Hello! This piece is from my uncle's collection of stuff that I am trying to liquidate. How does one find out if it's gold? I stopped by a jewelry store at my local mall and they don't test there and couldn't refer me to anyone who does. If I sent it to one of those gold buyers how can I be sure it's not gold just because they say so? There's so much dishonesty in the world! Also, it seems too bulky to be a necklace so what would this piece be used for? Is anyone familiar with the maker mark CMPNIG? Thanks for any help you can give me. Mary

Here is the Stone you scrape across, and the acids to determine Carats:
Gold and Precious Metal Test Equipment, Silver Platinum Testing Supplies (http://www.goldtestsolutions.com/?gclid=CMG0n_vXnp4CFQoOswodeyNinA)

A quick easy lay-mans way is that gold will not be attracted to a magnet,try a strong magnet

Hello m:

Looks tarnished. Gold doesn't tarnish.

excon

Looks to be brass. Does it smell like pennies?

It probably was a necklace. There have been several times where necklaces were rather large and bulky.

Go to the link below, it has a piece of jewelry that has same letters, #cjm0004:

Costume Jewelry Miscellaneous 1 (http://www.onceuponalady.com/once_upon_a_lady_vintage_jewelry_and_collectibles_ 010.htm)