How Our XRF Gold-Testing Machine Ensures You Get a Fair Price

At Cheshire Gold Xchange we pride ourselves on providing transparent, fair and accurate valuations when you bring your jewellery, bullion or scrap items to our store or send via the post. One of the key ways we deliver this is by using a state-of-the-art X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyser to determine the exact purity of your items, and not just relying on hallmarks or acid testing.

Here’s how this advanced technology works, and why it means better value for you.

What is XRF testing and how does it work?

XRF stands for X-ray fluorescence, a sophisticated, non-destructive analytical method used widely in precious metals testing. In simple terms: the device emits high-energy X-rays towards a sample, which excite the atoms inside. Those atoms then emit “secondary” or fluorescent X-rays whose energies are characteristic of specific elements. The machine detects these energies and calculates the percentages of each element present, and displays this on a screen for us to read.

We use a high-quality instrument, the Niton XL2 precious-metal analyser which is designed to test jewellery, coins or scrap in just seconds, delivering lab-quality results.

Some technical details:

• The analyser’s X-ray tube directs X-rays at the gold; electrons are ejected from inner atomic shells; as the electrons in higher shells drop in they emit X-rays of specific energy.
• The detector measures the energy and intensity of these fluorescent X-rays and software converts this into an elemental composition (for example gold + silver + copper) with a corresponding percentage for each.
• The Niton XL2 can measure across dozens of elements, detect plate layers, and deliver results in seconds.

In other words, rather than simply trusting a hallmark (which might be missing or inaccurate), we can directly see the true metal content of your item.

Why XRF testing matters when selling your gold

1. No reliance on hallmarks or surface markings

Many pieces of gold jewellery we see can be missing hallmarks, this can often happens if the item has been broken, heavily worn, or has been repaired. International hallmarks can also be intelligible or inaccurate. With XRF we can analyse exactly what the item is made of, regardless of external markings, meaning we pay you for the true gold content.

XRF testing is an essential part of our Asian gold valuations. Asian gold is often inaccurately hallmarked or missing hallmarks altogether, and is usually of high gold purity (22ct +). Thus, having accurate an gold content percentage reading allows us to provide a true and fair valuation to our customers.

2. Fair payment for final composition, not guesswork

With traditional scratch-acid tests, many buyers will apply a conservative discount because the testing is not precise. XRF gives a gold content percentage breakdown to two decimal places, which means you get paid according to the exact purity. For instance, sources note that handheld XRF machines can provide accuracy in the order of 0.1% or even 0.01% for gold samples.

We’ve seen the accuracy of our XRF machine proven time and again. When we XRF test gold samples ourselves and then send the same pieces to the Sheffield Assay Office for third-party analysis, the results almost always match typically within 0.1%.

3. Detection of gold plating and hidden sub-layers

One of the huge benefits of modern XRF is that it can identify whether an item is just gold-plated over a cheaper base metal. This transparency protects both parties and ensures you aren’t undervalued because a buyer assumes worst-case.

4. Instant and non-destructive testing

With XRF testing there is no damage made to the sample in order to obtain a result, unlike acid testing. We can measure your gold items on the spot, show you the results, and proceed to settlement quickly. You don’t have to wait for lab results, accept a lower “safe” offer, or have your item damaged in order to receive a firm offer. This speed and transparency has fostered trust with all our sellers.

How we use the technology to benefit you

At Cheshire Gold Xchange, we have multiple Niton XRF analysers and incorporate testing as part of our standard evaluation process:

• We clean the item gently (removing surface dirt or coatings) to ensure accurate results.
• The item is then scanned (often referred to as 'gunned' in the trade) using our handheld analyser and the results are presented immediately.
• We show you the output e.g., the percentage of gold, silver, copper, and other alloying metals so you can see exactly what we are offering to pay for.
• Using the live gold (and other precious metal) spot price we maintain, we then calculate your offer based on the pure gold weight found by the analyser.
• No hidden assumptions, no “branding” discounts: you are paid for the real metal content.

Because we invest in this high-end equipment and our fully trained operators use it, we can pass on the benefits directly to you. Our process removes guesswork, reduces the margin for error, and means you’re dealing with a gold buyer who values accuracy and fairness.

What this means for you as a seller

• You can be confident you are getting paid for what your item actually contains not what is assumed by hallmarks or generic grades.
• XRF results are easily understandable, if you are not familiar with reading hallmarks.
• You avoid being under-quoted simply because the buyer lacked full testing capability.
• You get transparent, immediate results and settlement, rather than delays for external third party testing or “safe‐offers”.
• You benefit from a dealer who treats you as a partner in clearly understanding value, rather than trying to hide details.

In summary

We believe choosing a gold buyer who uses proper XRF technology isn’t just a modern gimmick it is a meaningful advantage for both the buyer and the seller, especially with items missing hallmarks. With highly accurate, non-destructive, fast analysis of your jewellery, bullion, and scrap we ensure that you’re paid for exactly what your gold is worth. At Chester Gold Xchange, our investment in this advanced equipment and transparent process is designed to maximise your return, build trust, and deliver a selling experience where you can see exactly what you’re getting paid for.