There are ways to detect if you have jewelry that appears to be the real deal but you are unsure. Of course, you can always visit your neighborhood pawn shop to determine whether or not it is authentic. If not, try these simple tests on your own to see if you’re more likely to be dealing with real gold. Then visit South Bay Jewelry & Loan for additional help.
Try to find a Hallmark
Checking for a Hallmark is the simplest way to determine whether gold is genuine. This tiny stamp will let you know the karat and that it is made of actual gold. Look around the object to see if you can spot any imprinting evidence, such as tiny numbers. You might need a magnifying lens to see them because they can be so little. Also, don’t forget to check the insides and clasps of the pieces.
Having said all of that, it is crucial to understand that a Hallmark logo does not imply authenticity. It’s possible that someone imprinted their own stamp if they intended to make fake gold and deceive people into thinking it was real.
Test using your ceramics
Although the gold may be harmed by this test, it is quite effective. Use this technique only when working with scrap gold or other items whose worth won’t be affected by a scratch. This one’s easy: Pick up a ceramic tile or plate, and rub the gold across it. It’s probably real gold if it’s left scraped across the plate. Gold-colored metals typically leave no trace of color behind.
Make sure there are no stains
Take a moment to examine it and seek for any discoloration if you believe it is less likely than not made of gold. Unlike other metals, gold does not corrode or alter color. You may be certain it is not gold if you notice anything that is silver, green, or discolored at all. It is not gold if the object in question is jewelry and you discover that it taints your skin.
See what the magnet test can teach you
There are numerous magnetic metals. Metal is not—at least, not really. Although it technically has the potential to be very faintly magnetic, this is unlikely to be significant enough to matter if it comes into touch with a magnet. You can be confident that a piece you have that you believe to be gold is not real if it gravitates toward the magnet right away.
Again, you can also just bring the item to South Bay Jewelry & Loan to have our expert judgment. Contact us at (310) 371-4571 if you have any inquiries.
