Our laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS) allows us to determine the exact composition of precious metal jewellery (e.g. antique pieces lacking hallmarks). We also deploy the method for testing raw materials for jewellery production and for the detection of allergenic metals such as nickel. The LA-ICP-MS is able to detect and measure all the relevant chemical elements incorporated in jewellery. Our custom-made and certified reference materials enable us to quantify gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), rhodium (Rh), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), tin (Sn), arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb). Each analysis (four measurements) creates an ablation pit of 20 µm (0.02 mm) in diameter, barely visible to the naked eye and indistinguishable from normal wear and tear. The ablated volume of each of the four measurements we routinely conduct for each complete analysis translates into a loss of less than 0.5 µg (0.0000005 grams).
When it comes to naming the precious metal alloys (gold, white gold, red gold, etc.), we closely follow the official classification system proposed by the Convention on the Control and Marking of Articles of Precious Metals (Annexes I and II) adopted by the Confédération International de la Bijouterie, Joaillerie, Orfèvrerie, des Diamants, Perles et Pierres (CIBJO).
