Estate "Costume" Jewelry....that’s actually gold!

Sometimes jewelry that a family thinks is costume isn't. Always double check!

If you need to see markings, try out this cheap loupe like I show in the video. Works fine (generally, quality control isn't great), but at $7USD it can't be beat: https://amzn.to/4fWPjIy

We often employ a cheap magnet of a type you can find here if you need one: https://amzn.to/4hf65nd ($7USD at the time I am uploading this video)

The gold test kit I use is this one if you would like to get your own: https://amzn.to/4kugYnt

#silver #gold #jewellery

This video highlights the importance of double-checking "costume" jewelry, as it can often contain valuable pieces like gold and sterling silver that families might not realize are treasures (0:30). The creator shares his experience helping a neighbor sort through belongings due to a health issue, where a bag labeled "costume jewelry" was discovered (1:13).

Throughout the video, the creator examines various pieces from the bag, identifying several that are not just costume jewelry:

A horse pendant believed to be sterling silver (5:00).
A 10 karat carnelian ring (5:32).
A 10 karat opal Victorian brooch (7:24).
A 10 karat amethyst ring (9:43).
A 10 karat baby bracelet (10:38).
A sterling silver bracelet (13:45).
A 10 karat bracelet (15:33).
A Black Hills gold 10 karat bracelet (26:47).
Several pieces of Mexican silver, including pins, a bracelet with abalone inlay, and a sterling spoon ring (27:47).
The video also discusses tools for identification, such as a loupe for markings and a gem tester (0:30, 15:56). The creator emphasizes that even tarnished or old-looking pieces can be valuable (8:10). He weighs the identified silver and gold pieces, noting that even the raw melt weight of the silver is significant, and as jewelry, the pieces are worth more (30:49).

The overarching message is to preserve family treasures and history by properly identifying and valuing jewelry (42:36). The creator encourages viewers to check jewelry carefully, as what seems like costume jewelry can turn out to be precious metal, preventing valuable items from being discarded or undervalued (44:02).