QuestionMy grandmother's 1946 gold locket has the marking 9ct lined. I know that the 9ct bit, but what does it mean by lined? Also, is there an effective way of getting a few scratches buffed from the surface?
AnswerHeidi, I find no reference to this word "lined" used in describing the quality of metal in a jewelry item. Since it is 9 karat, I suspect the item is from Great Britain. Gold from there has very specific marks, in fact, a series of marks showing quality, date made, assay house, etc. Without those marks, we must stay with the 9 karat and try to figure if the item is overlaid with 9 karat, as in a gold filled item or perhaps the interior of the locket is lined with the gold to help protect contents.
The best way to tell is have a jeweler test the item for gold content, checking the outside and the inside in separate tests.
If the item is 9 karat gold, the scratches may be buffed away by a jeweler, quickly and effectively, assuming the scratches are not running into decorative engraving or such. In that case, buffing overall will not be advised but gentle hand buffing. Honestly, to do this at home is not effective. Metal surrounding the scratches must be brought down to the same level as the deepest part of the scratch and all polished. That is why you need to know if that area is gold or not before any attempt to remove the marks is attempted.
Buffing by a jeweler generally uses a mild abrasive such as tripoli on a motorized muslin wheel, followed with a polishing compound or rouge. Depending on the scratches, a jeweler may opt to burnish the scratches first, that is, rubbing down the marks with a highly polished steel or agate tool. After burnishing, less abrasive use is needed to prepare the locket for final polishing.
Having the locket in hand would answer this question accurately but without that luxury, I have to present a few options of possibilities. Heidi, I do hope this helps.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas. March 9, 2008 6:32pm
