QuestionHello!
I have a what looks like a cougar pin with the marking of 862 on the back of it. I have searched everywhere on the internet to see if it is gold or just costume jewelery. Do you know anything about and 862 mark on jewelery?
Thank your for any help you could give me on this.
AnswerCeline, thanks for the question.
Unfortunately, the 862 mark does not mean a thing to me and I do not see it listed in markings used legally. In the rare event it represented gold, that would be a recipe of 0.862 gold, or 86.2% pure gold. Considering pure gold as 24kt, it would be 0.862 x 24 = 20.6 kt, an odd one indeed.
I suspect the pin is not gold or if so that mark is not the metal quality mark. Gold items should have additional markings including the manufacturer stamp.
Look for any signs of electroplated surface, such as wear showing another metal beneath. Look for any greenish tarnish which indicates a base metal (coppery metal) body. If concerned enough, the only recourse is to take the pin to a jeweler who can test the metal for gold content. If you decide to do that, call first to be sure the business has someone there to do the testing and ask what the charge might be. With many places purchasing gold scrap, you might manage a test at one of those if not a jewelers.
I wish you well with the pin. Again, most likely it is not gold but without having the pin in my hands to test, the numerals alone are not enough information. It was worth a try! Get back anytime with other questions you might have.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
