Identifying Gold, Platinum, and Other Metals in Jewelry: A Guide

Question
Hi Steven,

I got hold of a very old jewellery from somebody that seemed as of gold . Actually I purchased it presuming it as gold but later discovered that it was something else actually! The jewellery seems much heavy (heavier than silver/gold i suppose!) because i can feel that it is heavier than an 18K gold jewellery of equivalent volume. As a matter of curiosity, I filed the outer coating and could see the white metal inside. Yellowish-tint actually, not pure white. The jewellers in my area are unable to detect it as gold (or possibly they are not much qualified), that lead me to ask this question:

Can any other metal/alloy or any other less expensive combination can be equivalent/heavier than 18K gold (other than gold/platinum or their alloy)?

I need to know if the jewellery is actually a precious metal/alloy or a piece of junk!

Answer
Hello Sujit, Thank you for the question. My first thought is that the metal you are experiencing is probably a lead based alloy which would be heavier than 18k or Platinum. May items in the antique jewelry eras were made of this so-called pewter. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Steve Kretser