How to Identify Real Gold: Reliable Authenticity Tests

You've inherited, found at a flea market, or bought a piece of gold online, and you're wondering: Is it really gold? Identifying real gold is easier than you think if you know the right methods. This guide explains all authenticity tests – from free home methods to professional checks.

Step 1: Look for the hallmark

The most reliable first test: Look for a metal hallmark. Real gold jewelry in Germany and the EU is hallmarked. The most important hallmarks:

• 585 = 14-karat gold (58.5% gold content)
• 750 = 18-karat gold (75% gold content)
• 333 = 8-karat gold (33.3% gold content)
• 999 = Fine gold (99.9% gold – rarely used for jewelry)

Hallmarks are usually found on the clasp of necklaces, inside a ring, or on the back of pendants. A magnifying glass helps. No hallmark = no proof of genuine gold (but not conclusive evidence – older jewelry was sometimes not hallmarked).

Step 2: The Magnet Test

Real gold is not magnetic. Hold a strong magnet (neodymium magnet, not a refrigerator magnet) close to the piece:

• No pull: Not proof of authenticity, but a good sign
• Strong pull: The piece contains iron – not real gold

Important: Many inexpensive pieces are made of brass (not magnetic) and thus still pass the magnet test – so the test does not completely rule out fakes.

Step 3: The Acid Test (for advanced users only)

Gold tester kits with nitric acid are available from specialist retailers (approx. €15–30). How it works: Make a small scratch on the piece, apply a drop of acid. Depending on the reaction, the gold content can be estimated. Real gold hardly reacts; fake metal reacts with discoloration or bubbling. Caution: Nitric acid is corrosive – protective gloves and safety goggles are necessary.

Step 4: The Density Test

Gold is very dense (19.3 g/cm³ for pure gold). A simple water displacement test can determine the approximate gold content: Weigh the piece, then immerse it in water and measure the water displacement. Estimate the material using the density formula. Practical but time-consuming – better for bars than for delicate jewelry.

Step 5: The Professional Jeweler's Test

The safest of all tests: Go to a jeweler. Professional jewelers have XRF devices (X-ray fluorescence analysis) that can determine the exact alloy composition within seconds and non-destructively. Cost: Often free or for a few euros. Unbeatably accurate.

Common Types of Fakes

• Gold-plated brass: Thin layer of gold over brass – hallmarks often faked or missing
• Tombac: Copper-zinc alloy in gold color – very convincing visually
• Gold leaf on metal: Very thin gold foil – recognizable at the edges under a magnifying glass

Quality Gold from Corelune Jewellery

At Corelune Jewellery, clear material specifications are provided for every item – no guesswork, just transparent quality.

👉 Discover quality gold – with confidence!