Old Gold Explained: Key Information You Need to Know

Old Gold
Old gold is more than just a shiny metal that looks good to the eye. It carries history and memories, which makes it very sentimental. People treasure it for many reasons. Beyond its value, it becomes precious because of its beauty and craftsmanship. This is the reason why antique jewellery that contains this material becomes so special.  There is much key information that you need to know if you’re looking to sell or keep this material. That is why it’s a must to read this guide, regardless of your needs. The article will provide vital information about this topic, including how to preserve it. Let’s start by knowing its definition. 

What is old gold?

Old gold are the pieces that contain gold that have been held for more than 100 years, usually with a purity rate of over 70%. The items can come in many forms. It includes jewellery, coins, gold bars, and many more. What makes this material charming to many people is its character. This old material usually has subtle details that are not common in modern pieces, giving it more personality.  An important feature that makes this old metal special is its rarity. Many pieces were produced in limited quantities. It even gets harder to find when you consider that there is only a small number that have survived until now. This scarcity makes it even more appealing to many people, even if the purity isn’t over 70%.  What you need to know is that there are some people who keep old gold within their family tradition. It usually becomes a precious good that they pass down through generations. For those who view it as an investment, these rare pieces can increase in value over time. This is the reason these investors keep it for a long time before deciding to sell.

Identifying old gold

Knowing how to identify this item is vital for anyone, regardless of their intention. That is because old gold can sometimes look like newer items or even fake pieces. This situation makes it important to know a few key pieces of information before making any decision about this material. Learning to spot the characteristics can prevent mistakes that will drain your money for nothing. Before going into the specific methods, there are a few general signs that you need to look out for. It includes the design style or stamps that indicate the material’s age. Older pieces usually have a softer shine while also slightly darkening compared to new ones. Here are some ways to identify the pieces. 

Magnet test

Beyond visual inspection, such as looking at its stamps, a simple test can help clarify its authenticity. The most common test is the magnet test to check whether the piece is real old gold. What you should know is that the material isn’t magnetic. That means if the piece is attracted to a magnet, it contains other metals, indicating it doesn’t have pure gold. 

Professional appraisal

For valuable items, the most reliable way to confirm their value is by going to a professional appraisal. Their certification means that they have legitimate expertise in evaluating the material’s realness. This service will provide detailed reports on your precious goods, making them useful for many purposes, such as resale. 

Maintenance tips

Old gold needs attention to stay in good condition. Some people might argue it’s not that necessary, knowing that the material is durable in its nature. Although it is true, older pieces are more fragile due to many reasons. It can be the parts becoming thinner, the design nature, and much more. Neglecting these items reduces their price and makes them less pleasant to look at. It is vital to know that there are some risks when you apply improper care. The most common mistake is using harsh chemicals, which cause the surface to develop uneven colour patches. It is important to remember that each piece is different. That means you can’t treat all items in the same way. Here are a few common practical tips that you can use:
  • Clean gently using mild soap
  • Store the pieces in soft cloth bags to prevent scratches
  • Keep the old gold away from chemicals like bleach
  • Consider using a professional cleaning service for antique items

Get the best value for your gold with Hatton Garden Buyers!

If you’re reading this far, you already have a better idea of this material. Old gold isn’t just appealing to sell. It also holds an emotional value for some people, especially if it becomes a family heirloom. These reasons make it crucial for the owners to apply proper care, such as storing them in the right place.  If you want to sell your old gold, it’s important to get the best value out of it. That is why you should look no further than Hatton Garden Buyers. With a team of professional appraisers, each customer will get the best price for their items. What’s better is that you’ll receive the payment right on the spot on the same day. So, don’t hesitate and start to cash in by booking the consultation on the site now!