How do I recognize real gold?

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

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

The safest methods

Material note: The information provided here about gold and silver alloys is for comparison purposes. Our assortment consists of stainless steel with gold or silver plating without a fineness hallmark, between €12.95 and €59.95. Free shipping from €59, 14-day returns.

• Check hallmark: 375, 585, 750, 999 are valid material hallmark stamps, always present on real gold
• Magnet: Real gold is not attracted by a magnet, gold-plated steel is
• No green stain: 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: from the Corelune collection.

Related: How do I recognize real gold? The safe authenticity tests and Gold-plated jewelry vs. real gold, why the difference is huge.

You can find this implemented here: Heart cuff bracelet made of stainless steel and Circle hoop earrings made of stainless steel, 9.1 g. You can find more bestsellers in the category the most popular pieces.

Which material lasts best in everyday life?

What should you look for when buying jewelry?

Everything starts with the material. Stainless steel retains its shape and color, withstands showering and sports, and remains in the everyday price range, but does not provide material value.

Sterling silver makes the most solid impression but requires ongoing maintenance. Gold-plated brass scores points at the beginning with a warm tone but loses the plating at contact points first.

Durability is recognized by details, not price. Solder joints without burrs, a clasp that audibly clicks into place, and closed eyelets are the three checkpoints for which no expert knowledge is required.

For classification, clarity is needed: This category is intended for wearing. Only solid gold has an investment character, at a correspondingly different price. Everyday wear, water, and frequent putting on and taking off are well covered by fashion jewelry made of stainless steel.

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

Fashion jewelry made of stainless steel is in the range between fifteen and forty-five euros. For stainless steel pieces under ten euros, workmanship is usually the area where costs are cut. In this price range, you are buying utility, not an investment, and that should be the expectation.

What goes well with stainless steel pieces?

Those who mix should decide on one metal tone and stick with it, at least in the beginning. With plain-colored tops, a single statement piece comes into its own best. If you follow these two points, you can combine almost anything without it looking cluttered.

When should you rather take off stainless steel pieces?

Stainless steel tolerates water without problems, nevertheless there are situations where taking it off is the wiser decision. Saunas and heat do not harm the material, but they accelerate abrasion on plated parts. This eliminates the majority of what is later perceived as a material defect.

What goes wrong most often when buying stainless steel pieces?

Most bad purchases do not arise from poor goods, but from false expectations of the piece. The classic is a piece that fits an occasion that happens twice a year. If you remain unsure, opt for a simpler piece, as it will be worn more often.

How do you recognize well-made stainless steel pieces?

With stainless steel pieces, the care taken in small areas determines how long the piece stays in use. Check the eyelets for a visible gap, inspect the solder seams for unevenness, and test whether the clasp clicks audibly. What survives this check usually stands up to daily use.

Material, dimensions, and prices at a glance

Showering, swimming, and sports do not bother stainless steel; it does not tarnish. For reference, the values from the Corelune assortment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hallmarks are there for real gold?

333, 585, and 750 are the most common in Germany, plus 999 for fine gold. Internationally, you will also find karat specifications like 14K or 18K. If there is no hallmark at all, it is generally not solid gold.

Does the magnet test help?

It rules out iron-based counterfeits because gold is not magnetic. Copper and brass alloys, however, are also not magnetic. The test is therefore a first filter, not proof.

When should I have it professionally checked?

For heirlooms, for larger private purchases, and whenever the price is suspiciously low. Jewelers and gold buyers usually check in a few minutes, often for free.

What is ordered most frequently

How do I recognize solid jewelry?

Three features are sufficient: clean solder joints, fully closed eyelets, a clasp with a noticeable click. No expert knowledge is needed for this.

How many years does plated jewelry last?

In everyday use, stainless steel lasts several years. Where plating is applied, early abrasion appears at friction points.

About the author

Phil Oberlaender runs Corelune Jewellery in Düsseldorf and has been working with stainless steel jewelry daily since 2024: quality inspections, complaints, everyday wear tests. The information in this article comes from our own assortment and from customer feedback. Where Corelune does not offer something, it says so here.

Which categories fit this topic?

Matching pieces:

• Gold jewelry for women

Starting from two pieces, the unit price drops: 20% off 2, 25% off 3, 30% off 4, 35% off 5, and shipping is free from 59 euros. Two coordinated pieces offer more wearing options than a single one.

View gold jewelry for women at Corelune

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

→ View gold jewelry for women at Corelune