A question came up about figuring out the amount of gold  that a jewelry piece has in it’s mount.

Gold Mount in Jade Pendant 3

While working on a collection, four pieces of jade pendants came into question.

We thought it best to post the information we uncovered,

since there seems to be a calculated error in figuring the percentage of gold per pendant.

Jade pendants and other type of jewelry pieces can be deceiving in gold weights only due to the

actual weights of the stone are much heavier than normal estimations in the jewelry piece.

Jade Pendant Actual Weight of Mount 4

The metal content is not the only thing that figures significantly in the value of the jewelry piece.

Rather its one of the key components that we use to figure on the valuation.

Other factors we consider are the stone, workmanship,  age and the condition of the jewelry piece.

Here are some examples of the actual gold mount weights and entire jewelry piece.

To arrive at the actual gold weights we asked our gemologist to remove the gold, weigh each mount,

then had the goldsmith reattach the gold mounts back onto the jade pieces.

Surprising information since we work with similar jewelry pieces on a regular basis.

Gold Weight from Jade Pendant

Jade Pendant Actual Weight of Mount 2

This is great information for our clients who are planning to sell their pieces only for the gold value.

It’s also a reminder that there are also other things to consider in the valuation of a vintage piece.

The Rule of Thumb Here: The gold value isn’t the only component for valuation.

Happy Treasure Hunting!

Sandy and Craig Watanabe

Aloha Memorabilia Company

alohamemorabilia.com