Professional-grade equipment. Transparent process. Every test done right in front of you.
Get Your Free QuoteAt Georgia Gold Buyers, we don't guess — we use the same testing technology trusted by refineries, assay offices, and the U.S. Mint. When you bring your items to us, every test is performed right in front of you, so you can see exactly how we determine what your gold, silver, or platinum is worth.
Our testing process combines multiple methods to ensure the highest possible accuracy. No single test tells the whole story — that's why we cross-verify using different technologies.
Our XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) analyzer is the gold standard in precious metals testing — the same technology used by refineries, assay offices, and major jewelry houses worldwide.
How it works: The XRF emits a precisely calibrated beam of X-rays that excites the atoms in your metal. Each element responds with its own unique energy signature — like a fingerprint. The analyzer reads these signatures and provides an exact breakdown of every element present in your item within seconds.
Why this matters to you: Unlike acid tests that only estimate a karat range, the XRF gives us the precise purity percentage. This means you get paid for exactly what your gold is — not a rough estimate. It's also completely non-destructive. Your items are never scratched, cut, or chemically altered.
What we test with XRF: All gold jewelry, coins, bullion, silver items, platinum pieces, and any item where exact purity matters.
The Sigma Metalytics Precious Metal Verifier uses patented electromagnetic technology to verify the authenticity of precious metal coins and bullion — from the inside out.
How it works: The Sigma sends electromagnetic waves deep into the metal sample. These waves measure the bulk resistivity of the metal — a physical property that's virtually impossible to fake. The device compares the reading against a database of known authentic metals. If the reading falls within the expected range, the item is verified. If it falls outside, something is wrong.
Why this matters to you: Counterfeit gold and silver bullion is a growing problem. Gold-plated tungsten bars, fake silver eagles, and counterfeit coins are more sophisticated than ever. The Sigma Verifier catches fakes that other methods miss, because it reads the actual metal composition below the surface — not just what's on top.
What we test with Sigma: Gold and silver coins, bullion bars, rounds, and any item where authenticity verification is critical. Especially important for high-value purchases like American Gold Eagles, Krugerrands, and silver bars.
The touchstone and acid test is one of the oldest and most reliable methods for determining gold karat — used by goldsmiths for over 2,500 years.
How it works: We firmly streak your gold item across a specially treated black touchstone, leaving a thin deposit of metal on the stone's surface. We then apply calibrated acid solutions (10K, 14K, 18K, 22K) to the streak. The acid's reaction — whether the streak dissolves, fades, or remains intact — tells us the karat of your gold. We compare the reaction against known gold reference needles of certified karats.
Why this matters to you: The acid test is a tried-and-true confirmation method. While our XRF gives exact digital readings, the acid test provides visible, tangible proof. You can watch the reaction happen in real time and see for yourself. It's also the only test that reliably detects gold-filled items (which have a thick layer of gold bonded to a base metal).
What we test with acid: Gold jewelry where we want a second verification, items with unusual readings on the XRF, and gold-filled or gold-plated items where we need to determine whether the item is solid gold.
Weight is half the value equation. Even a small error in weight measurement can mean a significant difference in your payout. That's why we use lab-grade precision scales — not consumer-grade jewelry scales.
How it works: Our scales measure to 0.01 grams (that's one-hundredth of a gram) and are regularly calibrated using certified reference weights. Every item is weighed individually on a clean, stable surface. We record the weight and show it to you on the display.
Why this matters to you: A 14K gold chain that weighs 15.00 grams vs. one that weighs 15.45 grams represents a real difference in value — potentially $20–30 or more at today's gold prices. Cheap scales round and fluctuate. Lab-grade scales give you the true weight, and the true weight means a fair payout.
What we weigh: Everything. Every item is individually weighed after testing. We never estimate weight by feel or appearance.
For the highest level of accuracy — the same method used by refineries and the U.S. Mint — we have the capability to perform fire assay testing. This is the definitive test for precious metals purity.
How it works: The metal is melted in a crucible at extremely high temperatures (over 1,000°C). During the melting process, base metals and impurities are separated from the precious metal. The resulting pure metal is then analyzed with our XRF to determine exact precious metal content. This produces a formal assay report — the same documentation refineries provide.
When we use it: Fire assay is reserved for special cases:
Why this matters to you: Having fire assay capability means we can resolve any question about purity with absolute certainty. Most gold buyers send items to a refinery for assay and make you wait days or weeks for results. We do it in-house.
The density test is one of the most reliable ways to verify precious metals, because every metal has a unique density that's extremely difficult to fake. Gold is dense — far denser than almost any base metal a counterfeiter might substitute. By measuring an item's density, we can determine whether the metal is genuine and even identify its approximate karat.
How it works: We first weigh the item on our precision scale in air. Then we suspend the item in a water-filled tub on the scale and weigh it again while submerged. The difference between the dry weight and the submerged weight tells us the volume of water the item displaces. From there, we calculate density using a simple formula:
Density = Dry Weight ÷ (Dry Weight − Submerged Weight)
The result is measured in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). We then compare the measured density against the known density of each metal and karat to determine what the item is.
