Precious Metal Testing

Discover Nowlans’ new in-store precious metal testing service, designed to give you accurate, trustworthy results when identifying the metal content of your jewellery. Using advanced XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) technology, our trained team can analyse the exact makeup of metals to determine their carat purity, verify authenticity, and detect whether an item is solid gold, platinum, or palladium—or simply plated metal.

Our XRF testing provides fast, non-invasive, and highly precise results, giving you confidence when assessing the value of your jewellery pieces.

Nowlans also offers a new Precious Metal Credit Service, allowing you to trade in your gold, platinum, or palladium for store credit. You can use this credit to pay for up to 50% of a jewellery repair, custom design project, or new purchase. Turn your unused or broken jewellery into value and put it towards something you truly love.

Whether you want to understand the true worth of your jewellery or invest in a new piece, Nowlans provides a seamless, transparent, and professional experience—available exclusively in-store.

 FAQs

  • XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) testing is a non-invasive method used to analyse the metal composition of jewellery. It identifies the exact elements within a piece—such as gold, platinum, palladium, and other alloys—without causing any damage.

  • The XRF machine emits low-level X-rays onto the jewellery. Each metal reacts differently, producing a unique fluorescent “signature.” The machine reads this signature to determine the metal type and its purity, including the carat weight of gold.

  • Yes. XRF testing is completely safe and non-destructive. It does not scratch, mark, heat, or alter your jewellery in any way.

  • Absolutely. One of the key strengths of XRF technology is its ability to detect whether an item is solid gold or gold-plated. Gold-plated pieces contain only a thin surface layer of gold over a base metal, which XRF can easily identify.

  • Gold-plated jewellery contains only a microscopic layer of gold on the outside, with the majority of the piece made from a base metal such as brass or stainless steel. Because the gold content is extremely low and not recoverable in a meaningful way, it holds no melt value. For this reason, store credit can only be offered for solid precious metals like gold, platinum, and palladium.

  • Only solid precious metals—such as gold, platinum, and palladium—have intrinsic and recoverable value. These metals can be refined and reused, which allows us to offer store credit based on their true worth. Plated, filled, or imitation metals do not contain enough precious metal to qualify.

  • We offer store credit based on the weight and purity of the metal, as determined by the XRF test and current refining precious metal prices. You can use this credit to pay for up to 50% of a repair, custom design, or new jewellery purchase at Nowlans.

  • Availability may vary, but testing is in-store only. Booking ahead is recommended to ensure quick service, especially for large or multiple items.

  • No. XRF testing is designed specifically for metal analysis. If you need gemstones assessed, we recommend arranging for a valuation to be completed with a registered jewellery valuer.

  • Yes, absolutely. Testing does not commit you to any credit or trade-in option. You’ll receive your jewellery back immediately after your results are explained.

  • If you are genuinely looking to trade in your jewellery for store credit no fee will be applied to the service. However, if you are curious or would like a printed report for your own records a $20.00 fee will be applied per piece.