Review the itemised detail before handing over gold
Do not rely on one total weight for a group of jewellery. Number every piece and photograph the hallmark, clasp, soldered joints and scale display; distinguish gross weight, stones or cords, inseparable parts and the stated basis for net gold weight.
For a meaningful comparison, state the date and time of the reference gold price, fineness basis, unit, treatment of non-gold components, named deductions and payment arrangement. A single total without the calculation cannot be compared on equal terms.
Cutting, scraping, polishing, fire assay and disassembly alter an object. Explain the contact point and likely effect first, and use complete views, hallmarks, construction and the original scale reading while the piece remains intact.
Describe each piece well enough to find it again
Record the item name, visible wording or design, dimensions or weight, present packaging and condition. Mark anything obscured or uncertain for later comparison.
Photograph the whole piece, hallmark, clasp, soldered joints and attachments. A front-only image cannot show how much non-gold material is incorporated into the construction.
Connect close-ups to the weighing evidence
Separate stones, pearls, cords, springs, watch movements and other non-gold parts from the gross-weight description. Never present the weight of the complete object as net gold weight without stating that basis.
Breaks, deformation and an old style do not by themselves change fineness, but missing metal, solder and repaired areas can affect the relevant weight. Locate them on the numbered piece.
Keep complete photographs, details, measurements, packaging and documents under that identifier so a later calculation cannot migrate to another item.
State the source and basis of every figure
Reference gold price, fineness and net weight are different inputs. List any deduction or handover condition only after the individual object and calculation basis are clear.
Separate jewellery of different fineness for photographs and weighing. Retain the electronic scale unit, and never mix grams, taels and troy ounces in one unstated conversion.
Cite the source and consultation date for historical or production information. Old labels, oral accounts and online images serve as background rather than proof of metal content.
Preserve complete sets without hiding their components
For a wedding-jewellery set, photograph and weigh every piece. List cords, tags, stones and other non-gold ornaments separately instead of treating the set's gross weight as fine-gold weight.
Images can support identification and conspicuous damage, but composition, minute repairs and areas hidden by an enclosure may still require direct examination.
Focus this gold review on weight and non-gold parts
Begin by identifying stones, pearls, cords and other attachments, then group bracelets, necklaces, rings and pendants. Preserve the gross weight and scale unit for each numbered piece even when a net figure cannot yet be established.
Keep style, quantity, hallmark and visible damage together, while placing individual weight, group total and scale unit in the corresponding measurement note. A later conversion or oral statement should not overwrite the original reading.
If a document name conflicts with the object, transcribe both with their dates. Leave the style, period or material open rather than completing it from a comparable item.
The evidence should allow another person to find the same piece and repeat the check. A hidden hallmark, inseparable part or absent source needs an explicit limitation, not a guessed value.
Retain an old label or family account as provenance, but keep it distinct from itemised weight and non-gold components. Mark any disagreement for further examination.
