If you are interested in buying or investing in gold pieces you probably already know that the value of gold will steadily increase over time. Gold is one of the most valuable and sought-after metals in the world because of its appreciative value. Due to its popularity, many fake gold pieces are sold in its place which is worrying to those who want to buy genuine gold pieces. Upon first glance you may not be able to tell real gold apart from fake gold, however, there are ways to distinguish the two.
Is your gold real?
Unfortunately, fake gold can look a lot like real gold which is why being able to determine real from fake gold is very important and will help you avoid spending excessive amounts of money on fake gold items. Here are some ways that you can tell if you are purchasing real gold:
- Look for a hallmark
One of the best ways to tell if the gold is real is the hallmark. A hallmark is a small stamp that indicates the gold’s karat weight. It is important to remember, though, that different places use different measurements. In the U.S., for example, the hallmark is a fraction so you will be able to find a hallmark for 12k, 18k, or 24k. If you see a 24k hallmark, the piece is pure gold. If there is no hallmark, the jewelry doesn’t contain real gold at all.
- Do a ceramic test
This is an effective way to check the gold’s authenticity, but it can damage the gold. If you still want to do this test, scrape your gold accord with a ceramic plate or tile. If there is a scrape on the gold, then your gold jewelry is indeed real.
- Check for any discoloration
Real gold doesn’t react with sweat or oils even from your skin. So if you ever see black or green marks, the item is not made of real gold. Gold doesn’t change its color or rust like other metals tend to.
- Use a magnet
Most metals are magnetic which means they react to magnets instantly. On the other hand, gold isn’t magnetic. If your item sticks to a magnet, then that is a sign that it isn’t made of pure gold.
- Water test
Drop your gold item in a container half full with water. Watch the way your gold item reacts to the water. Real gold will sink to the bottom due to its density. If your item stays afloat, it isn’t real gold. You can also check for any rust or tarnishing after trying this trick. If you notice any, the piece isn’t real.
- Ask an expert
If you are not convinced by any of the tests that you have conducted, it is probably best to consult an expert. You can bring the gold item to a jeweler or a pawn shop and have an expert authenticate the piece in real time.
If you follow these methods, you can be positive that your gold is real and you will be confident that you invested your money on an authentic gold piece.