Figuring out the authenticity of a gold necklace entails using varied checks and observations. These strategies vary from easy visible inspections to extra complicated procedures requiring specialised instruments and data. Figuring out a real article from a faux is vital for valuation, funding safety, and avoiding fraudulent purchases. The presence of hallmarks, indicating purity and producer, is a key preliminary indicator.
Correct evaluation of a gold necklace’s composition safeguards investments and ensures the merchandise’s worth is appropriately ascertained. Traditionally, gold has held vital financial and cultural worth, making authentication essential. Realizing the true nature of the steel prevents exploitation and permits for knowledgeable choices concerning sale, insurance coverage, or inheritance. The value of gold fluctuates considerably, solidifying the necessity for correct dedication.
A number of available strategies can help in evaluating a necklace’s gold content material. These embody visible inspection, the magnet check, the density check, and acid testing. Every method provides a special stage of accuracy and could also be extra appropriate relying on the accessible sources and desired stage of confidence within the consequence. Every check will help to disclose the true worth of the necklace.
1. Hallmarks
Hallmarks function an preliminary indicator of a necklace’s gold content material and supply important details about its origin and purity. These stamped markings, typically discovered on clasps or inconspicuous areas, are a proper assure and a key step in assessing whether or not the necklace is comprised of real gold.
-
Figuring out Karat Worth
Hallmarks point out the gold’s purity, usually expressed in karats (e.g., 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K) or fineness (e.g., 417, 585, 750, 916, 999). A 14K hallmark signifies that the merchandise is 58.5% pure gold. The absence of such markings, or the presence of solely “GP” (gold plated), “GF” (gold crammed), or related indicators, means that the necklace isn’t stable gold. Nevertheless, small or vintage items could lack hallmarks.
-
Producer’s Mark
Along with purity, hallmarks typically embody a producer’s mark or sponsor’s mark, figuring out the corporate or particular person accountable for the merchandise’s creation and guaranteeing its specified purity. This mark could be cross-referenced in commerce directories or on-line databases to confirm the legitimacy of the producer. The presence of a good producer’s mark will increase confidence within the authenticity of the necklace.
-
Nation of Origin
Hallmarks could embody symbols or marks indicating the nation the place the merchandise was assayed and hallmarked. Totally different international locations have particular assay places of work and hallmark programs, which may support in tracing the necklace’s origin and verifying its compliance with native requirements. As an example, objects hallmarked within the UK observe a definite system courting again centuries. Such data is effective in assessing the necklace’s credibility.
-
Deceptive Markings
Warning is warranted when decoding hallmarks. Counterfeiters could try to imitate hallmarks. Look at the readability and precision of the markings intently. Genuine hallmarks are usually stamped sharply and uniformly. Moreover, be cautious of marks that appear misplaced or inconsistent with the fashion and interval of the necklace. Inconsistencies could level to a faux or altered merchandise.
Hallmarks are a helpful software, however they shouldn’t be the only real determinant of a necklace’s authenticity. Further testing, corresponding to acid testing or density measurement, supplies additional affirmation. An intensive examination of hallmarks, mixed with different checks, enhances the accuracy of gold verification.
2. Magnet check
The magnet check is a rudimentary however efficient technique for preliminary evaluation of a gold necklace’s authenticity. Whereas not definitive, it will possibly shortly determine items which can be clearly not stable gold. The underlying precept depends on the non-magnetic properties of pure gold.
-
Gold’s Non-Magnetic Nature
Pure gold isn’t drawn to magnets. If a necklace strongly adheres to a magnet, it signifies a considerable presence of ferromagnetic supplies like iron, nickel, or cobalt, suggesting it’s not real gold or has a major base steel core. This check serves as a major display screen, eliminating apparent fakes from additional scrutiny.
-
Weak Attraction and Alloys
Some gold alloys could exhibit a slight attraction to magnets relying on the categories and proportions of different metals used. For instance, gold blended with sure forms of stainless-steel may present a really weak attraction. Nevertheless, a powerful or noticeable pull in the direction of a magnet is a transparent indication that the piece isn’t predominantly gold.
-
Process and Interpretation
To carry out the check, maintain a powerful magnet close to the necklace. Observe whether or not the necklace is drawn to the magnet. If there’s any noticeable attraction, the necklace is probably going not pure gold. The stronger the attraction, the decrease the gold content material. No attraction in any respect is an effective signal however not a assure of authenticity, as different non-magnetic metals may very well be current.
