How to Identify Real Gold: 8 Easy & Proven Methods You Can Trust

8 Quick-and-easy and Proven Ways of Identifying Real Gold That You Can Trust

Identify Real Gold: Simple Tests for Buyers

Gold is one of the most precious metals, along with trust throughout the world; not only this, but also the price hike increased the chances of fake gold in the market as well. Buying gold jewelry, coins, or bars — you need to understand how to identify real gold.

Here are the topmost methods to check whether gold is real or not:

1. Hallmark

The first and most trusted sign of real gold is the BIS Hallmark in India or standard karat marks worldwide.

What to Look For:

• 22K, 24K, 18K stamps
• BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) hallmark (in India)
• Purity number like “916” (for 22K)

Tip: Always ask for the hallmark certificate while buying jewelry.

2. The Magnet Test

Gold is not magnetic. If your item sticks to a magnet, it is fake or mixed with other metals.

How it Works:

• Get a powerful magnet (not a fridge magnet).
• Bring it next to the jewelry.
• No attraction = it may be gold.

❌ Magnetic pull = not pure gold.

3. Colour and Luster Check

Real gold has one uniformly yellow color and will never fade in time.

Watch out for the following:

• Discoloration
• Peeling or Flaking
• Fading at the edges (indicates plating)

4. The Float Test (Water Test)

Gold is dense and will sink in water.

How to Test:

• Drop your item in a bowl of water.
• If it sinks straight away, it might be real gold.
• If it floats or hovers, it’s fake.

5. Ceramic Plate Test

This test shows whether your item leaves a gold streak.

How to Try:

• Scrab your gold item across an unglazed ceramic plate.
• Real gold = golden/yellow streak
• Fake gold = black or green streak

⚠️ Note: It may slightly scratch your item.

6. Acid Test (For Professionals)

Nitric acid is used by jewelers for gold purity testing.

• Pure gold will never show any reaction with the acid.
• Fake gold turns green or fizzes.

⚠️ This test should be done by professionals because it deals with chemicals.

7. Use a Gold Testing Kit

• Gold testing kits are available online and are very handy to use.
• These contain bottles of acid marked for 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, and 24K.
• Follow the instructions to match your item’s purity.

8 Weigh & Compare with Known Values Pure gold is heavy.

• If you have similar items in weight and size, you can compare.
• With the help of a digital scale.
• Use the weight of a known gold piece to compare against the test item.

Bonus Tip: Always buy gold from reputable jewelers. Ask for an invoice and certification of purity. For large purchases, insist on a lab assay report.

❓ FAQ

Q1: Can fake gold have a hallmark?

A: Yes, but it is rare. Always verify the authenticity of the stamp with BIS or through certified labs.

Q2: Can real gold become black?

A: No. If it is tarnishing or turning green, then it is probably mixed with other metals.

Conclusion

Learning to differentiate real gold will safeguard your investments and keep your mind at ease. Some tests may be done at home, but professional testing is always recommended for any substantial valuables.

Also Read:

Gold Price in Delhi Today (April 11, 2025): Latest 22K & 24K Gold Rates