Blog page

Assay and hallmarking are crucial processes in the jewelry industry, particularly when it comes to precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. These processes are designed to ensure the authenticity, quality, and purity of the metal used in jewelry making. In this blog post, we’ll explore assay and hallmarking and their importance in the jewelry industry.

What is assay? Assay is the process of determining the amount and quality of precious metals in an alloy. It involves a series of tests that are conducted to identify the presence of impurities and determine the percentage of precious metal in the alloy. Assay is typically performed using fire assay or instrumental methods, depending on the type of metal being tested.

What is hallmarking? Hallmarking is the process of certifying the purity and quality of precious metals used in jewelry making. The hallmark is a mark or symbol that is stamped onto the metal, indicating the type and purity of the metal. In some countries, hallmarking is required by law to ensure consumer protection.

The hallmark typically includes the following information:

• Maker’s mark: This is the stamp or symbol that identifies the manufacturer of the jewelry.
• Metal fineness: This is a number that indicates the purity of the metal. For example, in the UK, gold is measured in carats, while in the US, it is measured in karats.
• Assay office mark: This is the stamp or symbol that identifies the assay office where the metal was tested and hallmark stamped.
• Date letter: This is the stamp or symbol that indicates the year that the jewelry was hallmarked.

Why is assay and hallmarking important? Assay and hallmarking are essential processes in the jewelry industry for several reasons. Firstly, they help to ensure the authenticity and quality of precious metals used in jewelry making. Consumers can trust that the jewelry they are purchasing is made from genuine and high-quality precious metals. Secondly, hallmarking helps to prevent fraud and deception in the jewelry industry. Finally, hallmarking is required by law in some countries to ensure that jewelry meets the required standards and to protect consumer rights.

Assay and hallmarking are important processes in the jewelry industry that help to ensure the authenticity, quality, and purity of precious metals used in jewelry making. At Mechelec, we understand the importance of assay and hallmarking, and we offer a range of high-quality assay furnaces and machines that are designed to deliver reliable and accurate performance. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you with your jewelry-making needs.

Cupellation is a process used to extract precious metals like gold and silver from impure metals, such as lead. It involves heating the impure metal to a high temperature and then oxidizing it to remove any impurities. This process is carried out in a cupellation furnace, which is specifically designed for this purpose. In this blog post, we’ll explore cupellation furnace and its applications.

What is a cupellation furnace? A cupellation furnace is a specialized furnace that is used in the cupellation process to extract precious metals from impure metals. The furnace consists of a refractory-lined chamber that is heated to high temperatures.

How does a cupellation furnace work? The cupellation process involves melting the impure metal in a cupellation furnace at a high temperature, typically between 950-1050 degrees Celsius. As the metal melts, it is oxidized by the air in the furnace, causing the impurities to react and form a slag that floats to the surface. The precious metal, such as gold or silver, remains in a small bead on the bone ash or magnesite cupel. The cupel is then removed from the furnace and allowed to cool. The precious metal bead can then be weighed and analyzed for purity.

Applications of cupellation furnace Cupellation furnace is commonly used in the refining of precious metals, particularly gold and silver. It is also used in the analysis of trace amounts of precious metals in ores, alloys, and other materials. The cupellation process is also used to determine the amount of gold and silver in bullion and coins.

Cupellation furnace is an essential tool in the refining and analysis of precious metals. Its ability to extract and purify precious metals makes it an important tool for the jewelry, electronics, and mining industries. At Mechelec, we offer high-quality cupellation furnaces that are designed to deliver reliable and efficient performance. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you with your precious metal refining needs.