Sell Your Gold, Silver, or Platinum in Montreal
Our Evaluation Process
Welcome to Canada Gold – Montreal
If you would like to receive a free evaluation of your valuables and a written offer from us, simply visit our Montreal store. No appointment is necessary. The evaluation will take place in your presence, and we will explain the evaluation process for your precious metals in detail and present our findings to you. To learn more about our methods for evaluating precious metals, please continue reading.
Assessment
Step 1: Initial Metal Testing
We begin by using a powerful earth magnet to separate non-precious metals from gold and silver. Since gold and silver are not magnetic, this simple test helps quickly identify items that are likely not precious metals.
Step 2: Sorting by Karat and Fineness
Since ancient times, the purity of gold has been defined by the term karat, which is 1/24 part of pure gold by weight. Pure gold is equivalent to 24k. Gold may also be described by its fineness, which is the amount of pure gold in parts per 1000. For example, a 14k gold ring contains 585 per 1000 parts gold (58.5%) and 417 parts (41.7%) other metals.
Once non-precious metals have been separated, we examine each item for purity stamps. Some pieces are marked in karats (K), such as 10K, 14K, or 18K, while others use fineness, represented as a three-digit number like 750 (which corresponds to 18K gold). A karat stamp provides a strong indicator of the metal’s purity, though further testing may be needed for verification.
If a stamp is not immediately visible, we use a jeweller’s loupe, a magnification device that helps us inspect fine details closely. Stamps can sometimes be worn down or hidden in small areas, such as the posts of earrings or inside rings.
After identifying purity stamps, we carefully sort and organize your items by karat or fineness in front of you for full transparency. Items without visible stamps are set aside for further testing.
Karat Validation
To confirm the purity of your gold, we conduct one or more non-destructive tests: an acid scratch test, a specific gravity (or density) test and/or an X-ray fluorescence test.
As the customer, you will be able to watch our staff complete every step of this process and they will be happy to explain what they are doing and answer your questions along the way.
Acid Scratch Test
The acid scratch test involves gently rubbing the item on a smooth touchstone (similar to slate) and comparing the metal's reaction to that of known samples. The scratch makes a fine mark on the stone (not on the jewellery). If the result is conclusive, this test may be the only verification necessary.
The acid test is a simple and very effective method of determining or verifying the purity of jewellery. The acid is a mixture of nitric acid and muriatic (hydrochloric) acid and is used to react with a sample of gold. The higher the karat, the higher the concentration of acid required for the test.
If the item is not stamped, we start by using 10 kt acid and compare your "unknown" item to a test key (a sample of gold whose purity is known). The unknown mark must remain very bright and solid. If the scratch fades, we return the item to the customer, as we cannot purchase unmarked items that do not pass the 10 kt acid test.
If the scratch remains vivid, we repeat the test with 14 kt acid. If the object passes the 10 kt test but fails the 14 kt test, we know that it is a 10 kt object. If the object passes the 14 kt test, we continue testing with increasingly stronger acids.
Specific Gravity Machine
By measuring their specific gravity, we can confirm purity levels without damaging your items.
Specific gravity (SG) is the ratio of a substance’s density to the density of a reference substance, usually distilled water. SG testing can be used to assay the karat rating of gold. Every metal has a specific density that can be calculated when submerged in water. This method of testing is completely non-destructive.
The density test is very accurate and effective for solid, heavy items such as solid gold, coins, bullion, and chains. Items with "gaps" or containing stones are more likely to trap air bubbles underwater and affect the calculation.
We weigh the object once on a standard scale and once underwater. The difference in weight determines the density of the object. Since gold is one of the densest elements, we can determine whether the objects are gold-plated or solid gold.
X-Ray Fluorescence Testing (XRF)
If visual inspection and scratch testing methods do not yield clear results, items can be tested using X-ray fluorescence.
A state-of-the-art machine analyzes the metal composition with precision. We use this machine, as needed, to help verify items, only after other methods have been tried.
The use of an X-ray machine is an excellent tool for determining the karat of an item or helping to discover what the item is made of. The X-ray machine is particularly useful for small items, such as thin or small chains, small earrings, and dental gold.
Once testing is complete, a comprehensive report indicates the percentages of gold content as well as other alloy metals such as copper, silver, or zinc.
If additional tests are necessary, we will explain the procedure to you before proceeding.
Step 3: Weighing
Once sorted, we weigh your items using a high-precision calibrated scale. You are welcome to observe this process, and if you wish, we can weigh individual items separately for your reference.
Step 4: Quote
Our payment is based on the purity, weight, and current market price of gold, silver, or other metals. We will make you a clear and straightforward offer, with no pressure or obligation. You can decide to sell all or only part of what you have brought in, depending on our offer. If a final test is necessary to confirm the authenticity of an item (for example, by cutting thick-plated items), we will always ask for your permission beforehand.
Purchase
We never charge for tests or estimates, and if you decide to sell, we pay you immediately, with no hidden fees. We will try our best to accommodate higher cash payouts when available, or will pay you by cheque.
Thank You
We appreciate the trust you place in Canada Gold. Our commitment to transparency and service excellence is why so many customers return and recommend us to their friends and family. Feel free to compare offers—we are confident that our expertise, integrity, and best price guarantee make us the most trustworthy gold buyer in Canada.
Are you ready to have your gold evaluated? Contact us toll-free at 1-888-219-7001 or visit one of our many locations across Canada.