Jump to: Real vs Fake Gold | Hallmarks | Look for Discolorations | Ceramic Scratch Test | Skin Test | Liquid Foundation Test | Size and Weight Test | Magnet Test | Float Test | Density Test | Nitric Acid Test | Vinegar Test | Sigma Metalytic Scanners | Shop from Trusted Dealers
Gold is one of the most famous and sought-after metals on Earth. Formed from stellar explosions, this noble and heavy metal has long been a symbol of status, used in medicine, wealth display, and financial protection. For millennia, it has served as both currency and a mark of prestige.
Recently, in times of economic uncertainty, many people have turned to gold as a physical asset independent of fiat money. However, this has also made it a target for counterfeiting, not just gold coins, but bullion in general.
In this article, I’ll share simple tips to help you determine whether gold is real. The most important tip, of course, is to purchase gold from trusted dealers or have it verified by an expert, such as a professional jeweler.
So, without further ado, let's explore how to distinguish real gold from counterfeit.
Real Gold Vs. Fake Gold
Within the United States, a piece of gold jewelry must contain at least 41.7% gold (10-karat, according to the karat system) to be classified as real gold. Anything below this is generally considered fake.
Investment gold bars must have a minimum purity of 99.5% (995 fineness), though most reach 99.99% (999.9). Gold coins typically range from 22-karat (91.67% or .916) to 24-karat (99.99% or .9999).
Plated gold items have only a thin layer of gold over a base metal core, usually copper, tin, or zinc. So, because the gold content is minimal, these pieces are not considered real gold.
Even though professional testing is the safest method, certain characteristics of gold make it identifiable through other techniques. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Check for Hallmarks
Most U.S. manufacturers stamp their gold pieces with a hallmark and purity level to ensure authenticity. Start by visually inspecting the item for these marks.
In jewelry, hallmarks are often in hidden areas, like the inside of a ring or bracelet. On gold coins or bars, they appear on either the obverse or reverse side. A magnifying glass may be needed to read them. Stamping varies by manufacturer, but gold content is typically indicated using either the karat system or millesimal fineness.
10k (.417), 14k (.583 or .585), 15k (.625), 18k (.750), 20k (.833), 21k (.875), 22k (.916), 23k (.958) or 24k (.999) are valid purity numbers. In other words, these hallmarks tell you how much gold the item is made of. The purer the gold, the higher the karatage or fineness.
In addition, you can find letter markings on your piece that indicate some sort of gold plating, meaning the piece is not really made of gold, but alloyed with other metals. It is just gold-plated jewelry. These letters can be:
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GP (Gold Plated);
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GF (Gold Filled);
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GE (Gold Electroplated);
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GEP (Gold Electroplated);
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HGP (Heavy Gold Plated);
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HEG (Heavy Gold Electroplated).
The stamp test is not 100% accurate as many counterfeiters nowadays also engrave fake pieces with a purity level and try to copy the stamps of big manufacturers. Furthermore, take note that older jewelry may lack visible hallmarks due to wear or simply never having been stamped, as this practice is relatively recent in history.
2. Look for discolorations or wear marks
While checking for stamps and purity marks, also look for signs of discoloration or wear, especially around the edges or the inner band of rings.
Solid gold is very soft and malleable. And on gold plated items, the thin gold layer may fade or darken over time, revealing the base metal underneath, even if the external coating is authentic gold. This can also occur with white gold jewelry.
3. The Ceramic Scratch Test
The ceramic scratch test is a simple and widely used method for verifying the authenticity of gold.
It involves rubbing the gold item against an unglazed ceramic plate.
Genuine gold will not leave any marks, or will only produce a faint gold streak. On the other hand, if the gold leaves a visible mark or a small scratch on the tile, it is likely to be fake or of lower purity.
This test relies on the fact that gold is a relatively soft metal, with a Mohs hardness rating of 2.5 to 3. As a result, it can be scratched by harder materials, such as ceramic or glass, which have a hardness rating around 5.5.
However, the golden streak on the ceramic surface is typically very faint, as gold is also malleable and tends to deform rather than scratch.
4. The Skin Test
Have you ever noticed black or green marks on your skin after wearing a jewelry piece for a long period? Gold reacts differently to your skin depending on its purity. Pure gold does not react to the oils from your skin or sweat. If you notice black marks on your skin, it likely means the gold piece is alloyed with silver. Copper, on the other hand, is responsible for the green marks.
To test, ensure your hand is clean and dry, then hold the piece of gold for a couple of minutes until you feel your palm perspiring. Open your hand and check for any discoloration on your skin.
Remember, pure gold won't react to your bare skin.
5. Liquid Foundation Test
This is one of the simplest ways to test gold at home. However, keep in mind that results are not necessarily reliable and you should consider them together with other tests.
On your skin, apply some liquid foundation and powder. Then, rub your gold piece on the area. If it leaves a black mark, it is evidence that your gold is real.
6. The Size and Weight Test
Gold is significantly denser than most cheaper metals. If you have a gold coin that you are certain is pure, you can compare its weight and volume to another coin whose authenticity is in question.
For example, you can compare two American Gold Eagle coins to check if they have the same volume and weight. Hold them side by side to see if their edges align and if they appear to have the same thickness. Then, weigh both coins on a scale for further verification.
However, keep in mind that American Gold Eagle coins are slightly heavier than 24-karat gold bullion coins, such as the American Gold Buffalo and the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf.