-
Limitations of the Take a look at
The magnet check has limitations. It can not distinguish between totally different karats of gold or determine refined plating over a magnetic base steel. A necklace may have a skinny layer of gold plating over a magnetic core, resulting in a false unfavorable if the plating is thick sufficient to masks the attraction. Due to this fact, the magnet check must be used at the side of different strategies for a extra correct evaluation.
In abstract, the magnet check provides a fast and simple approach to get rid of apparent fakes when evaluating a gold necklace. Whereas a scarcity of magnetic attraction is encouraging, it doesn’t assure authenticity. The check must be supplemented with different, extra exact strategies to precisely decide the gold content material.
3. Acid check
The acid check is a harmful technique employed to determine the authenticity and karat worth of a gold necklace. It entails making use of nitric acid, or a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acid (aqua regia), to a small, inconspicuous space of the necklace. The response noticed, or lack thereof, supplies essential perception into the steel’s composition. The precept stems from the various reactivity of gold alloys with acids. Decrease karat gold, containing increased proportions of base metals, will dissolve or react visibly upon acid software. Increased karat gold, being extra inert, will exhibit minimal to no response.
The method necessitates cautious execution to keep away from damaging the necklace unnecessarily. A scratch check is commonly carried out first on a testing stone. The necklace is rubbed towards the stone, leaving a small deposit. Totally different acids, equivalent to particular karat values (e.g., 10K, 14K, 18K), are then utilized to those check marks. The acid’s impact on the mark signifies whether or not the gold content material matches the acid used. As an example, if 14K acid dissolves a mark purportedly from an 18K necklace, the necklace isn’t genuine or has a decrease gold content material than claimed. A jeweller will steadily carry out this check. If gold is suspected of being plated, submitting a small nick into the steel earlier than making use of the acid is vital to check the steel beneath the floor.
Regardless of its effectiveness, the acid check isn’t with out limitations. It might injury the necklace’s end, and improper execution can result in inaccurate outcomes. Moreover, refined counterfeits could make the most of plating methods that briefly deceive the check. It stays a helpful software when carried out appropriately and interpreted fastidiously. It delivers definitive outcomes in regards to the true composition of an merchandise, however skilled execution and cautious interpretation are mandatory for correct gold authentication. The check definitively reveals the karat of gold of the fabric examined, however just for that particular space and depth. You will need to use a number of checks when figuring out whether or not a necklace is de facto gold.
4. Density Examine
Density test is a technique for figuring out authenticity primarily based on a elementary bodily property. Gold possesses a particular density that’s considerably increased than many different metals. This attribute permits for a non-destructive analysis of a necklace’s composition. By calculating the density of the necklace and evaluating it to the recognized density of gold or its alloys, it’s doable to determine whether or not the merchandise is genuinely gold or comprised of a special materials. A gold necklace would have a mass that correlates to its quantity, relative to pure gold.
The density test is performed by first measuring the burden of the necklace in air, utilizing a exact scale. Subsequently, the necklace is submerged in water, and its weight whereas submerged is recorded. The distinction between these two measurements reveals the quantity of water displaced, which is equal to the quantity of the necklace. Dividing the mass in air by the quantity yields the density. For instance, pure 24K gold has a density of roughly 19.3 g/cm. If the calculated density of a necklace is considerably decrease than this worth, it means that the necklace isn’t fabricated from pure gold. To find out whether or not a gold alloy is actual, it’s important to know the density of the alloy.
The density test serves as an important element in verifying a necklace’s composition. Whereas not foolproof, as refined counterfeits could try to mimic the density of gold by way of using different dense metals, it supplies a comparatively dependable and non-destructive technique of evaluation. Mixed with different strategies like hallmark verification and acid testing, the density test strengthens the general accuracy of gold authentication. A divergence from anticipated density signifies the presence of different metals, signifying that the necklace is both an alloy with decrease gold content material or not gold in any respect.
