The next step in submitting precious metals for refining at Manhattan Gold & Silver is to decide what process you would like us to use to check the purity of the metals you have sent to establish their value.
In the case of gold, we have two methods for discerning purity:
Method 1: Hand Testing
We prefer to hand test smaller amounts. This involves removing all fillings, stones or other impurities in order to test the metal on a basalt stone. We test the material with acid in order to determine the purity (or in the case of gold, the Karat). Hand testing has many benefits. To begin with, it’s highly accurate. In addition, since it doesn’t involve melting, we can turn your lot around within minutes. Since the item is not destroyed, we can always send it back if you decide against selling.
Method 2: Melting & Assaying
If the lot is large, we will melt it down and then assay the bar. This takes longer because we first melt the gold into a bar; then we clean the gold and drill it for an assay test. A machine assay will provide good accuracy with speedy results. We can also fire assay it, which means the precious metal is chemically separated from the sample, giving the exact purity of the bar. This way takes longer, but we do offer cash advances to assist customers with there cash flow needs.
Determining the purity of precious metals may make customers nervous, but there is no need to worry. Manhattan Gold & Silver has been in business for over 25 years and is family-run. We pride ourselves on our reputation of integrity and good work. If you have any questions about the two methods of discerning precious metal purity, please contact us.
