Do you have some jewelry and wonder, “How do I tell if my gold is real?”. You may have inherited a piece of jewelry from a distant family member, and you have no idea of its value. You’d be surprised how many people confidently hold fake gold without ever realizing it.

Because here’s the thing, as the old saying goes, looks can be deceiving. Just because it shines like gold, feels like gold, and even has a stamp doesn’t mean it’s real. And nothing stings more than finding out too late that your “real gold” was a convincing counterfeit.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through simple tests that you can try at home. Some of the tests are the same ones experienced jewelers use. Whether you’re considering selling, buying, or verifying the value of what you already own, we’ll also explain when it’s time to have your gold professionally tested.

What Real Gold Looks and Feels Like

When you first inspect a gold item, you can determine its authenticity by examining it. Specific physical characteristics can provide clues as to whether an item is genuine gold. These aren’t foolproof tests, mind you. However, they are helpful starting points before moving on to more advanced methods.

Color

Real gold shows a rich, deep yellow hue, although the exact shade can vary depending on its purity. Twenty-four-karat gold appears intensely yellow, while 14K or 18K gold may present a lighter, more muted tone. The lighter tone is likely due to the presence of other metals mixed in.

Keep in mind that just because it’s yellow, it doesn’t mean it’s real. Some gold-plated or counterfeit pieces can mimic this rich color. This is especially true when they are new or well-polished.

Weight

Gold is notably dense and feels heavier than most other metals. To get a quick first impression, hold a real gold item in one hand and a similarly sized piece made from another metal in the other. You’ll notice the real gold feels heavier.

If that other piece appears to be gold but feels unusually light, it may be gold-plated or an imitation alloy.

Surface condition

Authentic solid gold does not peel, flake, or chip. If you see the surface wearing away to reveal a different color underneath, the item is likely gold-plated. Gold-plated and gold-filled pieces have only a thin layer of gold over another metal. This thin layer can separate and peel as the bond weakens.

Softness and scratchability

As counterintuitive as it may seem, scratches are a regular feature of real gold. High-purity gold (such as 22K or 24K) tends to scratch easily because of how soft it naturally is.

However, light scratches on high-purity gold are not necessarily a bad sign. If you see excessive deep gouges, it may be worth a closer examination.

Ways to Recognize Gold

Using the visual and tactile indicators mentioned earlier, you can form a valid opinion about whether your gold is genuine. But to confirm with certainty, you’ll need to perform additional tests.

Common gold stamps and what they mean

Genuine gold items often bear markings, also known as hallmarks. These stamps indicate the purity or manufacturing details of the product. Below are some common markings.

Karat markings

Number and letter stamps on gold pieces reflect their purity. In the US, you’ll commonly find stamps such as:

• 10K
• 14K
• 18K
• 22K
• 24K

The “K” refers to karats, a unit of measurement for purity, where 24K represents pure gold. A 14K gold, for instance, contains 58.3% gold (14 of 24 parts), while 18K gold contains 75% gold (18 of 24 parts).

Some international items may show a numerical system based on parts per thousand. For instance, “750” means 75% gold (equal to 18K), while “999” or “999.9” indicates nearly pure gold (24K).

Other typical markings

Many genuine gold pieces include other identifying markings, such as:

• Brand or Trademark Symbols: You may see the manufacturer’s brand name, luxury house logo, or registered trademark symbol. For example, genuine gold jewelry in the US bears names like Tiffany & Co., a well-known, high-end brand.
• Serial Numbers: High-end jewelry, such as that made by Tiffany & Co. and Cartier, often includes serial numbers that enable manufacturers or authorized dealers to trace specific items. These serial numbers add an extra layer of verification for luxury pieces.
• Location Marks: Some pieces, especially those originating from Europe, may indicate their country of manufacture (e.g., “Italy,” “Switzerland”). However, this is not typical for gold items manufactured in the US.

Layered gold markings that indicate non-solid gold

On certain pieces, you may see abbreviations like:

• GP (Gold Plated)
• GF (Gold Filled)
• HGE (Heavy Gold Electroplate)
• RGP (Rolled Gold Plate)
• GP (Gold Plated)
• EP (Electroplated)

All these suggest that your piece has only a thin gold coating over a base metal rather than being solid gold. If that’s the case, then you have something that isn’t solid gold.

Why stamps alone aren’t enough

The FTC’s Jewelry Guides outline gold stamping guidelines in the US. The rules say that when a manufacturer or seller chooses to stamp a gold item, two things must appear: 

• The karat mark accurately shows the gold purity and 
• A registered manufacturer’s trademark or responsibility mark identifying who certified or made the piece
  

However, these requirements are NOT mandatory. They apply only to manufacturers who choose to stamp their pieces.

