TWO items that may look similar may or may not be the same gold purity and this among other factors would impact the final grade, weight and payout of an item, says foreign company Secured Gold and Silver Buyers Limited (SGB).
The comment from SGB Holdings president Steven Frank was made in response to allegations by the Consumer Council of Fiji this week of double standards, particularly variation in the price of 3.4grams of 18ct gold.
The council earlier said the company offered $130 in Suva and $95 in Nadi for the 3.4g of 18ct gold jewellery, and called on consumers to be wary of gold and silver traders.
"As an international company with over 300 licences worldwide, we're not surprised by negative comments or accusations as we enter a new market in Fiji.
"We are also not surprised to learn of new claims such as the one being made about price variations. By company policy, we authenticate each item presented for sale. Two items that look similar may or may not be the same gold purity and may or may not contain stones, links or other materials."