Cast error for a gold and silver item, value?
WB5
Posts: 2 ✭
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:
Would this make the piece very valuable, a possible submission item to Sothebys auctions?
What type of authentication should I have done to the item and by whom?
I thank you in advance for any feedback.
WB
Answers
TOTAL weight of the item is 65.5 grams.
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
"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.
Why isn't that just gold plated silver. The Xray machine only assays the surface.
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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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.
@WB5.... Welcome aboard. I would agree with gold plated silver/copper.... mismarked - whether intentional or by error... No added value. Cheers, RickO