5. Visible Inspection
Visible inspection is a preliminary step in assessing a necklaces authenticity. Shut scrutiny of the piece can reveal indicators that recommend it’s both real gold or a counterfeit. The correlation between visible cues and authenticity lies within the inherent properties of gold and the strategies used to mimic it. Discoloration or put on patterns, for instance, could point out {that a} base steel is displaying by way of a skinny layer of gold plating, suggesting the necklace isn’t stable gold. Uneven coloring would recommend the identical as effectively.
Sensible software of visible inspection entails analyzing the necklace below good lighting, utilizing a magnifying glass for detailed statement. Particular areas of focus embody clasps, hyperlinks, and any factors of wear and tear. A real gold necklace will usually preserve a constant shade and luster all through. In distinction, a faux could exhibit fading or tarnishing in areas topic to friction. The presence of effervescent or pitting on the floor could be indicative of poor-quality plating, thereby casting doubt on its authenticity. The absence of hallmarks, whereas not conclusive by itself, also needs to elevate suspicion.
Whereas visible inspection is a helpful preliminary evaluation software, it has inherent limitations. Subtle counterfeits can intently mimic the looks of real gold. Due to this fact, visible inspection ought to all the time be mixed with different, extra definitive checks such because the magnet check, acid check, or density test. The combination of visible clues with these strategies supplies a extra dependable dedication of a necklaces true composition.
6. Scratch Take a look at
The scratch check is a technique employed to evaluate the authenticity of a gold necklace by evaluating its floor hardness and resistance to abrasion. The process entails making a small, inconspicuous scratch on the necklace’s floor to watch the underlying steel’s properties. The scratch check provides perception into the composition of the fabric, and is finest carried out by skilled professionals to attenuate injury.
-
Hardness and Alloy Composition
The hardness of a steel is intrinsically linked to its composition. Pure gold is comparatively comfortable; due to this fact, gold jewellery is usually alloyed with different metals to boost its sturdiness. The scratch check exploits this precept. If the scratch reveals a steel considerably totally different in shade or texture from the floor, it means that the necklace is both plated or composed of a base steel with a skinny gold layer. A constant shade all through the scratch signifies a better chance of stable gold or a extra uniform alloy. Instance: a deep scratch that reveals a silver-colored steel beneath a gold-colored floor strongly implies gold plating over silver.
-
Testing Stone Utilization
A testing stone, corresponding to a jeweler’s stone, is commonly used at the side of the scratch check. The necklace is rubbed towards the stone to depart a small deposit. Acid options, equivalent to totally different karat values, are then utilized to the deposit. The response, or lack thereof, signifies the gold content material. If the deposit dissolves with a selected acid, it means that the gold content material is decrease than the acid’s karat worth. Instance: If a scratch deposit dissolves when uncovered to 14K acid, the necklace probably incorporates lower than 58.5% gold.
-
Danger of Injury
The scratch check carries a threat of inflicting everlasting injury to the necklace. The severity of the injury is determined by the power utilized and the hardness of the testing materials. It’s crucial to carry out the scratch in an not noticeable space, corresponding to the within of a clasp, and to make use of minimal stress. This check must be reserved for conditions the place different non-destructive strategies are inconclusive. Jewellery specialists will usually have a location for the scratch check in addition to means to buff out the situation that was beforehand broken.
-
Limitations and Complementary Checks
The scratch check has limitations. It might not precisely assess thickly plated objects or these with refined floor remedies. It’s best used at the side of different authentication strategies, corresponding to hallmark verification, the magnet check, and density measurement. A complete method yields a extra dependable dedication of a necklace’s authenticity. As an example, if a necklace passes the scratch check however fails the magnet check, additional investigation is warranted.
In conclusion, the scratch check is a helpful however doubtlessly damaging technique for assessing the authenticity of a gold necklace. Its effectiveness is determined by cautious execution, correct interpretation, and integration with different testing methods. The inherent threat of injury necessitates warning and experience in its software, underscoring the significance of a complete method to gold authentication.
7. Pores and skin Response
Pores and skin response, particularly pores and skin discoloration or irritation, can function an indicator, albeit an oblique one, in assessing the authenticity of a gold necklace. The absence of adversarial pores and skin reactions doesn’t assure {that a} necklace is real gold, however the presence of such reactions suggests a decrease chance of excessive purity.
