So, you are shopping for gold jewellery, and you want to find out if it is real gold or not. You may come across gorgeous jewellery pieces without any proof that they are real gold. They can be costume jewellery pieces or real gold jewellery designs. They can also be gold vermeil, gold-plated or gold-filled. So, how can you tell if they are gold?
If you are in a similar situation, you have come to the right place. Ideally, there should be a hallmark stamped to every piece of gold jewellery to signify its authenticity. But it’s a tad more complicated than that. People cannot always identify jewellery stamps or understand what they mean. Fortunately, there are several ways to discern whether a piece of gold jewellery is real.
In this article, we have outlined some steps for you to take to spot if the gold jewellery you are looking to purchase is real or fake.
Spot the Gold Hallmark
The first thing to do is to look for the hallmark. A hallmark is a stamp on a piece of jewellery that tells the buyer what exactly it is they are buying.
In most countries, jewellers are obliged to notate the authenticity and karat age of real gold. Hallmarks are crucial because of the significant differences between the two-involving price, value, purity, etc. Karats relate to purity and the amount of gold used in jewellery. So, it is a good gauge to help you understand their value.
24 karat gold jewellery pieces are pure gold. They are more expensive than smaller karat jewellery. If you encounter 15K gold, that means it contains 15 of 24 karats of gold. Compared to 24K, 15/24 is just a fraction. Would this mean that every piece of real gold will have a marking? It’s not that simple. If you’re buying used jewellery, chances are the piece was resized and lost its hallmark during the procedure.
Contrarily, you may also encounter fake gold jewellery that looks legit because of its stamp. To avoid falling victim of a jewellery scam, purchase gold jewellery from a reputable retailer, such as Christal Gold Designs. It will also not hurt to have some other tricks up your sleeve.
Conduct a Visual Inspection
If you cannot find the hallmark, you can do a visual jewellery inspection. Do you recognise any discolouration? Is the base metal shining through gold coat? Perhaps in silver or copper? Chances are you are inspecting a piece of gold-plated jewellery, which should be stamped with a 925 hallmark.
While there is nothing wrong with buying gold-plated jewellery, it is not solid gold. It should be labelled accordingly.
The next step of the process is to evaluate the weight of the jewellery. Gold relatively heavy and dense compared to fake gold. Karat age and the size of the jewellery will vary, but generally, real gold will weigh more than fake gold.
Test Gold at Home
If you want to get creative, here are a few options you can try to test real gold jewellery designs at home:
The Acid Test
You can use the acid test in all kinds of precious metals. During your attempt to conduct a nitric acid test at home, real gold stands up while fake materials are harmed.
To start, make a mark on the piece of gold to penetrate the surface. Then, drop a small amount of liquid nitric acid on that mark and wait for a chemical reaction. Fake gold will turn green where the acid is, while gold-over-sterling silver will become milky in appearance. Real gold will not react to nitric acid.
The Magnet Test
The test that uses magnets is the most convenient and portable test for genuine gold. You can carry a magnet around in your pocket, allowing you to carry out the test anytime. Imitation gold and other alloys will attract the magnet, while genuine gold will not attract a magnet. While some coins appear like, the magnet reveals the underlying metal.
Using the Float Test
To conduct this test, all need to have is a cup of water. Drop the gold in the cup. If it sinks to the bottom, then it is genuine gold. If it floats or hovers above the bottom of the cup, it is imitation gold. Besides, real gold will not rust or discolour when wet.
Skin Test
For this test, hold the gold in your hand for a few minutes. Perspiration on the skin creates a chemical reaction with the gold. If the jewellery is not real, your skin will discolour. If it is genuine gold, it will not react with your skin. This goes to show that skin discolouration from wearing fake gold jewellery is not a myth.
Test with Make-Up
This test may sound a bit odd and not nearly as reliable as other methods, but it is worth a try, especially if you are feeling experimental. To test gold at home with make-up, start with applying liquid foundation to your forehead. Then, rub the gold across it. In case a black streak appears, the gold is likely real.
All of these methods are effective. But keep in mind that some of them can damage the jewellery. So, it is ideal to try these methods on pieces that belong to you, and you are not worried about damaging.
Get A Gold Jewellery Appraisal
If you do not want to identify gold on your own, you can have your jewellery pieces appraised. The most legitimate and reliable way to know the authenticity of gold is with a reputable jewellery appraisal. Of course, you will have to pay for the appraisal. But your money will save you time and worry and give you a solid answer on whether or not your gold is real or fake.
Purchase Real Gold Jewellery at Cristal Gold Designs!
Now that you know how to identify real gold jewellery, are you ready to buy one? Browse our extensive collection of authentic, real gold jewellery designs, from bracelets to watches. Check out our products on our website and add your choice to your shopping cart.