Treat the broken chain and single earring as separate items
Assign one identifier to the chain and another to the unmatched earring. Photograph each piece with its loose fittings before weighing, so no fragment is silently transferred between totals.
Identification: transcribe and locate every visible hallmark without converting it immediately into a fineness conclusion.
Weight: record the gross reading, scale, native unit, packaging status and all components present at the time.
Construction and Non-Gold Components
Do not pull a link straight, force a clasp, cut a hollow section or apply heat. The as-found state is part of the evidence.
Record hollow sections, broken links, a missing mate, clasps, settings, stones, cords, solder and replacement fittings before moving loose parts.
Photograph Before Moving Parts
Place detached rings, backs or fragments in labelled inner packets under the parent item number. Count them before and after examination.
If a hallmark sits on a clasp or replaceable fitting, say so. Its location affects how cautiously the mark can be applied to the rest of the object.
Give the chain and earring independent scale readings, preserving the native unit and stating whether backs, tags, stones or packaging were included.
Keep Weights Itemised
Gross weight is not automatically net gold weight. Any deduction or estimate needs its method, evidence and uncertainty stated beside the figure.
Repeat an unstable reading and keep both results with time and scale conditions. Do not choose the larger or smaller number to support a preferred outcome.
Map open links, worn joints, cracks, solder and replacement clasps by position, without assigning an age or cause that the evidence cannot support.
Describe Breaks and Repairs Neutrally
A colour difference around a joint can guide inspection but does not by itself establish composition. Preserve it under consistent light without filing or chemical testing.
Retain receipts, boxes and family notes by date, comparing their wording with the hallmarks and construction instead of merging the accounts.
How Documents Relate to the Broken Chain and Earring
Photographs can support shape, visible marks and obvious damage, while fineness, concealed filling and delicate internal construction may require agreed specialist examination.
Chain and earring remain two evidence sets: shared packaging does not merge their weights, hallmarks or loose fittings.
The chain record links its overall layout to each break, clasp and packeted fragment; the earring record links the unmatched status to its post, back and any setting.
Keep non-gold parts visible in both the photographs and weight notes. If a net figure is later calculated, retain the gross figure and explain each subtraction.
Before handover, count the two main items and all packets of loose parts, check seals and confirm that no fitting moved between identifiers.
