Gold Purity Testing and Valuation in Kukatpally — Understand the Assessment

At Rithika Gold, purity testing is performed openly in front of you — using professional XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) technology. You can watch the machine measure your gold's composition in real time and ask questions at every step.

Understanding Gold Purity Testing

"Karat" is the measure of gold purity. Pure gold is 24 karat. Most jewellery in India is 22K or 18K — meaning it contains other metals alloyed to improve durability. The gold purity level directly determines how much of your ornament's weight is actual gold and therefore what payment you receive when selling.

Understanding how purity is tested gives you confidence that you are receiving a fair valuation. At Rithika Gold, we want you to understand what happens to your gold — not just trust us blindly.

KaratFinenessGold ContentCommon Use
24K999.9~99.99%Investment coins & bars
22K916~91.6%Indian jewellery (standard)
18K75075%Fine jewellery, rings
14K58558.5%Export jewellery

Method 1: XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) Karat Testing

XRF is the primary testing method at Rithika Gold. We use the Aczel Cube XRF karat analyser — a professional-grade instrument used across the refining, banking, and precious metals industries.

How it works

The XRF machine directs a focused X-ray beam at your gold item. The gold atoms in the metal absorb the energy and re-emit it as secondary X-rays at characteristic wavelengths. The detector measures these wavelengths and calculates the precise percentage of gold, silver, copper, and other metals present.

The XRF reading

An XRF reading does not require removal of a metal sample. Any proposed preparation, sampling or other procedure should be explained separately before you consent.

What it shows

The machine reports composition at the tested area. We explain how to interpret the result, what may limit its relevance to the whole item and how assessment affects the valuation.

Why XRF is the preferred standard

XRF can provide an initial assessment without removing a sample for that reading. The result must be interpreted alongside the item's construction and condition; it is not a certificate of uniform purity throughout the piece.

Method 2: Fire Assay and Homogeneity Testing

XRF readings need to be considered alongside the item itself. Antique ornaments, plated items, repairs or surface treatments can require further assessment. If sampling or fire assay is proposed, ask why it is needed and what will happen to your item before giving consent.

Fire assay is done only with your knowledge and consent

Melting your gold item changes it permanently. Before any fire assay is performed, we explain why it may be needed, what will happen to the piece, and what the expected outcome is. You can always decline and keep your gold.

What is fire assay?

Fire assay involves melting a sample or the entire item at high temperature to produce a homogeneous alloy. A small sample from the melt is then tested for precise gold content. Because the gold has been thoroughly mixed, the reading represents the true overall purity of the piece — not just the surface.

Why homogeneity matters

Some gold items — particularly older pieces or those repaired multiple times — may have uneven gold distribution. The outer surface might be 22K while inner sections are at a different karat. XRF reads the surface; fire assay reads the average true composition throughout.

When fire assay is discussed

Our team will suggest fire assay only when XRF gives an unusually low reading for a piece that appears visually higher karat, or when the item's construction makes it likely that surface composition differs from the core.

Purity Checklist: What to Keep in Mind

Your gold's karat is the single most important factor in valuation
BIS hallmarking confirms the karat at manufacture — it doesn't prevent later surface treatments
XRF provides an initial reading; any further checks depend on the item
You can watch the testing process and ask questions freely
If fire assay is needed, you will be told why and asked before it proceeds
Purity and net weight together determine your final payment

Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions

XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) assesses elemental composition at the tested area without removing a sample for that reading. Surface treatments, repairs and mixed components can affect how representative the result is.

XRF can provide a useful composition reading, but the result depends on the item, test conditions and interpretation. A surface reading does not guarantee uniform purity throughout the piece. Ask whether further assessment is needed.

Some antique, plated, or heavily alloyed pieces may have uneven gold distribution. XRF reads the surface composition, which may not represent the full piece. Fire assay tests the homogeneous composition of the entire piece.

An XRF reading does not require removal of a sample. Any proposed cleaning, sampling, melting or other procedure should be explained separately, including its effects, before you consent.

Yes. The entire testing process at Rithika Gold happens in front of you. You can watch the XRF result appear on screen and ask our team to explain the numbers.

Hallmarking confirms the karat declared at manufacture. If the XRF reading differs, we explain why this can happen — such as surface treatments, repair work, or gold plating. The actual tested purity is used for valuation.

Customers Who Trusted Our Testing Process

“Very trustworthy place for gold and silver buyback. Fair pricing, accurate purity testing, and instant payment. The team made the process simple and hassle-free. Highly recommended!”

S

Sai Kumar

Google customer review

“I had a great experience selling my gold at Rithika Gold. The staff were honest, polite, and the entire process was quick and transparent. I received the best value for my gold. Thank you!”

P

PRAVEEN BHUKYA

Google customer review

“I had an excellent experience at Rithika Gold. The entire gold valuation process was transparent and professional. The staff explained every step clearly, and the purity testing was done in front of me. I received a fair market price with instant payment and Their customer service was polite, honest, and trustworthy. I highly recommend Rithika Gold to anyone looking to sell gold or silver with confidence.”

K

Kotakonda Raghu

Google customer review

Gold testing near KPHB and JNTU

Where can I get gold purity testing near JNTU or KPHB?

Visit Rithika Gold near Kukatpally Metro for XRF gold purity testing. Our team explains the gold content and how it affects valuation. XRF measures surface composition; items with plating or uneven alloys may need further assessment.

What is the difference between 916 gold and 24-carat gold?

916 indicates 91.6% gold content and is commonly used for 22-carat jewellery. MMTC-PAMP 999.9 fine gold coins and bars are 99.99% gold and are commonly described as 24-carat. Testing helps establish the actual gold content of an item offered for sale.

What can a gold-purity reading tell me about a selling offer?

A purity assessment helps explain the metal being valued; it is not a price guarantee on its own. XRF measures the composition at the tested area. Coatings, solder, construction and differences between components can affect how representative that reading is. Ask how the result, eligible net metal weight and applicable buying rate are used together in your quotation.

  • Mention repairs, plating, stones or mixed components before testing. A 916 stamp and an XRF reading provide different kinds of information.
  • Ask whether the item needs checks beyond the initial reading. Any proposed sampling or melting should be explained, including its consequences, before you give consent.
  • Confirm the applicable assessment arrangements and any charges. Request an explanation of the result before deciding whether to sell; testing does not oblige you to accept an offer.

See the Testing Process for Yourself

Walk in to our Kukatpally showroom anytime during business hours. No appointment needed.