If you have some gold jewelry that you are thinking about selling, it’s important to check if it’s real gold. It’s not enough to just pull out your trusty loop to get a quick measurement because some gold rings and jewelry can be filled with nickel under any plating that’s on it.
You’ll want to use acid testing to check if your gold is real because gold is a non-reactive metal that won’t respond to the test. If you end up buying gold that isn’t real, there are plenty of other uses you can get out of it, so don’t toss it out.
Here’s a guide on how to tell if gold is real.
Observe the Weight
High-grade gold should feel heavy, even with small pieces. Being denser than other metals, gold should weigh significantly more than other jewelry pieces of metal. To get a better indication of weight, compare the piece of metal with a similar-sized metal piece made of silver, copper, or a metal alloy.
Gold should weigh approximately twice as much. Additionally, if you have access to a digital scale, the refined gold should weigh out to 1.0–1.5 grams per cubic centimeter of volume.
Hallmarks
Hallmarks refer to symbols and logos that are stamped onto gold, silver, and platinum jewelry and other items. They are usually found on the back or underside of the piece, where they are not easily visible. Hallmarks are inclusive of the purity of the metal and the country of origin in which the item was made.
They also contain manufacturers’ information, including a registration mark. It’s important to note that, in some cases, only an expert can authenticate true gold from fake. With the rising popularity of fake gold, it’s more important than ever to understand how to identify a fake from a genuine item.
Discoloration
Discoloration is one indicator of whether or not a particular item is made of real gold. Generally, gold does not rust or corrode, and therefore it should not discolor. This is one of the simplest tests for authenticity, but it’s not foolproof, as a few non-gold metals may also be immune to corrosion.
Nonprecious metals sometimes contain a gold coating that may be resistant to discoloration, so a more thorough test may be needed to confirm authenticity. If you’re still unsure about whether a piece of gold vs silver is real, then it’s best to seek a professional appraisal from a trusted jeweler or appraiser.
Nitric Acid Test
This test involves adding a drop of nitric acid to gold, which will cause an immediate reaction if the gold is real. If the gold does not change color, such as turning green or black, it is not real. Before testing gold with nitric acid, confirm the purity of the piece by checking it for markings. In most cases, real gold will have a 14K or 18K stamp.
If the gold has a lower number, such as 10K, it may not be genuine. Real gold should be heavy, so weigh the piece to determine its authenticity. Lastly, use a loupe or magnifying glass to inspect the gold’s color. Real gold usually has a yellow or orange tint that is richer than other metals.
Sound Test
To begin the sound test, take the jewelry and rub it firmly along the teeth of a zipper or the tines of a fork. If the jewelry is made of gold, you will hear a high-pitched ringing sound. However, if the jewelry is plated with gold, it will produce a dull thud.
Keep in mind, that real gold is still malleable and can be dented with relative ease, whereas gold plating won’t. Lastly, if the jewelry is reacted with a magnet, you know that it is not real gold.
Scratch Test
This involves taking a piece of unglazed ceramic or a piece of glass, and then slightly scratching the surface of the gold with it. If the resulting mark is white or silver, then that indicates that the gold is real.
However, if the mark is a different color, such as green or black, then it means that the gold is most likely fake. The scratch test is a great, low-cost way to quickly identify if the gold is real or not.
Density Test
It is important to note that metal has its own specific density and pure gold has a density of 19.3 g/cm³. To perform the test, obtain a sample of the metal and use a scale to accurately weigh the sample before measuring its volume with a graduated cylinder. Divide the weight (in grams) of the sample by its volume (in cm³) to determine the density.
If it is lower than 19.3 g/cm³, then the metal is not gold. However, it is important to note that since gold jewelry often has impurities, the density of gold jewelry may be slightly lower than 19.3 g/cm³. Thus, it is recommended to consult a professional if you receive a density number significantly lower than 19.3 g/cm³.
X-ray Fluorescence
A reliable method to determine if the gold is real is X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). Using XRF, a professional can analyze the material and determine its density number. Gold has a density of 193 g/cm^3, so if you receive a number significantly lower than that, it’s likely, not real gold.
In addition, XRF devices can scan the material and analyze the elements present in it allowing a professional to detect whether there is any impurity. XRF will also detect if the gold is genuine solid gold or a gold-plated material, which is less valuable.
Ultrasonic Test
The test uses ultrasonic waves to measure the exact density, which can be compared to the density of other metal elements. To begin with, the gold metal is placed in an ultrasound cup filled with water. The ultrasonic wave is then produced by a unit which can be a hand-held device.
It measures the metal elements for density and creates a graph of the results. To determine if the metal element is gold, one can compare the density from the graph to the density list of other metal elements.
How to Tell if Gold Is Real
How to tell if gold is real can help you identify the real thing and help to avoid potential scams. If the gold meets all these criteria, it should be considered real gold. Remember to trust your eyes and to speak to an expert if needed. Don’t forget to shop around to get the best deal on investing in gold.
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