Common mistakes in Evaluating Customers’ Gold

A practical guide to working with precision, transparency, and better margins

Gold evaluation is a key moment in the daily work of goldsmiths and gold buyers. It’s an operation that requires attention, method, and reliable tools, because even small mistakes can reduce profit margins or create misunderstandings with customers.

One of the most common errors is placing too much trust in the touchstone test. It’s a quick and useful method, but it cannot be considered definitive. The touchstone does not detect plating, cannot accurately distinguish between similar purities, and can be affected by residues or oxidation. For truly accurate evaluations, instrumental analysis is essential. In this regard, at Banco Villa we also recommend the brand‑new Wally Pro, an advanced device that provides immediate, precise, and reliable analyses, minimizing the margin of error. For those working with used gold, modern alloys, or complex items, it makes a real difference.

Another very common mistake is failing to check the non‑gold components. Many pieces of jewelry contain hidden parts — springs, pins, screws, inserts — that can alter the actual weight of the precious metal. Weighing everything together means overestimating purity and, consequently, losing margin. It is crucial to inspect every element, disassemble when possible, and analyze multiple points of the item. For this reason, the scale also deserves attention. A scale that is not properly calibrated can generate small discrepancies, yet enough to cause disputes or reduce profits.

Another often underestimated aspect is the difficulty of recognizing modern alloys. The market is full of imported or surface‑treated jewelry that can mislead traditional tests. Without proper tools and without staying updated on the alloys currently in circulation, the risk of incorrect evaluations increases. Once again, instruments like the Wally Pro help avoid unpleasant surprises.

If you would like more information about the new Wally Pro, feel free to contact us by filling out the form below.