-
Nickel Sensitivity
Nickel is a typical allergen and is steadily utilized in alloys to extend the hardness and sturdiness of gold jewellery. A inexperienced or black discoloration on the pores and skin, significantly below the necklace, typically signifies the presence of nickel. This means that the necklace isn’t pure gold, as pure gold is hypoallergenic. The depth of the response varies relying on particular person sensitivity and the nickel content material within the alloy. As an example, a person with a recognized nickel allergy will probably expertise a extra pronounced response to a low-karat gold necklace than somebody with out such sensitivity.
-
Copper Oxidation
Copper is one other steel generally alloyed with gold. Copper can react with moisture and oils on the pores and skin, resulting in the formation of copper salts. These salts manifest as a inexperienced discoloration on the pores and skin. This response is extra more likely to happen with decrease karat gold necklaces that include a better proportion of copper. For instance, a 10K gold necklace is extra vulnerable to inflicting this kind of pores and skin response in comparison with an 18K or 22K gold necklace resulting from its elevated copper content material.
-
Allergic Dermatitis
Some people could develop allergic contact dermatitis in response to metals current in gold alloys. This situation manifests as redness, itching, blistering, or scaling of the pores and skin on the level of contact with the necklace. The precise allergen accountable for the response can differ, however nickel, copper, and zinc are frequent culprits. The looks of dermatitis is a powerful indicator that the necklace isn’t composed of pure or high-karat gold. The presence of dermatitis warrants consideration that the necklace will not be real or include excessive gold content material.
-
Limitations and Concerns
Pores and skin response as an indicator of authenticity is topic to particular person variability. Some people could have extremely delicate pores and skin and react to even small quantities of non-gold metals, whereas others could have a better tolerance. Elements corresponding to humidity, sweat, and pores and skin pH also can affect the chance and severity of pores and skin reactions. Due to this fact, pores and skin response shouldn’t be the only real determinant of a necklace’s authenticity. It’s most dependable when thought of at the side of different checks, corresponding to hallmark verification, acid testing, and the magnet check. The opposite checks present extra concrete and fewer anecdotal proof of the composition of the steel.
In conclusion, pores and skin response can present a clue as as to if a necklace is real gold or incorporates vital quantities of allergenic base metals. Nevertheless, because of the subjective nature of pores and skin sensitivity and the potential for different contributing elements, it serves as an auxiliary indicator, finest utilized in mixture with extra definitive strategies for assessing gold content material. If a pores and skin response is noticed, it’s advisable to hunt affirmation by way of different testing procedures to find out the necklace’s true composition.
8. Skilled Appraisal
Skilled appraisal represents a complete and authoritative method to figuring out the authenticity and worth of a gold necklace. This technique goes past fundamental testing procedures, providing an knowledgeable analysis that considers a number of elements, together with materials composition, craftsmanship, historic significance, and market demand. Using a professional appraiser mitigates the chance of misidentification and ensures an correct evaluation.
-
Knowledgeable Analysis and Authentication
An expert appraiser possesses specialised data and expertise in gemology, metallurgy, and jewellery historical past. This experience permits them to conduct an in depth examination of the necklace, figuring out hallmarks, assessing the standard of the gold alloy, and detecting any indicators of tampering or alteration. As an example, an appraiser can differentiate between real hallmarks and fraudulent imitations, offering a dependable affirmation of the necklace’s purported gold content material.
-
Superior Testing Strategies
Appraisers make the most of superior testing methods and tools not available to most of the people. These could embody X-ray fluorescence (XRF) evaluation, which supplies a exact dedication of the fundamental composition of the steel with out inflicting injury. This technique can precisely quantify the gold content material and determine every other metals current within the alloy, offering conclusive proof of the necklace’s authenticity.
-
Valuation and Market Evaluation
Past authentication, knowledgeable appraisal supplies an correct valuation of the necklace primarily based on present market situations. This entails assessing the intrinsic worth of the gold, in addition to any extra worth attributable to gem stones, design, or historic provenance. The appraiser considers prevailing gold costs, rarity, and collector demand to find out the necklace’s truthful market worth. This side is especially vital for insurance coverage functions or when contemplating the sale of the merchandise.
-
Documentation and Certification
A proper appraisal usually features a detailed written report that paperwork the appraiser’s findings, methodology, and conclusions. This report serves as a legally acknowledged doc that can be utilized for insurance coverage claims, property planning, or gross sales transactions. The appraiser’s certification provides credibility to the evaluation, assuring potential consumers or insurers of the accuracy and reliability of the appraisal.