And that explains why fake gold can have a stamp. Since the FTC doesn’t require stamping, counterfeiters take advantage of this by:

• creating fake gold and passing it off as legitimate unstamped pieces, such as custom-made or commissioned jewelry, vintage pieces, and imported gold items, or
• forging fake stamps or logos on fake gold to make it appear more legitimate

How to spot fake or misleading stamps

When discussing fake or misleading stamps, the most effective method at home is often the “eye test.” You’re looking for signs like:

• Sloppy engravings
• Uneven fonts
• Misspellings
• Stamp oddities, such as unusual locations, off-center placement, or crooked positioning (which often suggests somebody added the stamp after manufacturing)

These visual signs may help you catch some low-effort counterfeits. However, modern counterfeiters are far more sophisticated. They have the tools and skills to replicate stamps accurately, even those from luxury brands.

Therefore, visual checks are insufficient. They may work for a quick screening, but you’re better off moving beyond the stamps. Use more advanced tests that verify the gold’s content and purity.

How can you tell if gold is real at home?

Once you’ve gone through the hallmark inspection stage, you can proceed with these simple, at-home tests to help you ascertain your gold’s authenticity.

Magnet test

What you’re testing: Magnetic Properties

The basic principle is simple: Real gold isn’t magnetic, so solid gold shouldn’t respond to a magnet.

The magnet test is the quickest and easiest to perform once you’ve completed the visual inspection.

To do this, hold a strong magnet close to your gold item. If the gold moves toward the magnet or sticks to it, the piece likely contains other metals.

Pros:

• Safe and non-invasive
• No special tools required

Cons:

• Won’t detect non-magnetic metals (e.g., brass, copper, stainless steel), which are often used in fakes
• Doesn’t confirm gold purity on its own

Ceramic scratch test

What you’re testing: Surface abrasion response

The ceramic scratch test helps you check whether your gold might be real based on the color of the streak it leaves behind:

1. Use an unglazed ceramic plate (without any coatings or finishes).
2. Gently rub the gold item across the surface.
3. Observe the color of the streak. A gold-colored streak typically indicates genuine gold. A black or grey streak may suggest that the item is fake, gold-plated, or composed of other metals.

Pros:

• Simple and inexpensive
• Gives a quick visual clue

Cons:

• Risk of scratching or damaging softer and more delicate gold pieces
• Inconsistent streaks due to inconsistent pressure used

Water test

What you’re testing: Density and buoyancy

Also known as the float test, this method helps you visually verify your gold’s density:

1. Fill a clear glass or container with water.
2. Gently drop your gold item into the water.
3. Observe what happens. If the item sinks quickly and settles at the bottom, it’s likely to be gold. Otherwise, if it floats or drifts slowly, it is expected to contain lighter base metals and may not be genuine.

Pros:

• Quick and simple set-up
• Non-invasive and safe for all types of jewelry
  

Cons:

• Some counterfeit pieces may still sink when other metals are present that have roughly the same density as gold (tungsten in particular)

Vinegar test

What you’re testing: Chemical stability/acid resistance

Real gold is chemically inert to vinegar, so it should not react when exposed to the acid. The vinegar test can serve as a good follow-up test:

1. Place your gold item on a flat, protected surface and apply a small amount of white vinegar onto the metal. Alternatively, you may soak the gold item in vinegar using a glass container.
2. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, and watch for any reaction or color change. Real gold will not react or change color, while fakes may darken, discolor, or show signs of corrosion.

Pros:

• Adds chemical confirmation to rule out certain plated or mixed-metal fakes effectively

Cons:

• Risk of damage to antique pieces, as well as plated pieces or items with thin gold layers

Density test

What you’re testing: Density matching

The density test works similarly to the water test earlier. The difference is that it provides an exact number to compare against gold’s known density (19.3 g/cm³).

In other words, you can more accurately expose counterfeits since their densities will never match gold’s, even though they might visually pass the simpler water test.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Use a digital scale to measure the weight (in grams) of the gold item in question.
2. Fill a graduated cylinder with a known amount of water.
3. Submerge the gold item fully and measure the rise in water level (this gives you the volume in cubic centimeters).
4. Divide the weight by the volume to calculate the density (Density = Weight / Volume).
5. Compare your result to gold’s known density (19.3 g/cm³ for pure gold).

