XRF Testing

Auri Petra specializes in XRF testing to deliver accurate, easy-to-understand results for businesses and individuals. Our non-destructive method ensures your items stay intact while providing detailed insights into composition and quality.

Process Guide

4-Step XRF Testing Process for Jewelry Validation

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive technique that identifies and quantifies a material’s elemental composition—delivering fast, accurate insights for precious metals without harming the piece.

What XRF Is and Why It’s Trusted

When a material is exposed to primary X-rays, its atoms emit secondary (fluorescent) X-rays unique to each element. By measuring these emissions, an XRF analyzer determines the precise makeup of metals, alloys, and coatings within seconds.

For jewelry, XRF confirms authenticity, purity, and quality without damage—ideal for buyers, sellers, appraisers, and insurance providers who need repeatable, trustworthy verification.

The 4 Steps

Step 1

Preparation & Sample Selection

  • Select jewelry pieces requiring validation (e.g., gold rings, platinum bands, silver chains, or diamond settings).
  • Ensure surfaces are clean and free of dirt, polish, or plating residue that could skew results.
  • Choose multiple test points—clasp, setting, band—to detect hidden alloys or plating.
Jewelry Example: A gold chain may appear solid 18K gold, but XRF testing can reveal if it is merely gold-plated brass.
Step 2

Instrument Calibration & Setup

  • Calibrate the analyzer with certified standards to ensure results are accurate and traceable.
  • Configure for jewelry-specific analysis modes (precious metals, karat determination, alloy verification).
  • Input testing conditions (surface scan, spot size, dwell time) to ensure consistency.
Jewelry Example: Testing a diamond ring may require targeting both the band and prongs to confirm they’re the same alloy and not a weaker substitute.
Step 3

Measurement & Data Capture

  • Place the analyzer on the selected area of the jewelry.
  • The device irradiates the metal, causing atoms to emit a fluorescent signature unique to each element.
  • Within seconds, view concentrations (e.g., Au 75%, Ag 12%, Cu 13%).
  • Confirm karat value (e.g., 18K = 75% gold) and detect non-precious or hazardous elements.
Jewelry Example: A bangle advertised as platinum may show high palladium or white-gold alloys instead—preventing misrepresentation and loss.
Step 4

Analysis, Interpretation & Reporting

  • Compare results against jewelry standards (karatage requirements: 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K).
  • Validate authenticity—confirm it’s not counterfeit, under-karated, or plated.
  • Generate a detailed report with elemental composition, karat equivalency, and hallmarking compliance.
  • Store or share the report for sales, resale, appraisal, or insurance.
Jewelry Example: A diamond engagement ring documented as “14K gold, 58.5% Au” provides solid proof of value for resale or claims.

Why XRF Matters for Jewelry

  • Authenticity Verification: Detects counterfeits, misrepresented karats, and deceptive plating.
  • Consumer Confidence: Gives buyers assurance they’re paying for the true value of a piece.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensures jewelry meets legal standards for purity or hallmarking.
  • Time-Efficient: Results in seconds without filing, cutting, or removing stones.

XRF Testing for Insurance Purposes

Insurance companies often require detailed documentation to establish value and reduce fraud risk. XRF strengthens this process:

  1. Accurate Appraisals: Confirms exact metal composition so valuations are based on verified data.
  2. Claims Protection: Provides scientific proof of authenticity for theft, loss, or damage claims.
  3. Baseline Records: Creates a traceable testing history for high-value collections over time.
  4. Fraud Prevention: Helps identify fraudulent claims involving fake or substituted jewelry.
Insurance Example: A gold necklace documented as 18K with an XRF report gives both client and insurer independent proof of composition—expediting claims.
Tamper-Evident Records Digitally store PDFs/CSV outputs to maintain an audit trail.
Faster Claims Clear composition data reduces disputes and back-and-forth.
Consistent Valuation Repeatable testing supports stable appraisals over time.

Note: Always follow local hallmarking regulations and manufacturer guidance for your specific analyzer.

The Bottom Line

By using XRF technology, jewelers, buyers, and insurers gain a scientifically validated, non-destructive, and tamper-resistant method of confirming jewelry value. This protects financial interests, strengthens trust, and ensures accurate representation across sales, appraisals, and insurance claims.

Get a Verified XRF Report

Want this process documented for your purchase, appraisal, or insurance file? Request an XRF composition report with karat equivalency and compliance details.

Request XRF Report