Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

How to tell what a necklace charm is made of

2004

Hello,

I have a question I was hoping someone can answer. A friend of mine recently purchased a necklace charm, on the back are small letters that say "925", but it is of a gold color and it kind of looks like there is probably 2 different shades if you look at it closely, although it is not a smooth surface so it could just be the shadows throwing it off. Now How can I find out what it is, I want to know if it is plated gold, or with something else, etc... Should I scratch it and see what is underneath, or is there some solvent/cleaner I can use to test it or what?

Thank you in advance.

Darius Marchal
synthetic chrome - Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA

---

The 925 stamped into your friend's charm means it is made of sterling silver and the gold color is most likely gold plating.

Neil Bell
Red Sky Plating

Albuquerque, New Mexico

2004