7 Star Security Excellence

1. X-ray Analyzer Testing

XRF is short for X-ray fluorescence, used not only in detecting precious metals but all sorts of metal alloys, mining samples and environmental analysis. Read more about our X-ray machine.

2. Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge Testing

An ultrasonic thickness gauge (UTG) measures how long it takes for sound to travel through a metal object - in our case, gold and silver bullion. If the bullion is pure gold or silver, it gives an accurate reading; if it's a mix of metals, the reading will be off. The speed of sound for silver is 3650 m/s at room temperature, and 3240 m/s for gold.

One of the silver & gold purity tests we conduct uses a state-of-the-art ultrasonic thickness gauge, which identifies the inner content of the bullion bars - any foreign content inside a silver or gold bar can be easily identified.

In ultrasonic testing (UT), very short ultrasonic pulse-waves with center frequencies ranging from 0.1-15 MHz (occasionally up to 50 MHz) are launched into materials to detect internal flaws or characterize materials - a form of non-destructive testing used across aerospace, automotive and other industries.

A probe sends a sound wave into a test material - there are two indications, one from the initial pulse and a second from the back wall echo. A defect creates a third indication and simultaneously reduces the amplitude of the back wall indication.

3. The Specific Gravity Test

The specific gravity test of silver is a ratio of densities - due to its chemical composition, it should equal approximately 10.49.

We can offer this authentication service to BSM customers who wish to attest gold & silver products they bought elsewhere, for a minimal fee.

4. Secured Shipment Parcel

An anti-tampering security seal - a fragile, destructible vinyl paper that breaks into pieces, or reveals a hidden security pattern, when removal is attempted - is designed to secure the closures of our packaging. This enhanced security on our parcel shipments reduces the risk of an unauthorized person opening them during transit, further securing your valuable purchase.

5. Direct from Mints and Distributors

We source our bullion as close as possible to the source - namely Scottsdale Mint, A-MARK (distributor for American Eagles and Canadian Maples for the mints), and Perth Mint. Besides getting a competitive bottom line, we're able to identify the trail right from the source (minting facility), avoiding middle-man transactions and reducing counterfeit risk.

6. Seven Days Exchange Policy

We have such high confidence in our products that we offer a 7 Days Exchange Policy - if you have any qualms about the products you received, we will exchange them one-on-one.

Have further questions on silver & gold authenticity and certification? Contact us.