Thanks guys, appreciate your replies.

There is a scrap metal website that suggests using a grinder (I think) to see what sort of sparks fly off....  I think the colour or number of sparks determines what sort of metal it is.    Obviously, this doesn't sound very smart for a piece of jewellery though, does it?

I have been keeping a box for any scrap metal items.  Do you need to have piles of metal for it to be worth cashing in?    I also have various computer parts and monitors which perhaps should be pulled apart.

Yes, I really must get along to some auction houses, just to get a better idea on furniture and antiques, etc.   It's definitely a learning experience.....   We found what we thought was an antique chair in our first unit, until I asked a neighbour of ours who is an antique dealer, and she said if it's not 100 years old, it's not an antique!   I also found out that if chairs aren't in a set, nobody seems to want them!   Must get to the library and borrow some books on antiques. 

Hi Aussie Bill,

I've tried to find you on Facebook, but not having much luck.   There are many people with your name, but can't work out which one is in Qld.

Would be good to have a chat as I'm in Melbourne, and it is hard to find other people to talk to in Australia about storage stuff.......

Need a bit more info to find you!

Thanks.