: 14 / Views: 2,473 |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1563 Posts |
In the past 2 weeks, we have had supposedly gold brought into our premises for sale that have been marked 750 (18carat). As per the norm, we tested using acid before purchase and sending on to the bullion guys. The acid tests show that it is between 14 and 18 carat but when sent into the bullion guys and hit using xrf has been returned to us with the statement [No AU content]. This has cost us over 3K UK pounds so far. The items that are the main culprit are diagonal, white gold looking, neck chains. Just wanted to post this as a warning and also to ask if anyone outside of the UK has hit this problem yet? Coins, especially Krugerrands‎ that are well faked are also circulating. You will never soar like an eagle if you hang around with turkeys.....
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7615 Posts |
If I were you I would video record ALL over the counter transactions from several angles showing the item, the seller and the buyer. At least you would have some recourse options if you get "burned".
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Pillar of the Community
 United Kingdom
1563 Posts |
We do record everything for security. Unfortunately unless we can prove that the sellers knew the items are junk there is very little we can do, apart from having an x-ray fl., in every shop we will just have to be more aware.
The post was more to alert others that there is a spate of this stuff going around at the moment, but thank you for the advice.
You will never soar like an eagle if you hang around with turkeys.....
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3692 Posts |
Can you please post a picture of the fake gold item? The chain appeared white? What was the actual alloy/metal content of the fake item?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7615 Posts |
The sellers KNOW exactly what they are selling and are doing it to others. Showing a pattern of repeated sales of counterfeit, misrepresented merchandise by the same person (or group of persons) is fraud. One sale could be a "mistake"; multiple sales aren't. You build your case with the video evidence and call the authorities.
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Valued Member
United States
261 Posts |
White that passes 18k and will also slightly hold up to 22k acid is stainless steel.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1563 Posts |
When I next visit the dealer I will return with everything that was junk, I will then gladly post some pictures for you to peruse. The authorities have been made aware of the problem. At the moment it seems to be only the Nottingham and Sheffield area that has been targeted, but I am pretty sure it will spread with the profit that is involved.
You will never soar like an eagle if you hang around with turkeys.....
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Valued Member
United States
269 Posts |
Fortunatly there is now an alternative to XRF, a lot cheaper but still quite expensive at $700+ called The Precious Metal Verifier Another forum I'm on has just had a Group Buy on them and had a lot of orders. Here it is being used by PCGS right at about 1:36 min into video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haTkwuFOB6oEdited by Fusion555
08/15/2014 3:55 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1563 Posts |
Wow, that has to be the worst advert ever, I never liked PCGS for grading anyway but after seeing that it looks like a factory line... I didn't see the alternative to XRF in there?
You will never soar like an eagle if you hang around with turkeys.....
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Valued Member
United States
269 Posts |
Quote:
Wow, that has to be the worst advert ever, I never liked PCGS for grading anyway but after seeing that it looks like a factory line... I didn't see the alternative to XRF in there? Called "the precious metals verifier" it is shown at around 1 min 30 seconds into the video, a cross shaped pad you see the guy putting a coin on it. You could also Google "precious metals verifier" but here is the link http://www.sigmametalytics.com/ |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1563 Posts |
Fusion, if that thing actually works then that would be something I would definitely consider having. It's pretty similar to mizar m24 machines but without the filing and the acid. Very interesting product, thank you for sharing that!
You will never soar like an eagle if you hang around with turkeys.....
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Valued Member
United States
269 Posts |
Oh it works MetDet, I was at a coin show last week and saw a demo, it was picking up fake gold coins through a holder with no problem
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4897 Posts |
Always weary of "white" gold marked 750. Often turns out to be cobalt. Scratch test is no use with this....
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1563 Posts |
Cobalt is something I can personally spot quite easily. It is a lot harder to file etc. Unfortunately I am not on hand to personally test everything that comes in myself. If this 'new' technology works then this will be great for us. I intend to purchase a unit and I will leave more comments once I have used it.
You will never soar like an eagle if you hang around with turkeys.....
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3692 Posts |
My only experience with cobalt is as an added element to some platinum alloys. I would imagine that you look at the grain of the metal? You can spot cobalt, just as some can tell between solid gold and plated gold (and filled), which is why a magnified image would help us out a bit, especially those that just have never encountered cobalt before. Thanks. Even if it's just a generic picture of the chain to see the style and whatnot. Are the links even soldered at all? Does it look like it has cast components?
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Replies: 14 / Views: 2,473 |
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Posted 08/13/2014 04:53 am
