QuestionI have a mixed bucket of plated gold jewelry. Is there an easy way to separate the gold from the steel so that just gold remains and can be sold for scrap? Torch? furnace/ small foundry? or is chemical separation the only way?
AnswerDavid, thanks for this question. With the higher prices of precious metals in the last year your question is quite appropriate. Fortunately for buyers the prices are down some now but who know the future. : )
Plated gold jewelry is going to contain perhaps some steel but more commonly brass type metals and low temperature "pot metals" of various descriptions. Also, beneath a gold plate is often a pre-plate of copper or another metal to help improve the quality and color of the plated surface.
Any simple melting whether by torch or furnace will leave a mass of all, with the exception of steel which may be found floating in the melt. Gold will be sticking to the steel and cannot be cleanly shaken or dripped off.
Regardless, the final reclamation of gold content will require more complicated refining procedures, one of which is certainly chemical based. Acids and precipitants are a common method of reclaiming the gold from a solution where all was dissolved initially.
David, I do hope the answer will give you direction. If you have enough items it might be worth sending to a refiner, keeping in mind that gold plate is very, very thin and a lot of material is needed to justify the cost of refining.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
