How To Spot Fake Gold Jewelry

Learning how to spot fake gold can save you from being taken advantage of when purchasing jewelry. While fake gold can resemble real gold, it is not as valuable as the real thing. Knowing how to spot fake gold can save you money. There are a few different ways that you can spot whether a piece is authentic or not.

• Look for Markings: Real gold jewelry will be marked with 10k, 14k, 18k or 24k. These stamps tell what percentage of gold is in the piece. Most times the markings are on the clasp or inside a ring's band. If you see the markings EP or GP, which means that the jewelry is not real. Those markings indicate that it is gold-plated.


• Examine the Finish: Look at the piece of jewelry's finish. Real gold is not shiny, so if the piece has a high shine to it, it is most likely gold-plated. Metals, like brass, that are often used in gold-plated jewelry have a high shine to them. Real gold has a mild shine.


• Wear the Jewelry: Most people cannot wear gold-plated jewelry without it causing discomfort or discoloration to their skin. So try the piece on, wear it for awhile and see if your skin shows any signs of irritation or discoloration.


• Use a Magnet: Place the jewelry on a flat surface. Hold a magnet over it. If the jewelry attaches to the magnet, it is not real gold. Real gold is not magnetic.


• Electronic Gold Tester: This is a tester that can be purchased for around $100 online. You place a clip on the jewelry, and then place it into acid. When removed, it will tell you what percentage of gold, or karat weight, is in the piece. This can be beneficial and worth the investment if you have a lot of jewelry to be tested.


• Ask a Jeweler: If you would rather have a professional take a look at the piece, take it into a jewelry store. A jeweler will examine the piece and advise you of its authenticity.