# How to tell if gold is real

> How to check whether a gold piece is genuine: stamp, magnet, color, wear and professional acid or XRF testing; which home tests are unreliable.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/how-to-tell-if-gold-is-real/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-29
- Updated: 2026-08-29
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/como-saber-si-el-oro-es-real/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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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](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-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](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-hallmarks-and-stamps/)
- [14 karat or 18 karat gold: differences and which to choose](https://www.711grados.com/en/14k-vs-18k-gold/)
- [Gold plated, gold filled, vermeil and solid gold: differences](https://www.711grados.com/en/gold-plated-filled-vermeil-and-solid/)