are you recycling everything that is recyclable?

In today's marketplace precious metals are worth quite a bit of money. And if they're just sitting around gathering dust, then it makes sense to take them to someone who can give you some money for them. Unfortunately, you run the risk of making no money at all if you bring in something that is only plated in gold. But how can you tell that an item is gold-plated if it looks just like gold?

1. Look at the Hallmarks

Hallmarks are the small words and symbols stamped into the inside of rings and the back of other types of jewelry. Common symbols for gold jewelry include "14K" or "10K," with the "K" standing for karat, an indication of how much gold is in the piece. Gold-plated jewelry cannot have these stamps since the stamp would be misleading. Some that you might see include "14K plated," "RGP," or "HGE." Seeing these types of markings are a solid clue that you have a plated piece.

2. Look Closely at the Edges

Gold plating does not stand up well to wear and tear since it's only a thin layer of gold over another type of metal. Using a magnifying glass or a jeweler's loupe, examine the edges of the piece. If all you see is metal of the same color without any variations, you're looking at a piece that is probably made completely from gold. On the other hand, if you see layers or a definitive difference in shades between areas on the item, it's most likely gold-plated.

3. Do a Vinegar Test

If the other two tests don't give you any solid evidence that you can use, try performing a vinegar test. Pour an ounce or two of plain white vinegar into a glass or a bowl. Drop the disputed item into the vinegar and let it sit for approximately 15 minutes. Vinegar is a weak acid, and it reacts with some metals. If the only change that you notice once the 15 minute time frame is up is that the item is much shinier, it's likely to be gold. If any parts of the item look tarnished, green, or otherwise discolored, the piece is plated.

Sometimes you still can't tell if a piece is plated or not, and that's okay. Look for help from an expert in metal trading. He has specific tests that he can perform to determine whether or not an item is gold or plated.

To learn more, contact a company like Mid-States Recycling & Refining.