Do you want to test gold at home but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we have listed 16 effective methods for you to easily check the purity of your gold. Whether you are an amateur or a connoisseur, these practical tips will help you determine the quality of your precious metal.
Wear the jewelry continuously
To determine if your jewelry is genuine gold, wear it all day, even in the shower or on hot days. A real gold piece will not leave marks on your skin nor change color. In contrast, a plated piece might leave greenish or other colored marks.
Look for a hallmark
Check if the jewelry bears a hallmark, an inscription often made by customs or jewelers to guarantee the purity and origin of the metal. Silver jewelry features the Minerva, symbolizing 925/1000, while gold jewelry usually displays an eagle head for 18 carats or 750/1000.
Use bleach
Apply a small amount of bleach to the jewelry. If the metal changes color, it indicates that your jewelry is not genuine gold.
Rub with a polishing cloth
A polishing cloth specially designed for gold can be found in jewelry stores. Rub the surfaces of the jewelry with this cloth. If the piece tarnishes or changes color, it is probably not gold.
Magnet test
Bring a magnet close to your jewelry. Gold is not magnetic, so if the piece is attracted to the magnet, it is not pure gold.
Use a spectrometer
The spectrometer with fluorescence uses X-rays to break down the spectrum of an object and reveal its detailed composition, including the concentration of pure gold. However, this method requires expensive equipment and preferably professional expertise.
Resort to a free appraisal
For an accurate and reliable answer, consult a professional. Some jewelers offer a free appraisal to evaluate your jewelry.
Immersion in water
Immerse the jewelry in a bowl of water. A genuine gold item will sink due to its high density. If the jewelry floats, it is not pure gold.
Heat test
Expose the jewelry to a heat source such as a lighter. If the piece is gold, it will withstand the heat without deteriorating.
Scratch on a ceramic plate
Scratch your jewelry on an unglazed ceramic plate. A black mark indicates a metal alloy other than gold, while a golden mark confirms the presence of gold. Note that this test may weaken the jewelry.
White vinegar test
Apply a few drops of white vinegar on the jewelry. If the color changes, the item is not gold. Otherwise, the gold is pure.
Bite test
Apply light pressure with your teeth on the jewelry. Gold, being a soft metal, will mark easily. If marks appear, the item is probably gold or gold-plated lead.
Use of foundation
Spread foundation on your hand and let it dry. Rub the jewelry over the dried foundation. A dark mark indicates genuine gold.
Acid kit
The kit contains acid bottles for different carats and a touchstone. Rub the jewelry on the stone, then apply the acid. If the mark disappears, the jewelry is not gold. If it reddens, the gold is of low purity.
Liquid iodine
Apply liquid iodine on a scratched edge of the jewelry. No change probably indicates genuine gold, while discoloration signals gold plating or low-grade gold.
Density calculation
Calculate the density of the jewelry. Measure its weight, then immerse it in water to measure the displaced volume. Divide the weight by the displaced volume to obtain the density. Compare this figure with known values for different gold carats.
With these 16 methods, you can effectively assess the authenticity of your gold items before possibly consulting an expert. Each offers valuable clues about the nature of the metal.