How to tell if gold is real

There is no foolproof home test, but several checks together give a fairly reliable idea. To be sure, you need professional testing.

Look at the stamp #

Look for marks such as 750, 585, 375, 18K or 14K (see hallmarks and stamps). The mark is the first clue, but it can be forged.

Magnet test #

Gold is not magnetic. If a strong magnet attracts the piece, it is not solid gold. But if it does not attract it, that proves nothing, because other metals are not magnetic either.

Look at wear and color #

If a lighter or reddish metal shows at the edges or rubbing areas, it is plated. Solid gold has the same color inside and out.

Professional testing #

A jeweler can check it with the acid test (a scratch on a touchstone), an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer or by measuring density. It is quick and reliable.

Unreliable home tests #

Biting gold, the fire test or the color of the powder are unreliable and can damage the piece. Avoid them.

See also #

• Jewelry hallmarks and stamps: what 925, 750 or 585 mean
• 14 karat or 18 karat gold: differences and which to choose
• Gold plated, gold filled, vermeil and solid gold: differences