Gold jewelry has been popular for centuries, but not everything that looks gold-colored is actually made of gold. This can make it difficult to determine exactly what you are buying or already own. Fortunately, you don’t need to be an expert to perform a good initial check. With a few simple features and tests, you can quickly get a clear picture of the quality of a piece of jewelry.
What does real gold mean?
The term ‘real gold’ is often used but can have different meanings. A solid gold piece consists entirely of a gold alloy. That doesn’t mean it’s pure gold, because pure gold is too soft for daily use. That’s why gold is almost always mixed with other metals, such as silver or copper, to make it stronger and more durable.
There are also gold-plated pieces. In these, the base is made of another metal, such as 925 sterling silver, with a layer of real gold on top. These pieces also contain real gold, but not throughout. The difference mainly lies in the amount of gold and how the jewelry is constructed.
What does the carat content tell you?
The carat content indicates how much gold an alloy contains. The higher the carat, the greater the gold content. Pure gold is 24 carats, but that is less suitable for jewelry because it can easily deform.
14 carat gold consists of 58.5% gold and is therefore sturdy enough for daily use. 18 carat contains 75% gold and has a warmer color but is slightly softer. 9 carat consists of 37.5% gold and is an affordable choice that is also widely used.
How to recognize real gold jewelry?
You don’t need a laboratory to perform an initial check. By carefully examining the jewelry and combining a few simple tests, you can often discover a lot.
Always check the hallmark
Almost every real gold piece of jewelry has a small stamp. This hallmark indicates how much gold the alloy contains. At 14 carats, you usually see the number 585, at 18 carats 750 at 9 carats 375.
The stamp is often in an inconspicuous place, such as the inside of a ring or on the clasp of a necklace or bracelet. It is usually readable with a magnifying glass. If a hallmark is completely missing, extra caution is advisable. This does not automatically mean the jewelry is fake, but further investigation is wise.
Use a magnet as a first check
Gold is naturally not magnetic. Hold a strong magnet near the jewelry. If it is attracted, it probably contains iron, steel, or nickel. This is a clear indication that it is not solid gold.
The reverse is not always true. Copper, silver, and brass are also hardly magnetic. Jewelry that does not react to a magnet is therefore not automatically made of gold. See the magnet test as a first check, not as definitive proof.
The ceramic test
Another well-known method is the ceramic test. Gently rub the jewelry over an unglazed ceramic tile. If it leaves a gold-colored streak, it is likely to contain real gold. If a dark or black streak appears, it is more likely to be another metal.
Always perform this test carefully. Friction can cause a small scratch, making this method less suitable for valuable or new jewelry.
An acid test provides the most certainty
Professional gold tests are often performed with special test liquids based on nitric acid. Real gold hardly reacts to this liquid, while many other metals do discolor or dissolve.
Because these substances are dangerous and misuse can cause damage, it is wise to leave an acid test to a jeweler or gold expert.
Does real gold tarnish?
Solid gold does not tarnish like cheap jewelry does. However, a piece of jewelry can become a bit dull over time due to skin oils, cosmetics, or dirt. With proper cleaning, it usually regains its shine.
Cheap gold-colored jewelry often shows wear more quickly. The gold color then disappears on the edges or protruding parts, revealing the base metal. Some metals can also react with sweat, causing green or dark discoloration on the skin.
High-quality gold-plated sterling silver behaves differently. The gold layer stays beautiful much longer with normal use, especially when you remove the jewelry during sports, showering, or cleaning.
What is the difference between solid gold and gold plated?
Solid gold jewelry is made entirely from a gold alloy. As a result, it remains beautiful for years and does not wear down in the same way as gold-plated pieces. They are also heavier and usually have a higher purchase price.
Gold plated jewelry consists of a base metal covered with a layer of real gold. The quality is mainly determined by the thickness of that gold layer and the material underneath. A thick layer of 14-carat gold on 925 sterling silver lasts significantly longer than a thin layer of gold on copper or brass.
Is gold-plated silver real gold?
Yes. In gold-plated silver, the outer layer is made of real gold. The core consists of 925 sterling silver. So you are actually wearing a gold finish, while the base material is silver. This makes gold-plated silver a popular choice for those who want the look of gold combined with a more attractive price.
What should you look for when buying gold jewelry?
A reliable seller is always clear about the materials used. Therefore, check whether it is stated if a piece is solid gold, gold-plated silver, or gold plated. Also, look at the carat weight, base material, and any quality marks.
It is also wise to check whether jewelry is nickel-free. This significantly reduces the chance of skin irritation and makes the piece more comfortable to wear daily.
What types of gold jewelry can you find at Sparkling Jewels?
At Sparkling Jewels, we work with two different types of gold jewelry. A large part of the collection consists of 925 sterling silver with a high-quality layer of 14-carat gold. These 14-carat gold-plated pieces combine a luxurious look with excellent value for money and remain beautiful for years with proper care.
Additionally, we offer a special collection of rings made of solid 9-carat gold. These rings are made entirely from a gold alloy and are ideal for those looking for a piece of jewelry that is pure gold through and through.
All jewelry is nickel-free and suitable for daily wear. In addition, we work exclusively with 100% natural semi-precious stones. Whether you choose a gold ring, gold bracelet, gold necklace, or gold earrings, you know exactly what material you are buying thanks to our clear product information.
Uneven Push Back Earrings Zirconia
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we answer the most frequently asked questions about recognizing real gold jewelry.
How do I know if my jewelry is real gold without going to a jeweler?
First check if the jewelry has a hallmark, such as 375, 585, or 750. Then perform a magnet test to see if the jewelry is not attracted. If you want to do an extra check, you can carefully use the ceramic test. Combining multiple methods gives you a more reliable result.
What does the number 585 mean on a gold piece of jewelry?
585 stands for 14 karat gold. This means that 58.5% of the jewelry consists of gold. The remaining 41.5% consists of other metals that make the jewelry stronger and more durable.
Does real gold leave green spots on your skin?
Solid gold normally does not cause green discoloration. Green spots usually occur due to copper or other metals reacting with moisture and skin acids. High-quality gold plated sterling silver generally does not cause this problem either.
Is gold plated the same as fake gold?
No. Gold plated jewelry has a genuine gold outer layer. Only the core is made of another metal, such as silver or copper. The durability mainly depends on the thickness of the gold layer and the quality of the base material. A high-quality gold plating on sterling silver is therefore an excellent choice for daily wear.
Want to know more, or buy new gold jewelry right away? The experts at Sparkling Jewels are happy to assist you.
