An apparatus and method for directly indicating the gold content of a metal object employs a receptacle or cell into which is deposited a small portion of an electrolyte solution. The solution preferably contains copper and iron ions, acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. At the bottom of the cell is a first electrode preferably of pure gold in contact with the solution. The first electrode is electrically connected to an electronic measuring and indicating apparatus. The metal object to be tested is connected by a metal spring clip to the electronic apparatus and then a portion of the object is immersed in the solution so that it forms the second electrode of an electrochemical cell. The electronic apparatus measures the voltage generated in the electrochemical cell after the voltage has stabilized and indicates by indicating apparatus the gold content of the metal object.
