Gold finds from thrifting and buying online

[aviationgale]

Well I haven't detected since April, for me E. Tn. is just too hot to get out there and do that. But hoping maybe this late fall and winter I can get back at it. BUT I have had incredible luck finding stuff at flea markets, "antique malls", and online. My latest is the green stone 14k white gold mens ring. It weighs a whopping 20 grams and I paid a mere $9.00 online for it. Not marked but tested at home and took to a jeweler and confirmed it was gold. The 9kt. gold victorian book locket came in a lot with the 14kt watch and the silver pill book locket and countless other things..$50. The marquise diamond with side diamonds was sold to me as CZs..cha-ching..$140. The dolphin ring was sold to me as plated..$130. And the 14kt gold cufflinks and tie bar, well...$3.00. The victorian Lorganette (watch chain) I thought was just GF but I didn't care I just wanted one to put my great grandmothers slide on, well come to find out it is 10kt and I believe the opal slide is 14kt. my great grandmothers slide is 8kt. $50. Having an incredible ride and I'll take it. So much more not pictured but these I think are the best of the best. The problem I have is buying but not wanting to sell..haha. For some reason gold feels way more valuable than paper, so for now I'll keep ahold of it. Happy Hunting in whatever you seek to find..

 

[maxxkatt]

You must have an eye for the real gold and diamonds. If the gold is not mark say 10k or 14k how do you know before you buy? Just experience or are you taking an educated gamble? I have always wanted to try to do what you do because we have tons of thrift stores in North Atlanta.

 

[aviationgale]

You must have an eye for the real gold and diamonds. If the gold is not mark say 10k or 14k how do you know before you buy? Just experience or are you taking an educated gamble? I have always wanted to try to do what you do because we have tons of thrift stores in North Atlanta.

My husband swears I can smell it. I guess its just that I do a ton of research in the evenings on different websites. I mostly like the antique or vintage stuff, for me that's a little easier to pick out, and quite a bit is not marked. With the older stuff I look for wear around the edges, that will tell if it is filled or not. And the ring attached to the pendant itself (the one holding the bale) is usually worn, which has always given me gold. Its stupid strange for sure. Just today I found an earring that wasn't marked, I believe it was hand crafted, brought home tested, 14kt=$45. Paid $7 for a bunch of stuff. But sometimes it's just at the right place at the right time. Good luck, its out there... p.s. get some 2.75 readers, I never use a loupe as I don't want people actually knowing that I'm looking...

 

[Cherry Picker]

You must have an eye for the real gold and diamonds. If the gold is not mark say 10k or 14k how do you know before you buy? Just experience or are you taking an educated gamble? I have always wanted to try to do what you do because we have tons of thrift stores in North Atlanta.

I seem to have enough trouble with the even my testing. I found what looks like a rose gold rope necklace with no ends. First thing I noticed was how heavy it seemed for the size. I ran my 10km & 14k acid tests. It stood on the 10k and was removed by the 14k. I thought OK, 10k. After sitting for several minutes I noticed an ever so slow fading of the test lines. Never completely turned black, like the 14k did, but no doubt the test scratches had gotten lighter.

One thing I have found that is generally a good indicator is the links. All gold & silver links are one piece, no slits. So far that has proved to be accurate.

 

[maxxkatt]

That is all good info I need. Like anything else, it comes down to getting out there and getting the experience. I ran into the same learning curve going from the AT pro to the EQ 800.

 

[aviationgale]

I seem to have enough trouble with the even my testing. I found what looks like a rose gold rope necklace with no ends. First thing I noticed was how heavy it seemed for the size. I ran my 10km & 14k acid tests. It stood on the 10k and was removed by the 14k. I thought OK, 10k. After sitting for several minutes I noticed an ever so slow fading of the test lines. Never completely turned black, like the 14k did, but no doubt the test scratches had gotten lighter.

One thing I have found that is generally a good indicator is the links. All gold & silver links are one piece, no slits. So far that has proved to be accurate.

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It could be a lower karat gold. I have a few pieces that are 7 & 8 karat. That's why I'll have things xrayed, then I know for sure.