Discover More Value with XRF: Precision You Can Trust

 

In the world of fine jewellery and precious metals, precision isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential. Whether you’re inheriting a treasured heirloom, creating something new from recycled gold, or simply looking to sell unwanted pieces, the difference between “close enough” and “exact” can mean hundreds, sometimes thousands, of pounds.

This is where Taylor & Co’s brand new high-tech X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) machine comes in. This remarkable state-of-the-art technology is already being used in assay offices and high-tech industries like aerospace and mining. Now, you too can make the most of this advanced technology, available in-store at Taylor & Co., and it will help you get the clearest, fairest valuation for your jewellery.

 

How Does XRF Technology Work?

Think of an XRF analysis as a truth-teller for precious metals. The progressive process starts with the machine directing a beam of high-energy X-rays at your jewellery piece. The energy triggers the atoms in the metal, causing them to emit their own unique ‘fingerprints’, each releasing secondary X-rays specific to each element.

The XRF then instantaneously reads the fingerprints, identifying the exact metals in your piece and measuring their quantities to a precision of parts per thousand. In other words, it can tell you whether your gold is 375 ppt (9ct), 750 ppt (18ct), or any amount in between, down to a single decimal point.

One of the real benefits of this technology is that it’s completely non-destructive; there’s no filing, acid, or damage to your jewellery. Plus, there’s no waiting around; you get results in minutes, and the report is detailed enough to show not just the gold content, but also the presence of silver, platinum, copper, zinc, or any other metals in the alloy.

 

Why Does This Matter?

In traditional hallmarking, gold content is rounded down to the nearest legal standard. For example, if a ring contains 400 ppt of gold (slightly over 9ct), it will still only receive a 375 mark (9ct). That might sound like a small, insignificant difference, but the reality is it can seriously impact how much you’re offered when selling or insuring your jewellery.

With XRF, you’re not relying on a shot in the dark; you’re getting the precise reality. This makes valuations more accurate, negotiations more informed, and ultimately, your outcome more profitable.

 

Case Studies: How XRF Made the Difference

1. The Inherited Heirloom – Turning Sentiment into Fair Value

When Sarah inherited her grandmother’s vintage gold ring, she wanted an accurate insurance valuation before making it a part of her everyday jewellery wardrobe. A standard appraisal based on its hallmark alone would have placed it at 9ct, but our XRF analysis revealed it was actually 400 ppt gold, edging it into a higher value bracket.

Her valuer was able to adjust the insurance cover accordingly, ensuring that if anything happened to the ring, Sarah would be compensated for its true worth. Without that XRF report, she might have been under-insured and more crucially, under-protected.

 

2. Recycled Family Gold – Discovering the True Carat

One client came to us with a beautiful gold bangle she had made many years ago by melting down a collection of family gold. The original pieces had been a mix of different hallmarked carats, 9ct and 18ct, and she didn’t know the exact gold content of the finished bangle. Using our XRF technology, we were able to analyse the piece in seconds and provide a precise, part-per-thousand breakdown of its gold purity and alloy composition. Not only did this give her peace of mind about its value, but it also meant she could have it properly insured with complete confidence.

3. Antique Treasure Hunt – Separating the Gold from the Gilt

A client brought into the store what they believed to be a solid gold Victorian brooch that they wished to sell. Without testing, they planned to price it modestly due to uncertainty over the gold content. The XRF analysis quickly uncovered that while part of the brooch was gold-plated, the central section was in fact solid 18ct gold.

This insight allowed the client to price the piece precisely, not undervaluing it, but also not misleading future buyers. In the world of antiques, where reputation is everything, that kind of transparency is priceless.

 

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re buying, selling, inheriting, or remodelling, knowing the exact metal composition of your jewellery puts you in control. Taylor & Co’s XRF service takes the guesswork out of gold valuation, giving you accurate results in seconds, without a single scratch to your item.

It’s about fairness, transparency, and making sure that, whether you’re gaining money or saving it, every decision you make is backed by factual information, not assumptions.

 

Want to know what your gold is really worth? Book your XRF test today and discover the true value hiding in your jewellery box.