How to check gold

How to test gold?

There are a number of way to check the gold. One check is better than another, the most reliable way is special organizations that deal with gold - pawnshops, jewelry stores, jewelry repair shops.

1) Try a magnet, not very reliable way to check gold. Not all magnet are equal. Most for home use magnets are not strong enough. Gold shouldn't stick to it. It is still possible that gold item lower karats could stick to good magnet.

2) Look for the hallmarks and stamps. Well made jewelry must have stamp and other marks. Examples of karat markings: 9K, 10K, 14K, 18K, 20K, 21K, 22K, 24K, 333, 375, 417, 500, 585, 750, 900, 916, 995, 999 etc.

3) Look for Letters of jewelry and other items that have been plated with gold, GP - gold plated, GF - gold filled, GE - gold electroplated, GEP - gold electroplated, RGP - rolled gold plated, HGP - heavy gold plated, HEG - heavy electroplated gold.

4) Weight, the density of gold is very high, thus the gold item "volume" and "weight" in a hand could be interpreted as heavier than should be.

4) Acid Test, not readily available for general consumers. Comparing to the above methods is the most reliable.

5) Special equipment, machines with X-Rays scan the item and give the precise information about the purity of gold and other precious metals. The most expensive way to test the gold, not every shop even want to spend money on such units.

For sake of safety you could come to our store and we can test it the gold for you.