the MIZAR or other elec gold testers who has used it

i just dont trust my local pawn shop.

looks like u can buy little elec tester fo about 90 bux.

thay have a better model that tests the gold further for 100 more

what would be the advantage of this if only 18 14 and 10 kt are out there?

has any one used these or similar ?

About 14 months ago I decided to invest in a good electronic gold tester. I did my research and could not find one that also tested for silver. The gold tester that I liked the best (and also the one I bought) is the GT3000 from Tri-electronics. It is very accurate and gives a digital readout. I then go to a chart and see what I have. The price was around $200

I could find no info on it's ability to test silver so I called the company that makes it and the owner/designer answered the phone. He told me that it is not designed for silver but he gave me a work-around on how to test.

He said take known items of 925/sterling and test them, see what numbers the machine comes up with. Now anything else that tests in that range will also be silver. (in my case about 265 - 310 is silver) I know you didn't ask about silver but I test 3 times as much silver as gold, and I do a lot of gold.

do they tell the difference tween plate and solid?

do they tell the difference tween plate and solid?

My GT does but you have to file a tiny notch in everything to get down through the plate if it is plated. 14K would read about 800 or so on the readout. Junk goes way down to the low 100s or even minus numbers.

Interesting, thanks for the info.

cyberdan;

Does it require the use of any acids?

Does it require the use of any acids?

The handle that touches the jewelry has a gel liquid inside. I have been told it is not an acid. I have touched it many times and no burning reaction, but everytime I test a VERY fine gold chain the chain breaks where it is tested. I always warn the owner before I test that this will happen. It might not be an acid but probably when the voltage goes thru the chain the metal is disolved. Probably like what happens when gold plating.

This is the unit I have. I took the pic from the manufacturers website and just noticed something.  Does anybody else see what I see?

Well, don't keep us in suspense.

There should be a red and black wire connecting the testing device to the testing pen, and the testing plate with the alligator clip.

The wires don't appear in this marketing photo. 

Thanks.

There should be a red and black wire connecting the testing device to the testing pen, and the testing plate with the alligator clip. The wires don't appear in this marketing photo. 

Thats it!

That reminds me somewhat of a commercial from several years ago. I think they were selling computers. Someone was typing away and the computer or monitor was obviousally not hooked up.

Still think acids is the best way. Shows if its plated. Has acid for silver, and MUCH cheaper.. I had one of those Mizar's and gave it away after a week of using it in my gold shop..

Still think acids is the best way. Shows if its plated. Has acid for silver, and MUCH cheaper.. I had one of those Mizar's and gave it away after a week of using it in my gold shop..

I don't blame you for giving away a mizar, I looked into them also. Just looked too junky.

Yes, acid is much cheaper, tried it, took too long to react and still was not sure of the answer. I take my GT with to yard sales and check all gold that I bid on. (now if I find a piece of gold in the junk bowl I only pay 50¢ to $1) Acid would just take to long and be messy to check every piece. I must check because there are too many counterfits out there.

I can tell if any thing is plated. It is called a jeweler's rat tail file. I always use it before any test.