Whereas varied strategies exist to evaluate the authenticity of gold necklaces, skilled appraisal provides probably the most complete and dependable analysis. Combining knowledgeable data, superior testing methods, and market evaluation, a professional appraiser supplies a definitive dedication of the necklace’s authenticity and worth, providing assurance and safety for the proprietor. Not like fundamental checks, knowledgeable appraisal accounts for all value-adding features and is ready to determine even probably the most refined fakes.
9. Weight Evaluation
Weight evaluation is a vital issue within the dedication of the authenticity of a gold necklace. The density of gold is a recognized amount; due to this fact, the anticipated weight of a stable gold necklace could be calculated primarily based on its dimensions. Vital deviations from this anticipated weight can point out the presence of different, much less dense metals, suggesting that the necklace isn’t stable gold or has a decrease gold content material than claimed.
-
Density and Quantity Correlation
The precept of weight evaluation depends on the correlation between a substance’s density, quantity, and mass. Gold, significantly pure gold, has a excessive density. Given a particular quantity of gold, the corresponding weight could be exactly calculated. As an example, a necklace of a recognized quantity ought to weigh a certain quantity whether it is fabricated from pure gold. If the measured weight is lower than anticipated, it suggests the presence of much less dense supplies, indicating that the necklace isn’t stable gold. This comparability is a key preliminary test.
-
Evaluation of Gold Alloys
Whereas pure gold has a hard and fast density, gold alloys, corresponding to 14K or 18K gold, have densities that adjust relying on the proportion and density of the opposite metals used within the alloy. Weight evaluation can nonetheless be utilized to those alloys, but it surely requires realizing the particular composition of the alloy. For instance, if a necklace is marked as 18K gold, the anticipated weight vary could be calculated primarily based on the recognized densities of gold and the opposite metals usually utilized in 18K gold alloys (e.g., silver, copper). Deviations exterior this vary recommend discrepancies within the said gold content material.
-
Detecting Hole Development or Plating
Weight evaluation is especially helpful in detecting hole development or gold plating. A hole necklace will weigh considerably lower than a stable necklace of the identical dimensions. Equally, a necklace with a skinny layer of gold plating over a base steel may have a decrease weight than a stable gold necklace. As an example, if a necklace seems substantial however feels surprisingly gentle, it could be hole or plated. This discrepancy is a powerful indicator of inauthenticity.
-
Limitations and Complementary Strategies
Weight evaluation has limitations when utilized in isolation. Counterfeiters could try to mimic the burden of gold through the use of different dense however much less helpful metals, corresponding to tungsten. Due to this fact, weight evaluation must be used at the side of different authentication strategies, corresponding to hallmark verification, acid testing, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) evaluation. A complete method supplies a extra dependable dedication of a necklace’s authenticity. If a necklace passes the burden evaluation however fails an acid check, additional investigation is warranted.
In conclusion, weight evaluation is a helpful software in assessing whether or not a necklace is de facto fabricated from gold. By evaluating the measured weight to the anticipated weight primarily based on dimensions and alloy composition, discrepancies could be recognized that recommend inauthenticity. Nevertheless, because of the potential for stylish counterfeiting methods, weight evaluation is handiest when utilized in mixture with different testing procedures, offering a multi-faceted method to gold authentication.
Often Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning the dedication of a gold necklace’s authenticity, offering clear and concise solutions to help in correct evaluation.
Query 1: How dependable are hallmarks in figuring out authenticity?
Hallmarks present an preliminary indication of gold content material and origin; nonetheless, their presence doesn’t assure authenticity. Counterfeiters could replicate hallmarks, necessitating additional testing. The hallmark alone shouldn’t be used to solely determine gold.
Query 2: Can the magnet check definitively show a necklace is actual gold?
The magnet check serves as a preliminary screening software. Gold isn’t magnetic, so attraction to a magnet suggests the presence of different metals. Nevertheless, a scarcity of attraction doesn’t definitively affirm authenticity, as non-magnetic base metals may very well be current.
Query 3: What dangers are related to acid testing a gold necklace?
