JFD>RT>Does anyone here know what laws are enacted making it illegal to
   >RT>misrepresent the gold content in jewelry?
JFD>Truth in advertising would be my first guess
Hmmm... hadn't considered that angle, but not sure it'd stick.  These
transactions are taking place at trade shows.... not a normal
establishment.  No "media" advertising as to this issue is happening.
It would probable be pretty slim chance to get him on this one.
   >RT>they are two very different things!  An unwary customer would never 
know
   >RT>the difference because 14kgf looks and wears just like 14k.... its 
ust
   >RT>20 times cheaper!
JFD>I've met a few unwary customers who don't understand that gold filled
   >is not the same as gold
Most know that there is a difference, but don't know what that
difference is.
  >  (Oh yes, Thanks. I wondered what "Gold Filled"
   >ment, Now I know, It means more or less the same as "Gold Plated" but
   >sounds more expensive)
Considerably more than Gold Plated.  By definition, the cheapest Gold
Plate (EGP) is manufactured by electrolysis where gold particles flow
through a charged liquid, attaching themselves to a non-precious base
metal.  Doesn't take much gold to do this... the gold content is
measured in mils of thickness.
Gold Filled is when a sheet of solid karat gold is mechanically
(permanently) bonded to the inner core of base metal.  The gold content
is measured by ratio to the total mass of the piece.  (The gold is
'filled' with base metal).  14/20 Gold Filled is 1/20th 14Karat gold.
Still far cheaper than solid 14k, but many times better than gold plate.
The problem lies in the fact that only with scientific tests can 14/20
be differentiated from 14k.  Even knowledgeable customers can't tell the
difference by holding, feeling, or smelling it unless they apply an acid
test or submit it for specific gravity weighing.
JFD>I've met some people who had gold chains (or so they said, SOLID) which
   >by estimate should have weighed a pound or so, And in reality checked in
   >at just a few ounces
It would be humanly impossible to tell the difference in "solid" 14k
gold, gold filled, and gold plate merely by weighing it.  You'd need
specific gravity testing.
JFD>However it is the duty of the customer to know the meaning of FILLED
I'm not so sure about that.  Not disputing your opinion, you
understand, but it is my understanding that when precious metals are
concerned, the duty lies with the seller to disclose the gold or silver
content.  I'm having a bit of a problem finding the statutes.  (Does
that mean that I have a MIS-understanding ).
JFD>RT>He knows that I know he is doing this and maintains that he is doing
   >RT>nothing illegal and that his ethics are between him and his
   >RT>customers...none of my business.  He says that the law says, "Let the
   >RT>buyer beware".
JFD>In this case.... He's nearly right... He's properly advertised his
   >product as GOLD FILLED and not as solid gold
Hmmm... either I lost you or you lost me here .  The only sign on his
display says, "14K GOLD".  If pressed, I'm sure he could produce at
least one piece of karat gold, but all of his displayed wares are
gold filled.... with NO sign to that affect.  He will gladly allow his
customer to believe that they are purchasing karat gold.
JFD>RT>I know he is dealing unethically, and would be liable for civil
   >RT>action.... what I want to know is if he is violating criminal 
atutes.
JFD>Personal opinion (Which is worthless by the way) He's legal and not
   >liable for either civil or criminal action.  He is properly identifying
   >his product and if the buyer is not smart enough to understand the
   >difference between solid and filled,  Well..... That is the buyer's
   >problem.
You may be right, but I'm not willing to give up the search yet.
JFD>Course I know the difference (Though to me "gold filled" means you fill
   >somehting with gold, not fill a gold plate with something,
I think 'ya got it John :)
   >white metal near as I can tell, Or steel, Very strong (silver and gold
   >are not nearly as strong)
Actually, 14k gold, properly annealed is quite strong.  And Sterling is
also strong, not so much as steel, but many times more malleable.
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