Precious Metals

Examination and marking of precious metal works in the Republic of Kosovo dates back to 1946 in Prizren and has taken place within the control for measures and precious metals. Examination of works and determination of the fineness of gold and silver works has been performed applying the comparative method (preliminary method) in stones with referent materials (probative needles) and relevant acids for cleaning gold and silver works.

Since 1982, Laboratory of Precious Metals in Prizren has been equipped with the cupellation device – cupel for performing chemical – quantitative analysis of gold works – cupellation method and equipment – semi-automatic burettes for analysing silver works – Titration method according to Volhard, with high precision and results.

Precious Metals Sector operates within KMA in Prishtina, with Laboratories in Prishtina and Prizren, wherein the examination and marking of precious metals works is performed pursuant to the Law No. 04/L-154 on Precious Metals Works.

The term precious metals works means all works from gold, silver, palladium and platinum alloy.

The following duties are performed in the precious metals sector:

• Examination of precious metals works – determining the fineness degree, composition and content of other metals in works, as well as marking those with harmonization mark.
• Quantitative chemical analysis of alloys of which precious metals are made.
• Supervises the regularity of precious metals works placed in circulation.
• Determines rules and obligations of the manufacturer, importer and sellers who manufacture, import and sale precious metals works.
• Performs expertises for state bodies (court, police, customs and others)

Laboratories of Precious Metals examine precious metals alloys by applying contemporary accurate and rapid methods. Laboratory is equipped with rapid examination equipments – preliminary examination, method of examination in stone and XRF – spectrometer method, as well as equipments for quantitative chemical analysis according to ISO standard:

– Quantitative chemical analysis for gold alloys – cupellation method according to SK ISO 11426, Laboratory in Prizren;

– Quantitative chemical analysis for silver alloys – potentiometric titration according to SK ISO 13756, Laboratory in Prishtina.

Works which after being subject to examination are confirmed to have the fineness as defined in the Article 6 of the Law 04/L-154, are marked with the harmonization mark determined in the Administrative Instruction No. 12/2013 on the form of fineness mark, examination of precious metals works and the form of harmonization mark, Article 19 and Article 20.

Precious metals works may be placed for sale only if marked with the fineness mark (as determined in the AI No. 12/2013)                                                          

– manufacturer mark

– harmonization mark

There is a significant increase of the number of examinations and markings of precious metal works compared to previous years.

Since 2014, laboratory of precious metals has participated in laboratory inter-comparisons organized by IMBIH – Sarajevo and MIRS – Slovenia and we have achieved satisfactory results.