Pros:

• More effective in exposing certain dense non-gold counterfeits like tungsten alloys

Cons:

• Requires precise equipment like a digital scale and graduated cylinder, which may be better handled by a professional
• It may not be practical for small or irregularly shaped items
• Not applicable for jewelry pieces with stones, hollow parts, or mixed materials

Nitric acid test

What you’re testing: Purity via chemical reaction with nitric acid

We previously discussed the vinegar test, which uses mild household acid. Nitric acid is a much stronger acid than vinegar. This test checks whether your gold reacts when exposed to nitric acid.

How to do it:

1. Use a small file to scratch a discreet spot on the gold item, exposing the underlying metal.
2. Apply a drop of nitric acid to the scratched area using a dropper.
3. Observe the reaction.
   • If no reaction occurs, the gold is likely genuine. 
   • If green or milky discoloration appears, the item may be gold-plated or counterfeit.
   • If exhibiting a bubbling reaction or color change, that suggests the presence of non-gold metals.

Pros:

• Can reveal many counterfeit metals that might not react to vinegar
• Nitric acid test kits are readily available, commonly sold online as “Gold Testing Acid Kits” or “Gold Purity Test Kits.” You may also find them in jewelry supply stores.

Cons:

• Involves hazardous chemicals that can cause burns or release fumes
• Risk of damaging the item, especially thin or plated pieces
• Best performed by a professional due to safety concerns and accuracy requirements

Here’s a video that takes the nitric acid test further. Scratch the jewelry on a testing stone and apply acid directly onto the streak to check the reaction and estimate karat levels.

How to Test Specific Types of Jewelry

Different types of gold jewelry require different testing approaches. These approaches will depend on the jewelry design and the practicality and safety of each test.

Bracelets

For gold bracelets, your best starting point is a visual inspection combined with a magnet test. Look near the clasp for stamps indicating the metal purity, such as 10K, 14K, 18K, or 750. The magnet test helps spot hidden base metals, often used in clasps or inside hollow links.

If you want to go further, acid testing may work, but proceed with caution. Many bracelets have thin or rolled links that can be permanently damaged if scratched or exposed to acid on a visible area.

Chains

Chains are particularly vulnerable to counterfeiting due to their small, interlocking parts. For this reason, we recommend starting with a magnet test to identify any magnetic alloys or internal base metals that may be present.

And like bracelets, many chains have thin walls, which means even a small scratch or acid drop can leave permanent damage. So, if you do attempt an acid test, proceed with caution and always test on a hidden area.

Necklaces

Most necklaces are simply chains, so the same approach applies: Start with a visual inspection and a magnet test.

However, one factor that distinguishes necklaces from chains is the presence of a gold pendant. Test gold pendants separately. Begin with a visual check for karat markings on the pendant itself. If the pendant is thick enough, you may use an acid test. Apply it only in an inconspicuous area to avoid permanent marks.

Additionally, avoid scratch tests on pendants, especially those with delicate designs or gemstones, as these can be easily damaged.

Rings

Rings generally have flat surfaces that make them easier to test with acid. However, it’s always best to apply the magnet test first.

Inspect for any areas where the plating may have worn off, particularly around the edges. Rings made with higher-karat gold often show fine scratches from regular wear. These scratches aren’t a bad sign but rather a standard indicator of authenticity, as discussed earlier.

Watches

Gold watches have multiple components made from different materials. The case might be solid gold, while the bracelet may be gold-plated. The overall composition of a watch can vary. We recommend having this tested by a professional to ensure an accurate assessment and prevent potential damage to your watch.

Differences between real gold and gold-plated

Place a solid gold piece and a gold-plated item side by side, and at a glance, you won’t see much difference. But look much closer, and you’ll see subtle differences in wear, tone, and surface condition.

Plated gold peels or wears off

Gold plating involves applying a thin layer of gold over a base metal. Over time, this layer may wear off, especially in high-contact areas such as edges, clasps, and bands. So, if you notice any flaking, peeling, or exposure of a different metal underneath, you may be dealing with gold-plated jewelry.

Plated pieces may have “GP” or “HGE” stamp

Plated gold often carries markings such as “GP” (gold plated), “HGE” (heavy gold electroplate), or “GF” (gold filled). These stamps indicate that the piece is not solid gold but rather coated. Always check for these abbreviations alongside any karat markings.

Gold-plated jewelry sticks to a magnet

Because gold plating typically covers a non-gold core, the underlying metal may be magnetic. In other words, if the piece responds to the magnet, it’s likely not real, solid gold.

Plated items are lighter

Solid gold feels noticeably heavier due to its density. If the item feels too light for its size, it could be gold-plated.

