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Cast error for a gold and silver item, value?

An old choker that was supposed to be .925 came up with a surprise. On a Thermo Scientific Niton DXL x-ray machine it came out as 16.3% "AU" (Gold) content or 3.9 kt. (Picture attached) The Silver "AG" being 54.7% and thus clearly not .925 and the copper content was 29.1%

NITON DXL Reading:

The markings on the inside shows:

And the complete item is as follows:

The only thing I can figure out is that it was the 1st mold made after gold was being used in their smelting system where that item now had 16.3% gold content. Nothing else I can think of explains that 16.3% gold content. This would make the piece a casting error and rather rare.

My two questions are:

  1. Would this make the piece very valuable, a possible submission item to Sothebys auctions?

  2. What type of authentication should I have done to the item and by whom?

I thank you in advance for any feedback.

WB

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Answers

  • TOTAL weight of the item is 65.5 grams.

  • ifthevamzarockinifthevamzarockin Posts: 8,865 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Welcome to the forum! :)

    This is the coin forum you may want to try the precious metals forum.
    https://forums.collectors.com/categories/precious-metals

  • JBKJBK Posts: 15,579 ✭✭✭✭✭

    "Rare casting error"?

    It's mismarked jewelry. If that has a premium I am sure there are people who will make you as much as you want.

    Wear it or melt it.

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 34,213 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Why isn't that just gold plated silver. The Xray machine only assays the surface.

  • Namvet69Namvet69 Posts: 8,970 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I'd bet identifying the makers marks could reveal who made a particular type of jewelry, ie gold plated silver as previously stated. Peace Roy

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  • 291fifth291fifth Posts: 24,345 ✭✭✭✭✭

    In all likelihood if you try to get a premium for such an item you will be laughed out the door. It will probably be bought for a considerable discount from melt value if they buy it at all.

    All glory is fleeting.
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 26, 2021 5:04AM

    @WB5.... Welcome aboard. I would agree with gold plated silver/copper.... mismarked - whether intentional or by error... No added value. Cheers, RickO

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