Acid testing entails the applying of corrosive substances and may trigger discoloration or injury to the necklace’s floor. It must be carried out cautiously, ideally by knowledgeable, and solely on an not noticeable space. Security and threat mitigation are most vital.
Query 4: How correct is the density test technique?
The density test supplies a comparatively correct technique of assessing gold content material, as gold has a recognized density. Nevertheless, refined counterfeits could make use of different dense metals to imitate this density, limiting its reliability as a standalone check. Care should be taken in measurement.
Query 5: Is visible inspection alone ample to confirm a gold necklace?
Visible inspection can reveal potential indicators of inauthenticity, corresponding to discoloration or put on. But it surely shouldn’t be relied upon as the only real technique. Subtle fakes can intently resemble real gold, requiring supplementary checks to be carried out.
Query 6: When is skilled appraisal really useful?
Skilled appraisal is really useful when excessive confidence in authentication is required, significantly for helpful or traditionally vital items. Appraisers possess specialised data and make the most of superior testing strategies for a complete analysis.
The authentication of a gold necklace requires a multifaceted method, integrating varied testing strategies and knowledgeable evaluation. No single check is foolproof, and a mixture of methods supplies probably the most dependable dedication.
The next part transitions right into a dialogue of moral sourcing and sustainability inside the gold jewellery trade.
Important Steering for Gold Necklace Authentication
Efficient evaluation of a gold necklace’s authenticity requires a methodical method, integrating a number of key checks and observations. The next suggestions present a structured framework for evaluating the true composition of the merchandise.
Tip 1: Prioritize Hallmark Examination: Start by fastidiously inspecting for hallmarks. Genuine markings point out karat worth, producer, and nation of origin. Confirm hallmark legitimacy by researching the producer’s mark to verify its fame and consistency. Absence of hallmarks warrants fast suspicion.
Tip 2: Implement Magnet Testing with Warning: Conduct the magnet check to get rid of apparent fakes. Gold isn’t magnetic. Nevertheless, remember that some alloys could exhibit slight attraction. A robust attraction instantly suggests a non-gold core. Use this check as a preliminary step solely.
Tip 3: Train Prudence with Acid Testing: Make use of acid testing judiciously, given its potential for injury. If self-testing, analysis the right procedures, purchase acceptable security tools, and check solely in an not noticeable space. If unsure, entrust this process to a professional jeweler.
Tip 4: Mix Visible Inspection with Different Strategies: Carry out an in depth visible inspection, noting any discoloration, put on patterns, or inconsistencies. Magnification can support on this course of. Keep in mind that visible inspection is subjective and should be supplemented by extra definitive checks.
Tip 5: Perceive the Limitations of Pores and skin Response Evaluation: Bear in mind that pores and skin reactions can point out the presence of allergenic metals however should not conclusive. Elements corresponding to particular person sensitivity and environmental situations can affect outcomes. Don’t rely solely on pores and skin reactions for authentication.
Tip 6: Think about Skilled Appraisal for Precious Gadgets: For necklaces of serious worth or historic significance, search knowledgeable appraisal. A professional appraiser possesses the experience and tools to conduct a complete analysis, together with superior testing strategies like XRF evaluation.
Tip 7: Scrutinize Weight Evaluation: Discrepancies between the perceived weight and the anticipated weight for the necklace dimension will recommend inauthenticity. A counterfeit’s weight may have a smaller worth than the real article.
Correct identification of a gold necklace’s authenticity safeguards investments and ensures correct valuation. By diligently making use of these tips and remaining conscious of the constraints of every check, a extra knowledgeable evaluation could be achieved.
The next part concludes the dialogue and reinforces the importance of accountable buying inside the gold jewellery market.
Figuring out Authenticity
The previous dialogue has elucidated methodologies essential for figuring out if a necklace is comprised of real gold. By way of detailed examination of hallmarks, managed software of acid checks, cautious statement of bodily properties like density, and, when acceptable, skilled appraisal, a complete understanding of an merchandise’s true composition could be achieved. The relative worth and significance of every evaluation method varies relying on the character and suspected high quality of the necklace in query.
Correct authentication is important for knowledgeable buying choices and the safety of investments. Using diligence and a multifaceted method when evaluating a gold necklace promotes accountable consumption and safeguards towards potential deception inside the jewellery market. Continued consciousness and scrutiny stay important in navigating the complexities of gold verification.
