Accurately test gold and silver using the traditional touchstone method with this professional Gold & Silver Testing Kit, designed for jewellers, goldsmiths, refiners, pawnbrokers, precious-metal buyers and jewellery workshops. The complete set contains gold testing solutions for 8ct, 14ct, 18ct and 21.6ct gold, together with a silver testing solution calibrated to 800 standard, a high-quality touchstone and Kontrasol cleaning solution. The touchstone testing method provides a practical way to assess precious-metal purity and helps distinguish solid gold from gold-plated items. By progressing through the different gold testing solutions and observing the reaction of the test mark, the user can determine whether the gold content falls below a particular carat level. Compact, practical and straightforward to use, this kit provides the essential tools required for traditional gold and silver purity testing in a professional jewellery or goldsmithing environment. Kit Contents 8ct Gold Testing Solution 14ct Gold Testing Solution 18ct Gold Testing Solution 21.6ct Gold Testing Solution Silver Testing Solution – 800 Standard High-Quality Touchstone Kontrasol Cleaning Solution What Is a Touchstone Gold Test? Touchstone testing is a traditional method used by jewellers, goldsmiths and precious-metal professionals to evaluate gold and silver. The metal being examined is rubbed against a testing stone to leave a visible streak. A testing solution corresponding to a particular gold carat is then applied to the mark. The reaction of the streak helps the user assess whether the metal is above or below the purity level associated with that testing solution. Because the kit includes several different gold solutions, testing can progress through 8ct, 14ct, 18ct and 21.6ct to help narrow down the approximate purity of the item. How to Use the Gold Testing Kit 1. Prepare the Metal Lightly file or rasp the surface of the item being tested to expose the underlying metal. This is particularly important when checking whether an item is solid gold or gold plated, as testing only the outer surface of a plated item may produce a misleading result. 2. Create a Mark on the Touchstone Rub the prepared metal firmly against the clean touchstone using a clean, sharp downstroke. The metal should leave a clear test mark on the surface of the stone. 3. Apply the Gold Testing Solution Begin with the lower-carat solution and progress upward as required: 8ct solution – reacts with metals below 8ct14ct solution – reacts with metals below 14ct18ct solution – reacts with metals below 18ct21.6ct solution – reacts with metals below 21.6ct Observe the test mark after applying the appropriate solution. If the mark reacts or begins to foam, the gold content is below the carat level of the testing solution being used. By working progressively through the solutions, you can more accurately assess the approximate gold purity of the item. Testing Silver The same touchstone testing principle can be used for silver with the included silver testing solution calibrated to 800 standard. Prepare the item, create a test mark on the touchstone and apply the appropriate silver testing solution according to the same basic procedure. Cleaning the Touchstone: Proper cleaning helps keep the testing surface ready for subsequent tests. After testing: Carefully rinse the touchstone with water. Apply Kontrasol cleaning solution to the stone. Clean the surface gently using a soft cloth. Allow the touchstone to dry before the next test. Regular cleaning removes previous test marks and residues, helping maintain a clean surface for repeatable testing. Key Features Professional gold and silver testing kit Traditional touchstone precious-metal testing method Tests multiple gold purity levels 8ct, 14ct, 18ct and 21.6ct gold testing solutions included 800 silver testing solution included High-quality touchstone supplied Includes Kontrasol for cleaning and maintaining the touchstone Helps distinguish solid gold from gold-plated items Progressive testing method helps estimate gold purity Suitable for professional workshop and trade use Optional testing stars can be used for comparison Complete and convenient testing set Important Testing Note: Touchstone testing is a comparative testing method and results depend on correct surface preparation, application and interpretation. Plated, filled, coated or unusual alloys can affect results. Where exact precious-metal composition is required, results should be confirmed using an appropriate professional analytical method. Testing solutions should be handled carefully and used in accordance with the applicable product safety instructions.
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