Whether you are considering parting ways with gold passed down to you or looking to capitalise on the enduring value of gold jewellery, ensuring it is genuine is essential. In an age where counterfeiting is big business, particularly in the gold industry, it makes sense to be able to tell if you own real gold, fake gold, or even gold-plated items. It may be hard to believe, but knowing the difference between genuine gold and its replicas is easy when you know what to look for. Testing gold from the comfort of your own home is possible even for complete novices. From attempting the magnet test to hallmark identification and the float test, this guide will help you understand the value of your gold and the methods used to test authenticity at home.
Gold is sought after worldwide for its beauty and historical significance. For centuries it has represented wealth and status. However, not all gold holds the same value. The purity of gold is the one of the primary factors determining its value. Pure gold, often referred to as 24-carat gold, is the most valuable due to its 99.9% pure gold content. However, did you know most gold jewellery is not pure gold? It contains other metals that enhance durability and alter its colour.
In addition, factors such as how rare it is, the quality of the craftsmanship, and any historical significance, for example, links to ancient cultures, can influence the value of gold beyond its content. Antique pieces, or those made by reputable designers, frequently command higher prices due to their unique qualities and desirability for collectors. While all gold possesses value, not all gold jewellery will hold a high monetary worth.
Over the years various types of gold have been developed. This has been to meet the requirements of consumers. Some customers require a high level of purity, others strength and longevity. Another consideration has been to ensure gold is financially accessible to most people. Here are ten different types of gold and their most common uses:
1. Pure Gold 24 Carat (99.9% gold): The highest purity of gold available. It is very soft and unable to withstand the continued handling required to produce jewellery on a large scale. It is mainly used for investment purposes and in high-end jewellery pieces.
2. 22 Carat Gold (91.7% gold): Used in jewellery making as contains a high percentage of pure gold and is durable. This type of gold is suitable for intricate jewellery pieces like earrings, necklaces, and bangles.
3. 18 Carat Gold (75% gold): Popular for engagement rings and wedding bands as it is strong and holds stones securely in their setting.
4. 14 Carat Gold (58.3% gold): Affordable and hardwearing making it ideal for everyday jewellery pieces.
5. 10 Carat Gold (41.7% gold): Provides value for money and is strong so used in a large variety of jewellery.
6. 9 Carat Gold (37.5% gold): The lower the gold content the stronger the product will be, making 9 carat another popular choice for jewellery worn daily.
7. Gold Plated: A thin layer of gold on top of metal gives the illusion of pure gold at a lower cost. Gold plated jewellery is used in the production of fashion jewellery. However, it can turn black and eventually show signs of wear and tear.
8. Gold Filled: A thicker layer of gold, (compared to gold plated), provides strength and is used for high-quality jewellery items. A more affordable alternative to solid gold.
9. Vermeil: Sterling silver coated with a thick layer of gold, providing the look of gold at an affordable price.
10. Rolled Gold or Gold-Filled Jewellery: A solid layer of gold bonded to metal offers a more affordable alternative to solid gold jewellery. Perfect for the budget-conscious shopper.
Rolled gold is a technique commonly used today, having become popular during the first world war as consumers wanted a cheaper alternative. It produces jewellery that maintains its appearance for years, is hypoallergenic and replicates the same colour and texture of pure gold, making it a practical choice for everyday wear. It contains 5% real gold, but caution must be used when wearing around chemicals so remove when cleaning or swimming is advised. Rolled gold can depreciate over time so not a good idea to purchase as an investment.
Before you consider selling your gold with a reputable buyer, you must check to see if you have genuine gold jewellery. Whether you think you have real gold or you are worried that a family heirloom is fake gold, the best way to check is to conduct simple tests. Below are methods (we do recommend you use more than one method on each piece you are testing) you can use to check authenticity:
Checking gold for hallmarks is a simple method to ascertain the authenticity of your gold. Hallmarks are tiny marks or symbols usually stamped onto gold jewellery by the manufacturer or jeweller. They can identify if a piece is pure gold and sometimes who made it as the marks vary according to who produced it.
