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The best way to test whether a piece of jewelry or other item is real gold is to take it to a reputable jeweler and have them test it. If this, however, is not an option, this guide on how to test for real gold will introduce you to some methods of quickly and easily testing an item to see if it is made of real gold.
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The best way to test whether a piece of jewelry or other item is real gold is to take it to a reputable jeweler and have them test it. If this, however, is not an option, this guide on how to test for real gold will introduce you to some methods of quickly and easily testing an item to see if it is made of real gold.
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Introduction
Buying gold can be a challenge, since it is difficult for laymen to determine whether an item is real gold or not. When buying online, second hand or from an unfamiliar seller, one cannot always trust the retailer. If you are concerned whether an item you own is real gold or not, try some of the tests below to find out. Be aware that the easy gold tests mentioned below are not 100% accurate, so if you want to be completely sure if your item is gold or not, take it to a jeweler or get yourself a testing kit. -
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Easy Gold Tests
- The best and most reliable way to test whether an item is made of real gold or not is to take it to a trusted jeweler and ask them to test it for you. Depending on the jeweler, they may perform the test for free or a nominal fee. However, if this is not an option, try one or more of the following tests, but keep in mind that they are not 100% reliable:
- Look for a stamp: Most gold jewelry will be stamped with a "hallmark," which corresponds to its carat (24k, 18k, etc.) However, keep in mind that some counter fitters may use fake hallmarks to pass their items off as real gold. Also, if the item is lacking a hallmark, it does not necessarily mean that it is not gold—if the item was repaired or resized, the hallmark may have been removed in the process
- Eye it out: Look for discoloration, especially near any areas where the item may be subject to friction, such as near chain links. If the item is plated, this is where the plating is likely to rub off, so if you see areas that are a different color than the rest of the item, it is likely not real gold. Also, if you have had the opportunity to wear the item and it has discolored your skin, it is not real gold
- Softness test: Real gold is relatively soft compared to other metals. If there is a place on the item on which you don't mind creating a small imperfection, such as the inside of a ring or the underside of a clasp on a bracelet or necklace, poke it with a pin. If the pin breaks off or is met with strong resistance, the item is likely not gold. However, if the pin sinks into or makes a dent in the item, it may be made of gold
- Magnet test: Hold a magnet near the item to be tested. Real gold is not magnetic, so if the item sticks to the magnet or if you feel a pull toward the magnet, the item is likely not gold or is an alloy that contains very little gold. Keep in mind, though, that if your item does not appear to be magnetic, this doesn't guarantee that it is gold, since many items are not magnetic
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Buy a Gold Testing Kit
If you can't get the item to be tested to a jeweler, but it is worth your while to spend a bit of money to find out whether your item is real gold, you can purchase an acid testing kit. Follow the instructions included in the kit, but be sure to wear gloves and use caution when dealing with the acids. An acid testing kit is more reliable than any of the methods mentioned above. -
Conclusion
The best way to test for gold is to have it examined by a professional. The easy gold tests described above should only be used to give you a general idea of whether your item is real or false gold. If you want to be certain, you will likely have to spend some money and either buy yourself an acid testing kit or have a jeweler test the item for you.