Why this matters to you: A gold-plated tungsten bar can fool an acid test and even some electronic testers — but it can't fool the density test. Tungsten is one of the only metals close to gold's density (19.3 g/cm³ vs. 19.32 g/cm³), which is why counterfeiters use it. But for most alloys and karats, the density test is definitive. A lead-core fake, a brass fake, or a copper fake will have completely different density from real gold.
What we test with density: Coins, bullion bars, ingots, and any item where weight feels suspicious relative to size. It's also a quick verification for large items that are difficult to test with the XRF sensor window.
Each gold karat has a unique density because of the different ratios of gold to alloy metals (typically copper and silver). This is what makes the density test karat-specific.
| Karat | Purity | Density (g/cm³) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | 19.32 | Pure gold — the densest |
| 22K | 91.7% | 17.7 – 18.0 | Common in coins (Eagles, Krugerrands) |
| 18K | 75.0% | 15.2 – 15.9 | Fine jewelry standard |
| 14K | 58.3% | 12.9 – 14.6 | Most common U.S. jewelry |
| 10K | 41.7% | 11.3 – 13.1 | Minimum legal U.S. gold |
| 9K | 37.5% | 10.9 – 12.7 | Common in UK/Australian jewelry |
Density ranges vary based on alloy composition (yellow gold vs. white gold vs. rose gold use different alloy metals). Our team accounts for these variations when interpreting results.
| Metal | Density (g/cm³) | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Gold (24K) | 19.32 | The benchmark |
| Platinum (950) | 21.45 | Denser than gold |
| Palladium | 12.02 | About 62% of gold's density |
| Fine Silver (999) | 10.49 | About 54% of gold's density |
| Sterling Silver (925) | 10.36 | Slightly less than fine silver |
| Tungsten | 19.25 | Nearly identical to gold — used in counterfeits |
| Lead | 11.34 | Much less than gold — easy to detect |
| Copper | 8.96 | Less than half of gold's density |
| Brass | 8.4 – 8.7 | Common fake gold material — easy to catch |
Experienced precious metals dealers have used the "ping test" for generations. When a genuine gold or silver coin is struck or tapped, it produces a distinctive, clear, high-pitched ring that sustains for several seconds. Fake coins sound flat, dull, or muted — the difference is immediately obvious once you know what to listen for.
How it works: We balance the coin on a fingertip and gently tap it with another coin or a small metal rod. A genuine precious metal coin will produce a bright, sustained ring — like a tiny bell. The pitch, duration, and clarity of the sound are all indicators of the coin's composition.
Why it works: Sound travels through metal at different speeds depending on the metal's density, elasticity, and molecular structure. Precious metals like gold and silver have unique acoustic properties:
Why this matters to you: The ping test is fast, free, and requires no equipment. It's especially useful as a first-pass check on coins and rounds. If a coin doesn't ring right, we immediately know to investigate further with the Sigma Verifier, density test, or XRF. Many counterfeits that look perfect visually fail the ping test instantly.
What we test with the ping: Gold and silver coins (American Eagles, Maple Leafs, Krugerrands, Morgan dollars, Peace dollars), silver rounds, and bullion coins of all types. The ping test is specifically for coins and rounds — it doesn't work on bars, jewelry, or irregularly shaped items.
The magnet test is the simplest and fastest screening test in our toolkit. It takes two seconds and immediately tells us whether an item could be fake. While it can't confirm an item is genuine, it can instantly rule out many common counterfeits.
How it works: We use a strong rare-earth neodymium magnet and bring it close to the item. Genuine precious metals are not magnetic:
What a magnet reaction tells us:
Why this matters to you: The magnet test is our first line of defense. If an item sticks to a magnet, we know instantly that it's not what it claims to be — and we can save you time by flagging it immediately. For items that pass the magnet test, we proceed to more precise methods (XRF, Sigma, density) to verify exact composition.
What we test with magnets: Everything gets a quick magnet check as a first screening step — jewelry, coins, bullion, bars. It takes two seconds and can immediately flag items that would otherwise waste time on more detailed testing.
Four pillars that protect your interests and ensure a fair payout.
Every test is done in front of you. You see the XRF reading, watch the acid reaction, and read the scale yourself. Nothing happens behind a curtain.
We use multiple testing methods and cross-verify results. Our XRF is accurate to 0.01%. Our scales measure to 0.01 grams. You get paid for exactly what you have.
Our primary testing methods (XRF and Sigma) are completely non-destructive. Your items are returned to you in the same condition if you choose not to sell.
Counterfeit precious metals are a real and growing problem. Our multi-method approach protects both you and us. If something isn't genuine, we'll tell you — and explain why.
Not sure what your items are worth? Not sure if they're even real gold? Bring them in. Our testing is always free, always transparent, and always comes with zero obligation to sell.
Common questions about our testing process.
"I had the best experience selling my old jewelry. The process was super smooth and I felt really comfortable the whole time. Gadson and Glenn were so honest and gave me a fantastic price."— Samantha Y. ★★★★★
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