Differentiating between real and fake gold

In the world of pawnbroking, the difference between real and fake gold - or plated versus solid - could mean a difference of hundreds of dollars per transaction and thousands per year. Pawnbrokers must look for accurate, safe and fast methods to determine the value and authenticity of pawn items.

Thermo Scientific portable precious metal analysers have received the endorsement of Hardcore Pawn’s Seth Gold who, with his family, manages the store American Jewelry and Loan. He was recently named the 2013 National Pawnbrokers Association’s Pawnbroker of the Year.

Seth Gold, who manages the internationally known store American Jewelry and Loan. (Photo: Business Wire)

Gold recommends the Thermo Scientific Niton DXL precious metal analyser and Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 series XRF analyser for use in determining the elemental composition of metals with precision. The analysers identify elements using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), an analytical technique that measures the emission of secondary X-rays from a material/sample that has been illuminated with X-rays.

“Verifying the elemental composition of precious metals that come into my store is one of my greatest challenges - and I believe all pawnbrokers should consider XRF for metals identification,” said Gold, a fourth-generation pawnbroker. “The Niton DXL and Niton XL2 enable our team to quickly and easily evaluate all silver, gold and platinum items.”

Thermo Fisher, an expert in handheld X-ray fluorescence technology, engineered the instruments to provide non-destructive, definitive and safe verification of the elemental composition of precious metals in seconds; and they offer intuitive touch-screen operation, making analysis easily accessible to non-technical users.

“We specifically designed the Niton DXL to meet the elemental analysis needs of the jewellery resale and pawn market,” said Jon Culbertson, director of business development, portable analytical instruments, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “We also believe that all pawnbrokers should consider XRF use for metals analysis, since it limits the chance of misidentification.”