How do you test jewelry for low-karat gold? 6kt, 7k, 8k, etc? (Without buying an expensive electronic device)?

I have a nice piece of jewelry from the early 1800's which I am nearly certain is both copper AND gold. The karat of this item, however, is certainly less than 10K and does not show up in the traditional acid test.

Anything less then 10kt gold can not be legally sold in the united states under the name "gold." And if it really is from the 1800s it probally isnt stamped and if it was it would for sure have worn off by now, so dont even bother looking. Its tricky to find an acid test that will test for less then 10kt so thats out the window. You could do an assay test but that involves melting the ring down and if you did find someone to do that (you wont) it wont yeild more then 5-20 dollars worth of gold unless the ring is enormous. You can also try a specific gravity test but very few stores carry the equipment for that or will use it.
Your best bet is using one of the electric units which tests the electric conductivity of the gold to determine its purity. Most jewelry stores (not chain stores like Zales) will have these (espically if they advertise that they buy gold) and they can test it for you for free without you having to buy the 150-400 dollar machine. If you happen to live in Colorado Springs, Colorado come to my stoer "Classic Fine Jewelry" and I'll do it.

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