testing silver/gold

Hi

I know there are kits available, but is there a cheaper alternative for testing silver/gold? How effective are magnets for testing silver?

A magnet will only tell you if there's a ferrous metal present - as is often the case with plated items, especially from the Far East. It can be misleading though, as sterling or gold clasps (for example) may contain a steel spring, which will be attracted to the magnet.

You can also file a small piece away to see if something is plated copper (in which case you'll see a coppery glint).

However, the only real way to be sure is an acid testing kit. Even then, it takes a bit of practice to be able to see the colours correctly.

thanks

:)