What does 56 gold test mean?

Modern jewelry made of gold is always indicated by samples we understand, consisting of three numbers, but sometimes there are antique jewelry on which stands sample 56. How to evaluate the quality of gold and understand the authenticity of jewelry in this case - this is described in the article.

To understand the significance of the 56th test of gold, you need to look into the history of tsarist Russia. According to historical facts, changes appeared in the jewelry system of Russia thanks to the monetary reform carried out by Peter I in 1700. Prior to this, the mark on jewelry made of gold was not put. Only after the issuance of the Decree on Branding and the formation of a special organization for the control of the quality of precious metal products (the Silver Series) they began to put markings on gold products. The marking of the sample consisted of two numbers, which was a measure of the content of parts of pure gold in a particular alloy.

In addition to the digital designation of the sample, the product must have: double-headed eagle brand and year of manufacture. A little later, the so-called names appeared - personal stigmas.

The marking of the gold jewelry with the numbers “56” corresponds to the current 585 gold test. In Tsarist Russia, a spool measure was adopted, where one pound of pure gold contained 96 spools. It means that 56 samples contained 56 parts of gold and 40 parts of impurities (mainly nickel, brass, copper, silver and palladium). The transition to the metric system in 1927 led to the appearance of the familiar three-digit number in the marking of precious metals.

Jewelry 56 samples currently represent both historical and material value. In most cases, rings, rings, earrings, chains, crosses, pendants and brooches were made of gold of such a test.

Precious metals, both in the past and in the present tense, are a good investment. Of course, if the jewelry doesn’t look the best or belongs to the items common for that time (earrings without precious stones, a chain, a cross), then they will not be bought too expensive, possibly only at the price of jewelry scrap.

Decoration of such a sample estimated with historical value rather high, after all, very often jewelry of those centuries was supplemented with precious stones or they were created by famous master jewelers, for example, the company “Gottlieb and Jan”, Pavel Ovchinnikov or the Grachev brothers. Jewelry from 56 karat gold distinguished by increased strength, so many beautiful unique products of high artistic value made from this alloy have been preserved.

The main advantages of gold 56 samples are the following characteristics.

• Wear resistance. Differences in percentages of impurities affect the amount of wear of products, and since gold itself is a soft metal, this alloy marking is more resistant to mechanical stress.
• Alloy hardness. This characteristic also depends on the quality of the alloy.
• Extended Use.
• Due to the difference in the ratios of additional elements in the ligature differences in the color scheme of the alloy appear. The most beautiful shades of green, yellow, pink and red colors can be found in products of that time.
• Plastic. This option allowed jewelers to create truly priceless masterpieces of jewelry art, which today are museum exhibits.

By cons include possible allergic reactions due to the high nickel content in the alloy, and complexity of repair in case of damage to the jewelry.

For a successful purchase of jewelry you need to be careful and discreet.

1. Brand Features. The fact is that until 1897 the stamp was convex, and after 1897 they began to make it depressed - the way we see it on modern jewelry. Exclusive unique jewelry of such a test is currently available only from antique dealers, private collectors or pawnshops.
2. On the stigma, in addition to numbers, it can occur letter abbreviation. Additional prints are possible, for example, the initials of the master, the year of manufacture, the emblem of the city in which the jewelry was made. The mark was placed depending on the size of the decoration - on the overall product the print was placed larger than on the small one.
3. Should pay attention to grinding qualitylack of mechanical damage.
4. If there are doubts about the test of gold, then It is recommended to contact any jewelry workshop to an expert jeweler.

Over time, jewelry loses its shine, becomes covered with plaque and darkens. To prevent these problems, jewelery is periodically cleaned using various means. The best option would be a special jewelry paste, but owners often use home remedies (soap solution, ammonia, peroxide and others).

Here are some tips for removing pollution.

With slight contamination of the metal, it is enough to polish the decoration microfiber cloth, flannel or suede. Polishing is done with gentle movements in one direction.

Additionally, you can use polishing, which will help the following tools.

• Hygienic Lipstick. It must be applied to the product, and then polished.
• Table vinegar. For this method, 9 percent table vinegar is suitable, which must be applied to the fabric. The decoration is thoroughly rubbed with an impregnated cloth, left for 10-15 minutes, and then thoroughly washed and dried.
• Onion juice. The onion is cut, the decoration is rubbed with the cut side. After 30 minutes, you can rinse the product and dry.

To clean old dirt and plaque soaking in various solutionsthat contain soap, ammonia, salt, sugar or soda.

With a strong degree of contamination of the gold product, as well as in the presence of precious stones in the decoration, experts advise seek cleaning at a jewelry workshop.

If the sample product 56 has darkened, then this is most likely a fake. Darkening indicates a low quality of the alloy and the presence of impurities, which should not be in a high-quality product of such a sample.

Jewelry from 56 karat gold can become a family heirloom or a good investment in the future for their owners. The main thing to remember is that such jewelry in good condition over the years becomes more valuable, so do not forget to look after the metal and further.

The video below demonstrates the gold jewelry 56 samples.