2025 1 oz American Gold Eagle BU
This is because American Gold Eagles are made of 22-karat gold, with small amounts of copper and silver added for durability. Importantly, the additional metals do not reduce the gold content; rather, they are added on top of a full troy ounce of pure gold, making the coin slightly heavier.
You can check our posts: Is Gold Heavier Than Silver? and How Heavy Is a Gold Coin
7. The Magnet Test
Gold is not a magnetic metal, meaning it should not be attracted to a magnet. Since magnetism is not one of gold’s properties, you can use a magnet test to help determine its authenticity.
To perform the magnet test for gold, use a strong magnet, such as a neodymium magnet, rather than a regular kitchen magnet. If the gold item is drawn to the magnetic field, it likely contains other magnetic metals instead of being pure gold. You can find neodymium magnets online or at home improvement stores.
However, keep in mind that some gold-plated items, such as clasps or fasteners on bracelets and necklaces, may contain ferromagnetic metals beneath the plating. In such cases, these parts might be attracted to the magnet, even if the rest of the piece is real gold.
More on this topic here: Is Gold Magnetic? See For Yourself
8. The Float Test
This simple test can help quickly detect some cheap counterfeit coins and imitation gold jewelry. Since gold is a dense metal, it should sink straight to the bottom when dropped into a container of water. If your gold item floats or hovers slightly above the bottom, it may not be genuine and could be imitation gold.
9. The Density Test
As we mentioned above, gold has a high density of 19.3 g/cc (grams per cubic centimeter). Therefore, if you have a gold coin or a piece of jewelry that contains pure gold, or close to it, such as 22 karatas (or .916 fine), you can do a density test and see if its density is close to 19.3 g/cc.
This is a more complicated test, and you will need:
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a good scale that gives you the weight in grams rather than ounces;
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a cylinder, a vial, or even a kitchen container with milliliter markings;
You may need a larger container for this specific gravity test if you're testing gold bars.
Start by weighing your gold piece on a scale and noting its exact weight. Then, fill a graduated cylinder about 75% full with water, ensuring it's on a flat surface. Wait until the water is still, then record the precise measurement in milliliters.
Carefully drop your gold piece (such as a gold ring) into the cylinder without spilling water or touching it with your fingers. Take a second reading of the water level and subtract the initial measurement. The difference represents the volume of the gold piece in milliliters.
To determine its specific gravity, divide the weight of the gold (in grams) by its volume (in milliliters). Pure gold should have a result close to 19.3.
For example, if a gold ring weighs 38 grams and displaces 2 mL of water, the calculation would be: 38 ÷ 2 = 19. If the result is significantly different, the item may not be pure gold or could be an alloy mixed with other metals.
Learn more about Gold Density (Video Included).
10. The Nitric Acid Test
This test should only be used as a last resort, as it can damage your jewelry if it's not gold, and nitric acid is a dangerous chemical. However, it remains one of the most accurate methods for distinguishing real gold from fake.
Purchase a gold testing kit or a nitric acid test kit. You can buy them online or at some local jewelry stores. The test kit should contain a touchstone, a black tablet of slate or lyddite stone. Rub your piece of gold against it. It should leave a visible trace on the surface of the touchstone.
Apply some nitric acid to the marks. If base metals are mixed with gold, you will notice a chemical reaction as it will dissolve under the acid. If there are any golden traces still visible on the touchstone, it should be real gold.
To confirm it, apply aqua regia (nitrohydrochloric acid - 75% nitric acid and 25% hydrochloric acid). The mixture dissolves gold. Real gold is a noble metal that will not react to acid oxidation or corrosion, except aqua regia. Other metal alloys, including sterling silver, copper, and zinc, will instantly react to nitric acid.
To be more accurate, a few gold test kits contain precise mixtures for different gold purity levels. So, by applying them, you will be able to identify if you have 18k, 14k gold, etc.
11. The Vinegar Test
Testing gold jewelry using vinegar is a very simple way to check if you have fake gold, though it might cause chemical or mechanical damage.
To do this test, apply a few drops of vinegar (preferably white) to the gold piece. Real gold is a noble metal therefore, it is resistant to oxidation and corrosion from acids, including vinegar.
On the other hand, fake gold jewelry will change color under vinegar. Just choose an inconspicuous place to drop the vinegar on your item so it doesn't leave a visible mark.
12. Sigma Metalytic Scanners
Sigma Metalytic Scanners and similar electronic testers (e.g., Kee Gold Tester) are arguably the most reliable way to verify the precious metal content of your product. They produce different gold testing machines for bullion and jewelry.
The machine works by sending electromagnetic waves through the surface of the metal and analyzing its resistance to it. This is usually the most popular choice among coin dealers and jewelers.
Metalytic scanners can be quite expensive and may not be worthwhile if you only need to verify a few pieces of gold or silver jewelry, bullion coins, or bars. In such cases, having them inspected by a professional appraiser is often a more cost-effective option.
13. Shop from Trusted Dealers and Jewelers
The abovementioned tests can help indicate whether gold is real or fake, but they are not 100% foolproof. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of your gold, the best course of action is to have it professionally appraised or verified by a precious metal expert.
Since these methods are not definitive and cannot be used officially in transactions, you shouldn't rely solely on at-home tests, or buy gold from someone who claims to have tested it themselves.
Always purchase from trusted bullion dealers or reputable jewelers to avoid counterfeits and ensure you’re getting a genuine product.
If you are looking to invest in physical precious metals, consider us at SD Bullion. Check out the products we have available in our inventory. And talk to one of our customer service representatives in case you have any questions.
