Antique Jewelry Fair | Valuation Systems

Ring Markings Question: I purchased an antique and diamond ring recently.

GOLD METAL TESTING KIT WITH 5 NEEDLES

Price: $51.90 USD

The only markings inside the band are either “698″ or “693″. It actually looks like 698 on one side and 693 on the other.

I had it tested.  The jeweler said it does not test gold, silver or platinum, however, the opal and diamonds are real and appear to be of good quality.

Any ideas on what this number means?

Thank you.

Answer: G’day and many thanks for your query.

The basic decimal formula to work out the quality of gold content is quite simple, as they are all measured in ‘Parts per Thousand.’

This means that 9ct gold is calculated like this:

9 (for 9ct) is divided by pure gold (24) and then multiplied by 1000 (for pure gold as a decimal). ie: 9/24*1000=375

That 375 is the decimal quality for 9ct gold and is SOMETIMES shown with a decimal point in front - .375

The old Victorian standard of 15ct gold is calculated the same way - 15/24*1000 = 625 (Not quite the numbers you have on your jewelry.

Dental gold is 16ct or 666 recurring - The devils little number which is how I behave in the dentist’s chair   
But you can also reverse this formula by STARTING with the decimal and working back. ie: 375/1000*24 = 9

In your case we can use 698/1000*24 = almost 17ct

HOWEVER - If the jewelry has been tested and PROVEN to be NOT GOLD - then I would suspect the numbers are no more than a design mark or store id number.

You need to go to your local FRIENDLY jeweler and have them do a written test for you (there will be a fee for this) but at least then you’ll know for sure.

You say the gemstones are genuine - are you sure?

Why not have them tested at the same time and put this matter to rest once and for all.

You might also like to add this query to my blog at http://how2valuejewelry.com/ as other may have had a similar problem. Can’t hurt anyway and who knows what answers you may get.

Hope this helps…