How do I recognize real gold?

How can I tell if gold is real? In short: Real gold can be reliably identified by the purity mark (585, 750, 375) on the clasp or inside the ring. Other quick tests: a magnet (gold is not magnetic), an acid test at a jeweler, or simply checking the hallmark with a magnifying glass.

As of September 2026. By Phil, Corelune Jewellery, Düsseldorf.

The most reliable methods

Material information: What is stated here about gold and silver alloys is for comparison purposes. Our range consists of stainless steel with gold or silver plating and no purity hallmark. Free shipping from €59, 14-day returns.

• Check the hallmark: 375, 585, 750, 999 are valid purity hallmarks, always present on real gold
• Magnet: Real gold is not attracted by a magnet, but gold-plated steel is
• No green mark: Real gold does not turn the skin green, base metals do
• Jeweler test: Acid test or XRF spectroscopy, 100% reliable, approx. 10-20 euros

What is not a reliable test?

• Color alone, gold-plated brass looks identical
• Weight alone, gold is heavy, but so are other metals
• Price alone, cheap gold exists, as do expensive fakes

Only buy real gold jewelry: the Corelune collection.

To match: How can I tell if gold is real? The reliable authenticity tests and Gold-plated jewelry vs. real gold, why the difference is huge.

You can find the following here: Stainless steel heart cuff bracelet and Stainless steel gold and silver circle hoop earrings with crystal stones. You can find more bestsellers in the category the most popular pieces.

Which material holds up best in everyday use?

What should you look for when buying jewelry?

It all starts with the material. Stainless steel holds its shape and color, withstands showering and sports, and stays within the everyday price range, but brings no material value.

Sterling silver gives the most solid impression with ongoing maintenance. Gold-plated brass scores points at the beginning with a warm tone and loses the coating at the contact points first.

Durability can be recognized by details, not by the price. Solder joints without burrs, a clasp that audibly clicks into place, and closed loops are the three checkpoints that require no expertise.

For classification, clarity is key: This category is intended for wearing. Investment character only solid gold has, at a correspondingly different price. Everyday use, water, and frequent wearing are well covered by fashion jewelry made of stainless steel.

What do good stainless steel pieces cost and what do you get for them?

Between fifteen and forty-five euros is the range in which fashion jewelry made of stainless steel moves. With stainless steel pieces under ten euros, the workmanship is usually the item that was cut back on. In this price class, you are buying a bargain, not an investment, and that should be the expectation.

What goes well with stainless steel pieces?

Anyone who combines should decide on a metal tone and stick with it, at least at the beginning. With solid-colored tops, a single statement piece stands out best. Anyone who observes these two points can combine almost anything without it looking busy.

When should you better put away stainless steel pieces?

Stainless steel easily withstands water, yet there are situations in which taking it off is the smarter decision. Sauna and heat do not damage the material, but they accelerate the wear of coated pieces. This takes care of most of what is later perceived as a material defect.

What goes wrong most often when buying stainless steel pieces?

Most bad purchases are not caused by poor quality, but by a wrong expectation of the piece. The classic is a piece that fits an occasion that happens twice a year. Anyone who remains unsure should opt for the simpler piece, because it will be worn more often.

How can you recognize well-made stainless steel pieces?

With stainless steel pieces, the care at the small details determines how long the piece will last in use. Check the loops for visible gaps, inspect the solder seams for unevenness, and test if the clasp closes audibly. What survives this check usually also withstands daily use.

Material, dimensions, and prices at a glance

Showering, swimming, and sports do nothing to stainless steel, it does not tarnish. For reference, here are the values from the Corelune range.

Frequently asked questions

What hallmarks are there on real gold?

333, 585, and 750 are the most common in Germany, plus 999 for fine gold. Internationally, you will also find karat indications such as 14K or 18K. If any hallmark is missing, it is almost certainly not solid gold.

Does the magnet test help?

It rules out iron-containing fakes, because gold is not magnetic. Copper and brass alloys are also not magnetic. The test is therefore an initial filter, not proof.

When should I have it professionally checked?

With heirlooms, with larger private purchases, and always when the price is conspicuously low. Jewelers and buyback shops usually check in a few minutes, often for free.

What is ordered most often

How can I recognize solid jewelry?

Three features are enough: clean solder joints, completely closed loops, a clasp with a noticeable click. No one needs expertise for that.

How many years does coated jewelry last?

In everyday use, stainless steel lasts several years. Where a coating is applied, wear is visible earlier at friction points.

About the author

Phil runs Corelune Jewellery in Düsseldorf and has been working daily with stainless steel jewelry since 2024: sample testing, complaints, wear tests in everyday life. The information in this article comes from the in-house range and from what customers report. Where Corelune does not offer something, that is also stated here.

Which categories fit this topic?

Matching pieces:

• Women's Gold Jewelry

From two pieces, the unit price drops: 20% on 2, 25% on 3, 30% on 4, 35% on 5, and from fifty-nine euros, shipping is free. Two coordinated pieces result in more wearing options than one.

View Women's Gold Jewelry at Corelune

At Corelune: Free shipping from €59, 14-day returns, shipping from the Netherlands.

→ View Women's Gold Jewelry at Corelune