A Step-by-Step Guide to How To Tell If Gold Is Real

Gold has been a valuable metal for centuries and is used for various purposes, including jewelry, investment, and technology. However, determining if gold is real can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the properties of the metal. This article will guide you through the methods you can use to determine if gold is real.

Look for Hallmarks and Stamps

One of the easiest ways to determine if gold is real is to look for hallmarks or stamps. These markings are usually found on the inside of jewelry or on the surface of gold bars or coins. Hallmarks are small symbols or logos that indicate the purity of the gold, while stamps indicate the weight and type of gold.

In the United States, the most common hallmark for gold is the karat mark, which indicates the percentage of gold in the alloy. Pure gold is 24 karats, but it is rarely used in jewelry as it is too soft. The most common karats for gold jewelry are 18K, 14K, and 10K. An 18K gold piece contains 75% gold, a 14K piece contains 58.3% gold, and a 10K piece contains 41.7% gold.

Other countries may have different hallmarks and standards, so it is important to research the markings specific to the region where the gold was made. If the piece of gold you are examining has no markings, it may not be real gold.

Electronic Test

A popular and convenient tool to test the purity of gold is an electronic gold tester. Here's how to use an electronic gold tester:

1. Clean the gold: Make sure the gold item you want to test is clean and free of any dirt, oils, or other contaminants that could affect the test results.
2. Turn on the tester: Power on the electronic gold tester and wait until it has warmed up and is ready to use.
3. Select the testing mode: Choose the appropriate testing mode for the type of gold you want to test. Some testers have different modes for yellow gold, white gold, and platinum.
4. Insert the probe: Insert the testing probe into the gold item. The probe should make good contact with the gold surface to get accurate results.
5. Wait for the results: The tester will give you a reading that indicates the purity of the gold. The purity level will be displayed as a percentage or karat value.

Interpret the results: If the reading shows that the gold is of the expected purity, then it is likely that the gold is genuine. However, if the reading is significantly different from what you expected, then further testing may be needed to confirm the purity of the gold.

It's important to note that electronic gold testers are not foolproof and may not be accurate 100% of the time. If you have any doubts about the results, it's best to consult with a professional jeweler or appraiser.

Magnet Test

Gold is not magnetic, so one way to determine if gold is real is to use a magnet. Hold a magnet near the gold piece and observe whether the gold is attracted to the magnet. If the gold is attracted to the magnet, it is not real gold as gold is not magnetic.

It is important to note that some gold jewelry may have small magnetic clasps or other non-gold parts that may be attracted to the magnet. In this case, it is important to examine the piece further to determine if it is real gold.

Acid Test

An acid test is a reliable method to determine if gold is real. This test involves applying nitric acid to the gold piece to see if it reacts. Nitric acid is a highly corrosive acid that can dissolve most metals except gold. When nitric acid is applied to gold, the acid will not react if the gold is real.

To perform this test, you will need a gold testing kit that includes nitric acid and a test stone. The stone is used to test the gold's color and hardness, and the nitric acid is used to test the gold's purity. Here's how to perform an acid test:

1. Scratch the gold piece on the test stone.
2. Apply a drop of nitric acid to the scratch.
3. Observe the reaction.

If the acid dissolves the scratch and the gold piece, it is not real gold. If the acid only dissolves the scratch and not the gold, the gold is real. It is important to handle nitric acid with care as it is a dangerous chemical that can cause burns and other injuries.

Density Test

Gold is a dense metal, which means it has a high density compared to other metals. One way to determine if gold is real is to measure its density using a density kit. A density kit measures the specific gravity of a substance and compares it to the specific gravity of gold.

To perform a density test, you will need a density kit that includes a scale, a beaker, and a density solution. Here's how to perform a density test:

1. Weigh the gold piece using the scale.
2. Place the gold piece in the beaker.
3. Add enough density solution to cover the gold piece.
4. Record the weight of the beaker and density solution.

Calculate the difference in weight between the beaker with the density solution and the beaker with the density solution and gold.
Divide the weight of the gold by the weight of the displaced water to calculate the gold's density. Compare the gold's density to the density of pure gold.

If the gold's density is close to the density of pure gold, it is likely real gold. However, if the gold's density is significantly lower than the density of pure gold, it may be a lower quality alloy or not real gold at all.

It is important to note that the density test is not always accurate as it can be affected by the size, shape, and surface texture of the gold piece. It is recommended to use other methods in conjunction with the density test to determine if gold is real.

Sound Test

Real gold produces a distinct sound when struck, so the sound test is a quick and easy way to determine if gold is real. To perform this test, hold the gold piece and tap it with a metal object, such as a spoon or another piece of metal.

If the gold produces a clear, ringing sound, it is likely real gold. If the gold produces a dull thud, it may be a lower quality alloy or not real gold at all. However, this test is not always reliable as the sound can be affected by the size, shape, and thickness of the gold piece.

Rub Test

Real gold does not tarnish, so the rub test can be a useful method to determine if gold is real. To perform this test, rub the gold piece on a piece of ceramic or unglazed porcelain. Real gold will leave a golden-yellow streak, while fake gold will leave a black or green streak.

However, this test is not always reliable as other metals, such as brass and copper, can also leave a golden-yellow streak. It is recommended to use other methods in conjunction with the rub test to determine if gold is real.

Professional Testing

If you are still unsure if gold is real, you can have it professionally tested by a jeweler or gold dealer. Professional testing can involve various methods, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), fire assay, and specific gravity testing.

XRF testing uses a handheld device that emits X-rays to determine the metal's composition. Fire assay involves melting the metal and analyzing the resulting liquid to determine the metal's purity. Specific gravity testing measures the weight of the metal and compares it to the weight of an equal volume of water.

Professional testing can be expensive, but it is the most reliable method to determine if gold is real. It is recommended to have valuable gold pieces tested professionally to ensure their authenticity.

Conclusion
Determining if gold is real can be challenging, but there are various methods you can use to determine if gold is real. These methods include looking for hallmarks and stamps, conducting an electronic gold test, using a magnet test, performing an acid test, performing a density test, using a sound test, performing a rub test, and having the gold professionally tested.

It is important to note that no single test is foolproof, and it is recommended to use multiple methods in conjunction with each other to determine if gold is real. If you are still unsure if gold is real, it is recommended to have it professionally tested by a jeweler or gold dealer. At Bling Cartel, we offer tons of real gold custom grillz, as well as 925 silver and gold plated, at affordable prices. Check us out!