The Tests That Will Tell You if Your Gold Is Real

Have you ever wondered if your gold jewelry or gold investments are the real deal or just a cheap knock-off? It’s a scary thought, but unfortunately, fake gold is an all too common reality in today’s market.

With gold being such a valuable commodity, plenty of counterfeiters out there are looking to make a quick buck by scamming innocent buyers. That’s why it’s important to know how to tell if your gold is real or fake.

One of the most popular tests for determining the authenticity of gold is the appropriately named magnetic test for gold. But other tests can help you spot a fake, too. Keep scrolling to learn about some of the different tests you can use to determine if your gold is genuine or not. 

Check for a Hallmark

Gold hallmarks signify that the piece is authentic and made with real gold. To find it, look in a concealed spot, like the inside of a bracelet or ring. You might need a magnifying glass to see the stamp, but it’s worth the effort as it will tell you the gold content using either the karat system or millesimal fineness. 

Drop It In Water

One easy way to test it out is to drop it in a bowl of water. Real gold is heavy, so it should sink straight to the bottom. If it floats, you might want to think twice about its authenticity. But be careful, as other metals in the object can cause it to sink too, which means this isn’t a full-proof test to gauge whether you have fake gold.

Perform the Magnetic Test For Gold

Remember, gold should not be attracted to magnets, so one good way to test the authenticity of it is to perform a magnetic test for gold. Use a strong neodymium magnet, as regular kitchen magnets aren’t strong enough for this test. Remember that gold-plated clasps or fasteners might be made of other ferromagnetic metals so that they may be attracted to the magnet.

Do a Skin Test

Take off the jewelry you’ve been wearing and check your skin. If you see any discoloration like green or blue, it’s probably not pure gold. These colors are often from oxidation, which happens with metals like copper. Pure gold doesn’t change color, so if you see no discoloration – you’re probably good!

Perform the Nitric Acid Test For Gold

Real gold won’t react to nitric acid, but almost all other metals will turn green. To ensure you’re not just dealing with gold plating sold by a fake precious metals dealer, scratch the jewelry in an inconspicuous spot and apply the acid there.

Trust the Best to Buy Your Gold

Gold can be a great investment option, but it’s important to ensure you purchase from a reputable dealer. At CMI Gold and Silver, we offer access to education and insights that wall street professionals know.

Our team of experts can help you make informed investment decisions and keep you up-to-date with the latest gold market trends plus tips, like the helpful magnetic test for gold tip mentioned above.

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