Letter markings (similar to hallmarks), often known as maker’s marks or stamps, can also shed light on the origin and quality of the gold piece. Manufacturers or jewellers frequently imprint their unique initials or logos onto gold jewellery to signify their craftsmanship and authenticity. However, to further complicate matters, not all gold will have letter markings, but it does not mean they are not authentic pieces.
The magnet test (use a strong magnet) is a simple method to assess the authenticity of gold jewellery. Genuine gold is not magnetic, so if a piece of jewellery is attracted to a strong magnet, it likely contains other metals.
Another simple way to test gold is the water test. Gold is denser than most metals, so it will sink when submerged in water. To perform this test, weigh the gold jewellery on a scale to determine its mass. Then, put water into a container and note the water level. Next, gently lower the gold jewellery into the water and see if it sinks or floats.
Testing real gold at home with vinegar (it’s acidic) is easy. Place a few drops of vinegar onto the surface of the gold jewellery and observe any changes. Real gold will not react to vinegar. However, if the gold jewellery shows signs of discolouration, it suggests the presence of other metals.
An old method to test gold at home is using a ceramic surface. Gently scrape the gold item against a piece of unglazed ceramic. If real, it will leave a mark on the ceramic surface because gold is a soft metal. However, ensure you are gentle to avoid damaging your jewellery.
A traditional method of testing gold is rubbing it on your skin and seeing if you get a reaction. Gold is generally non-reactive, so it should not cause irritation or discolouration when in contact with the skin. However, proceed with caution as other factors can come into play, such as the skin sensitivity of individuals.
Determining whether the gold you have stored at home is genuine can satisfy curiosity or potentially provide extra funds. Whatever your reason for testing, once you know if your gold is real or fake, you can make an informed choice.
With home gold testing only able to provide a guide on if your gold is authentic or not. At Cheshire Gold Xchange, we can offer extensive professional gold testing to test if the gold is genuine and its carat purity level with very high accuracy. There are several professional gold testing methods, each with its own limitations. The two most commonly used are XRF (X-ray fluorescence) scanning and acid testing.
XRF is a non-destructive metal testing technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials including gold. The XRF scanner works by exposing the gold to high-energy X-rays, which excite the atoms in the metal sample. These atoms then emit secondary (or fluorescent) X-rays at characteristic energies that are specific to each element. By measuring the energy and intensity of these secondary X-rays, the XRF scanner can quantify the amount of gold and other elements present in the sample, usually displaying them as a percentage. So if the XRF scanner gave a gold reading of 37.5% we would know the sample is 9 carat.
The drawbacks of XRF scanning gold, are that the scanner can only typically penetrate 0.01 to 0.1 millimetres (10 to 100 micrometers)0.01 to 0.1 millimetres (10 to 100 micrometers), so if the gold it plated or coated it may not detect the underlying metal.
The gold acid test is a very low tech, traditional method of gold testing to asses the purity of the gold. This involves, using various acids for each purity level and observing its reaction. This method involves applying a small drop of acid to a scratch or mark made on the gold item and comparing the reaction to a reference chart.
There are some drawbacks to acid testing, as it involves scratching the metal to obtain a sample, which is destructive in nature. Accuracy is also limited on this as it requires somewhat of a subjective interpretation of the results.
If you are looking to sell old gold, give us a call and we can arrange to professionally asses your items, either by dropping your gold off to us or sending via the post.
Do you have gold at home? Whether it’s a ring handed down through your family, a forgotten necklace at the back of a drawer, or a collection of coins, discovering the value of your gold can be a game-changer. With the current cost of living crisis, you cannot afford to let jewellery gather dust when it could be a possible source of extra income. Use this guide to start your home testing today. By understanding the types of gold and using the simple tests, you can quickly and easily determine the authenticity of your pieces. Whether you want to sell your gold for extra cash or simply appreciate its true value, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge you need. Take control of your assets and explore the hidden treasures you might already own. Your journey to uncovering the value of your gold starts here. Don’t wait—get started and see if your gold is real today.
Receive your prepaid, insured envelope to send your gold to us. Find out more visit Sell Gold Online
