Identifying 835 Metal: Is It Gold or Platinum?

Question
Thomas,I Have A pendant that is marked,EGG 835,and is white metal.I understand that this mark would usually be on silver;however the quality,And craftsmanship is exquisite. I have had this pendant for 15 years,and it is quite a mystery to me that it has not one speck of tarnish.It is reversible,and can be hung Either way.I believe it to be gold or possibly Platinum.I would appreciate any information that you might Have about it. Thank You,Debbie

Answer
Debbie, the numeral 835 is not normally a silver quality mark in the USA but in the UK this is now accepted along with 800 fineness silver. Both are included in the same marking system symbols and numerals must be used to know the difference.

I have two thoughts on your pendant: 1. High quality costume  2. Possibly 20 karat gold.  A quick test by a jeweler should distinguish one from the other.   A test may show it is not precious metal at all or is gold. If a high karat white gold, this is getting into the unusual, a form of gold seen only rarely.  

The numerical marking system shows precious metal content in parts per thousand, the same as 0.835 being pure gold and the remainder being alloy metals.  With pure gold being considered 24k, 835 would be:
24k X 0.835 = 20.004 or 20 karat.

I suggest you have the metal tested.  That will really be the only way to know.  Platinum in less than 900 is not normally seen in the USA and if it should be a platinum mix I would expect it to be of foreign manufacture.

I am a curious as you are and cannot do any more about it without the item in my hands to test. I personally would take it to a metals scrap yard or dealer who also buys gold (following the current tend with high gold prices) and uses an x-ray spectrograph device to check metals. This will provide a more accurate test than most jewelry stores will have handy and with no marks on the pendant.

God Bless and Peace.  Thomas.