How to check if gold is real at home

Gold has been one of the most valuable and sought-after metals for centuries. However, not all that glitters is gold, and it's not uncommon for people to be duped into buying fake gold jewellery or gold-plated items, believing they have purchased the real deal.

If you are planning to sell your gold jewellery or items, it's important to learn how to check if gold is real – and it’s not as tricky as you may think. In this article, we'll discuss some simple methods that you can use to test the authenticity of your gold at home.

How to check if your gold jewellery is real

There are a few simple ways to test if gold is real. Some methods include checking it for stamps or hallmarks, using vinegar, a magnet, a lighter and even toothpaste! Each of these tests can be performed easily at home, and don't require any special equipment or tools.

Look for a stamp or hallmark

One of the easiest ways to check if gold is real is to look for a stamp or hallmark. Real gold jewellery will often have a stamp on it which indicates its purity level, such as 10k, 14k or 18k.

This stamp means that the gold has been tested and verified to be of a certain level of purity. You can also look for a hallmark, which is a symbol or signature that indicates the manufacturer or maker of the piece.

However, it's important to note that some fake gold also features stamps or hallmarks, so consider using this method alongside one of the tests below.

How to check if gold is real with vinegar

The vinegar test is one of the most popular methods for checking if gold is real at home. All you need is a dropper or a glass container and some white vinegar.

To perform the test with a dropper, fill it with vinegar and place a few drops on your gold. If the colour of the gold changes, then it's not pure gold. If the colour remains the same, then it's likely to be genuine.

Alternatively, you can fill a glass bowl or cup with vinegar, place the gold inside it, and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it. If the gold is real, it will not react with the vinegar, but if it becomes discoloured or starts to corrode as a result of the acetic acid in the vinegar, this demonstrates the gold is fake.

How to check if gold is real with a lighter

Another method for checking gold’s authenticity easily at home is to burn it. A genuine gold piece will become brighter as it is exposed to the flame but will not catch fire or burn. If it starts to turn dark or smoke, then it is likely a fake. This is because real gold doesn't burn or get darker under heat.

Other metals like copper and iron tend to change colour and get darker when subjected to fire. And if your item is only gold-plated, the gold coating will melt and reveal the darker metal beneath. When conducting this test, use a butane lighter and hold the gold with tongs or pliers. Heat the gold for at least 60 seconds to get the most accurate result.

Note: Be careful when performing the lighter test, and make sure to keep the gold item away from flammable materials.

How to check if gold is real with a magnet

The magnet test is another way to test if gold is real. Gold is not magnetic, so if the gold item is attracted to a magnet, it's likely fake or gold-plated. To try this method, use a strong neodymium magnet and hold it close to the gold. If the gold sticks to the magnet, then there’s a strong chance it isn’t authentic.

However, it’s worth noting that counterfeit gold can be made with non-magnetic metals like stainless steel, and some authentic gold items are made with magnetic metals like iron, meaning the test isn’t fool proof, so should be done in conjunction with another testing method.

How to check if gold is real using toothpaste

The final home method to try is the toothpaste test. This test requires a small piece of gold, plain white toothpaste, and running water. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the gold piece and rub it for about 30 seconds. If a black streak appears, rinse the gold under running water. If the streak disappears, your gold is most likely real; if not, it is probably not pure.

This test works because the abrasive particles in toothpaste remove a thin layer of impure metals, like copper or silver, that may be present in fake gold. However, it's important to note that this test won't work on gold-plated items and therefore you may wish to try this in conjunction with other methods for a more accurate assessment.

Final thoughts

While all these methods can be a useful way to establish whether your gold is real or not, we would recommend taking it to a professional jeweller or appraiser to ensure 100% accuracy. Once you’ve completed your tests and are ready to sell your gold, you will need to find a reputable gold buyer who will offer you the best possible price and customer experience.

Not sure where to start? Why not compare gold providers and order your pack through our website.