XRF Spectroscopy Testing

If you have jewellery or coins and are unsure of their elemental composition, our XRF spectroscopy machine can tell us within a few seconds what your item is made of. We can also test other metallic items, such as ornaments, cutlery and other metal curios; for example, this machine can confirm if something is bronze or brass.

Not only does it tell us what metal(s) the piece is comprised of, but also the percentage of each in it’s make up – thus can tell us the carat of the gold. This method of testing does not damage the item in any way unlike the more commonly used method of acid testing.

XRF (X-ray fluorescence) is a non-destructive analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. XRF analysers determine the chemistry of a sample by measuring the fluorescent (or secondary) X-ray emitted from a sample when it is excited by a primary X-ray source.

Each of the elements present in a sample produces a set of characteristic fluorescent X-rays (“a fingerprint”) that is unique for that specific element, which is why XRF spectroscopy is an excellent technology for qualitative and quantitative analysis of material composition.

A heavy silver sugar bowl and cream jug, likely of Middle Eastern or Indian origin – these items were unmarked but XRF tested as high grade silver (over 92.5% pure).

This white-metal tennis bracelet set with 46 blue sapphire stones was unmarked but XRF test results showed it to be 15ct white gold.

If you have items that you would like testing, please contact our office.

If the item(s) is/are consigned to auction, or the results are negative, there is no fee for the test.

Positive tests given (precious metal present) but NOT consigned to auction, tests are charged at £10 +VAT.