1. The Magnet Test

In order to get the most accurate result for this method you must make sure you have a good magnet. Not a weak magnet like a fridge magnet but more like one you could buy at a hardware store. Place your gold up against the magnet and if it pulls towards the magnet you know its fake. But if the gold does not pull, that doesn’t automatically mean it’s real either. Unfortunately, non-magnetic metals are also used in counterfeit gold so this is just one way to eliminate a percentage of the possibility.

2. The Nitric Acid Test

This method is a great way to test your gold. You begin by placing your gold in a stainless steel container. Then you place a drop of nitric acid onto the gold. It will do one of four different chemical reactions. If your item is metal or gold plated the color will turn green. If its gold plated brass it’ll turn a gold color. If it’s gold-plated sterling silver it will turn a milky color. Lastly, if your gold is real there would be no reaction in the gold.

3. Visual Inspection for Stamps

One of the easiest and fasted way to tell if your gold is real is to inspect your jewelry for stamps. There are a few different stamps you should be looking for. A stamp will indicate either the fineness (1-999 or .1-.999) or the karat (10K, 14K, 18K, 22K or 24K). Sometimes the stamp might be small therefore you could use a magnifying glass. With older gold you do also need to keep in mind there is a chance there wont be a stamp if it’s old enough, in that case, you would need further testing.

4. The Density Test

Another quick method to eliminate the chance that its not 100% real would be to place it in a cup of water. Any size of genuine gold will automatically sink when submerged in water. Any other type of metal would typically float at the top or slowly sink.

5. Professional Appraisal

Of course the most certain way to determine whether your gold is genuine or not would be to take it to a reliable jeweler that has an experience jewelry appraiser. Bring your item to any of our locations for a free and quick test to determine your gold content. It might be worth more than you think!