Is Your Gold Real? Here’s How To Tell

Is your gold real? This is a question that bothers a lot of people. Especially the one who invests in gold. After all, "All that glitters is not gold.” And when it comes to a country like India, where people have more gold than the national gold reserves of countries like the USA, this ought to be an important question.

So, whether you have a golden piece gifted by someone or something that you have inherited, how do you know it is real gold? Well, the authenticity of the gold can be checked in a few ways. If you want to check if your gold is real or fake, this blog is for you.

Here, we shall be discussing all you need to know about the step. Therefore, with this being said, let’s get started with the first step:

1. Look for Hallmarks

One of the most reliable ways to determine the authenticity of your gold is by checking for hallmarks. For those who don’t know, Hallmarks are tiny inscriptions or symbols engraved on gold jewelry. This market will indicate gold’s purity and authenticity.

In India, the most common hallmark is the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) mark. This certifies the quality of gold.Here's what you need to know about BIS hallmarks:

1. BIS hallmarks contain several elements, including the BIS logo, the fineness of the gold (e.g., 916 for 22-karat gold), the assaying and hallmarking center's mark, and the year of hallmarking.

2. Make sure the hallmark is clear and well-defined. Counterfeit pieces may have blurry or irregular hallmarks.

3. Verify the authenticity of the BIS hallmark by cross-checking it with the official BIS website or contacting a BIS-certified jeweler.

Visit for :- bangle manufacturers in india

2. Conduct the Magnet Test

Coming to the second step, what you can do is a magnet test.

As the name suggests, it involves a magnet. And because real gold is not magnetic, it will not be attracted to a magnet. You can perform a simple magnet test at home to check if your gold is authentic:

1. Hold a strong magnet close to your gold item. If the gold piece is attracted to the magnet, it's likely fake or contains a significant amount of impurities.

2. Remember that some jewelry items, like clasps or pins, may contain small magnetic metal components. Ensure you test the main body of the jewelry.

3. Check for Discoloration or Tarnishing

One of the qualities of gold that makes it so expensive is its long-lasting property.

You see, when it comes to real gold it does not tarnish or discolor over time. Therefore, If your gold jewelry starts to show signs of tarnishing, discoloration, or greenish or blackish marks, it may not be genuine gold. After all, gold is highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, so any changes in its appearance should raise suspicion. This is one of the biggest tests to answer if your gold is real or not.

4. Conduct the Acid Test

This is a rather popular gold purity test. And let us tell you this test is a reliable method to determine the purity of gold. What happens here is, we use nitric acid to check the reaction of gold with the acid. Here's how you can perform the acid test:

1. Scratch a small, inconspicuous part of your gold item on a test stone.

2. Apply a drop of nitric acid to the scratched area.

Observe the reaction

1. If the gold remains unchanged, it is likely real.

2. If the gold turns green, it may be fake or of lower purity.

3. If the gold dissolves completely, it is definitely fake.
   
   

Due to the involvement of highly acidic substances, it’s highly recommended that you consult a professional jeweler for this test.

5.  Measure the Density

Gold is a precious and really really dense metal. Therefore, one thing you can do to check “is your gold real” is, measure density. To do this, you'll need a precise scale and a container of water for this test:

1. Weigh your gold item and record its weight.

2. Fill a container with water and submerge your gold item in it. Ensure the item is fully submerged.

3. Measure the volume of water displaced by the gold.

4. Use the formula Density = Mass / Volume to calculate the density of your gold. Real gold should have a density of approximately 19.32 g/cm³.

6. Seek a Professional Appraisal

This is one of the easiest ways to check “Is your gold real”. If you live in India, you can find professional jewelers or appraisers on every corner. These professionals have expertise. And using specialized tools to accurately assess the authenticity and value of your gold

This is probably the best way to check if gold is real.

7. Be Cautious of the Price

In India, we often say, "Sone pe suhaga" (icing on the cake) to describe something that adds value to an already valuable item. The thing is when it comes to buying gold, an exceptionally low price can be a red flag. You see, real gold comes at a certain cost, and prices that seem too good to be true usually indicate a counterfeit product. That’s why it’s suggested to only buy from verified gold jewelers.

8.  Familiarize Yourself with Gold Purity

Do you know what gold purity is? Well, it usually refers to the various purities of gold, with 24K being the purest (99.9% gold). However, 22-karat gold is the one most commonly used in jewelry making. The point is, that knowing the purity of your gold can help you make an informed assessment of its authenticity. Here are the standard gold purities in India:

1. 24 Karat (99.9% pure gold)

2. 22 Karat (91.6% pure gold)

3. 18 Karat (75% pure gold)

4. 14 Karat (58.3% pure gold)

5. 10 Karat (41.7% pure gold)

Visit For:- jewelry manufacturer in india

Conclusion

This is how you know “is your gold real” and various ways to confirm. However, we highly recommend that you consult a professional jeweler in your area, as that will be the best proof. And when you are buying, only buy from certified sellers and check for a hallmark.

FAQ

Q1. What are the hallmarks, and how can they help determine gold authenticity?

A1. Hallmarks are inscriptions or symbols on gold jewelry that indicate its purity and authenticity. In India, the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) hallmark is common, certifying gold quality.

Q2. Why is tarnishing or discoloration a sign of potential fake gold?

A2. Authentic gold doesn't tarnish or change color over time due to its resistance to corrosion and oxidation. If your gold jewelry shows signs of tarnishing, discoloration, or marks, it might not be genuine.

Q3. Why is measuring density a reliable method to check if gold is real?

A3. Gold is exceptionally dense, so measuring its density can confirm authenticity. Weigh your gold, submerge it in water, measure the water displacement, and calculate the density using the formula. Real gold should have a density of approximately 19.32 g/cm³.

READ MORE:- What Is Gold Purity and How Is It Measured? Comparing 24K, 22K, 18K, 14K, 12K and 10K Gold