Gold-plated items fade in color

Solid gold maintains a rich, deep yellow hue that holds up even as the piece ages. Gold-plated items, on the other hand, may appear too bright or slightly off in tone compared to solid gold. It becomes especially noticeable as they wear down, exposing the underlying metal.

Is there an app or device to test gold?

Yes, there are apps or devices to test gold. However, when it comes to mobile app gold detectors, you have to take them with caution.

Professional devices

Two of the most common professional-grade gold detector devices are Electronic Conductivity (EC) testers and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) Scanners.

EC Testers use electrical conductivity to check a piece’s gold metal composition. Gold conducts electricity in a highly predictable manner, differing from other metals. The conductivity provides a quick, non-invasive, and accurate method for screening for real gold.

XRF scanners operate by emitting controlled X-rays that excite the atoms of the analyzed metal. The scanner can then determine its exact composition. Not only does it detect the presence of gold, but it also measures its purity. The scanner is also capable of identifying any alloy mix that may indicate counterfeit or impure gold. However, XRF scanners are costly, making them impractical for occasional household use.

Mobile apps

You’ll find many gold or metal detector apps claiming to help verify gold in the Google Play or the App Store. Regardless of the app’s claims, these tools are a variation of the magnet test we discussed earlier. They rely on your phone’s built-in magnetometer sensor to detect changes in magnetic fields.

If the app detects little or no magnetic disturbance, it may suggest the piece isn’t magnetic, possibly gold. But this is only an indication, not proof. Non-magnetic metals, such as silver, platinum, and brass, can produce the same result, even if the item is only gold-plated. 

These apps can easily give incomplete or misleading readings.

India’s BIS Care App

If you ever receive gold jewelry from India, you can use the BIS Care App to verify gold hallmarks. Enter the HUID number stamped on the piece into the app. It will then display information such as purity, hallmarking center, manufacturer, and more.

Unfortunately, no such hallmark-level tracking or digital verification exists in the US. That’s why physical testing, or better yet, professional appraisal, remains the most definitive assessment of your gold jewelry.

Can I Tell Gold Purity Without a Hallmark?

Yes, you can tell if gold is pure even without a hallmark, and these methods can help you determine or estimate it.

Professional Testing
Professional testing remains the most reliable method for determining the purity of gold. It involves the use of advanced equipment, such as XRF scanners and EC testers, which can accurately analyze the gold’s elemental makeup and purity levels, as well as detect hidden alloys.

Nitric Acid Testing
Among the home-based methods we discussed earlier, nitric acid testing proves to be the most effective. It quickly exposes counterfeit metals upon contact with acid. It also helps estimate gold purity by applying different acid strengths that correspond to specific karat levels.

Visual Examination
If you have a piece of jewelry that you’re certain is old, a simple visual inspection can help you identify signs of counterfeit or gold-plated items. Look for surface wear and discoloration that reveal the underlying base metal. Real gold maintains a consistent color regardless of age.

When to Consult a Jeweler or Professional Lab

When you want a safer and more reliable assessment of your gold, consider a jeweler or professional lab. Professional testing is essential in situations such as:

If the item holds high sentimental or market value

Suppose the item holds significant sentimental value (e.g., heirlooms, personal milestones) or has potential high market worth (e.g., high karat purity, luxury brand item). In that case, you should avoid any tests that risk leaving scratches, stains, or other permanent marks.

It is better to have them tested by professionals who use specialized tools, such as XRF scanners and EC testers, to protect the integrity of your piece while providing precise results.

Inconclusive or risky home tests

If your home tests produce mixed results or you’re unsure about using acid or scratch tests safely, it’s better to leave the process to professionals. They have both the experience and the specialized tools we discussed earlier to handle the testing accurately and without risk.

Before selling, especially online

When you plan to sell your gold, particularly through online platforms or distant buyers, having a certified evaluation increases your leverage and helps avoid disputes of authenticity.

On this note, it’s worth mentioning that the tricky part is having to go through separate steps: first, finding someone to test your gold, then getting it appraised, and finally, searching for a buyer who is willing to pay a fair price.

With Alloy Market, you can skip all of that and handle everything in one place. You don’t even have to leave your home. Send in your gold using our free appraisal kit (we cover the shipping and insurance).

Once we receive your package, you’ll get a video-recorded unboxing for complete transparency, followed by a professional-grade evaluation and then a firm quote.

Best of all, Alloy Market’s payouts average around 70% higher than those typically offered by most pawnshops, as shown below.

Frequently Asked
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