How to tell if a necklace is real gold

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Did you ever buy a gold necklace and you now wonder about its authenticity? In an industry dominated by counterfeit gold ornaments, testing your gold to confirm its originality has never been so crucial. Whether you invested in a pricy antique passed down generations or a contemporary piece of jewelry for a sleek, chic look, testing your gold necklace can save you from what possibly can be an ordeal and loss of money in the future.

Understanding Gold Purity

Before we explore how to determine if a necklace is made of real gold, it’s important to understand a few things about gold and its purity. For expert insights, we consulted Lakis Tasatzis, Founder of Narcissus Jewelry, a family jewelry business established in 1953.

According to Tasatzis, gold purity is measured in karats, with 24K representing pure gold. Due to gold’s natural malleability, it is often mixed, or alloyed, with other metals such as copper, nickel, or silver to enhance its durability. This process results in various types of gold, each with unique properties:

• Yellow Gold: A traditional and timeless choice, combining pure gold with copper and zinc.
• White Gold: Typically alloyed with nickel or palladium and usually finished with a rhodium coating for a bright, reflective surface.
• Rose Gold: Characterized by a higher copper content, which gives it a distinctive pinkish hue.

Tasatzis further explained that a solid gold necklace is made entirely of gold, unlike gold-plated jewelry, which has a thin layer of gold over a base metal. Gold-filled necklaces, which have a thicker layer of gold bonded to a base metal, are more durable than gold-plated ones but still do not match the value and quality of solid gold pieces.

Identifying Hallmarks

Gold necklaces have their own way of signaling their authenticity and one of the most efficient ways is through Hallmarks. They are little engravings you notice on your jewelry on the clasp of any necklace or on the inner side of the ring and they reflect the gold purity percentage that the ornament consists of.

• 10K, 14K, 18K: Representation of Gold purity – The higher the number, the Higher the Gold rate
• GP, GF, HGP: These abbreviations represent gold-plated, gold-filled, and heavy gold-plated.

You need a magnifying glass and sufficient lighting to check gold. 10k, 14k, or 18k stamps indicate real gold.  However, GP or GF hallmarks mean the jewelry isn’t solid gold.

Simple At-Home Tests

No need to be a jeweler to perform a couple of tests on your own for your peace of mind! Without being an expert, you can try these very simple methods of testing your necklace’s gold contents from your home:

• Use a magnet: Genuine gold, as it has no magnetic properties, should not be attracted to magnets. Obtain a faint magnet and hold it near your jewelry piece. If your necklace is drawn to a magnet, it is likely that it is not genuine gold! However, keep in mind that this is somewhat of a weak test because there are also many metals that do not have magnetic properties.
• Scratch Test: The test includes scratching your necklace on an unglazed ceramic plate. Authentic gold would leave a gold trail while others would turn dark- blackish or greenish color. This test comes with a risk of exterior damage to the jewelry. 
• Float Test: Gold, being heavier than water, should sink in it. Fill a tub with sufficient water levels and dip your jewelry in it. If it floats or does not sink, it is probably not real gold. But again, some fakes are made heavy to exactly match the original. So, this is not a foolproof test.
• Skin Test: Fake gold if it contains some chemicals can turn skin color. You can wear it for a day and look for a greenish/ blackish mark on the neck. If the skin discolors, then it is not genuine gold. But, note that pure gold metal in combination with some other alloys may lead to discoloration of skin.

Advanced Testing Methods

For more accurate verification, consider these advanced methods used by professionals:

• Acid Test: Jewelers use a nitric acid solution to check for fake gold. They cut the chain and put a drop of acid. If it dissolves, it’s fake; if not, it’s real. However, nitric acid is hazardous and you might not have been trained to handle it.
• Electronic Gold Testers: They check gold’s electrical resistance and thus can accurately detect its purity. Although expensive, they check the authenticity instantly and are safe as they don’t harm jewelry, unlike nitric acid. Thus, they are a popular gold check device of preference by jewelers.
• X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry: X-ray fluorescence is less destructive and more accurate. But, you may only find it from jewelers or labs.

Buying from Reputable Sources

Make sure your jeweler is a reputable one. Always ask for documentation like a GIA certificate which shows that your item is a genuine one. Know their return policies, and if they have a money-back policy for inauthentic gold. Also, ask for an expert evaluation for all big purchases.

Conclusion

Confirming whether your gold necklace is real involves understanding gold purity, recognizing stamps, conducting preliminary tests, and seeking professional help when you need to. Using the correct steps, you now know how to check if your gold necklace is real or fake. Remember, always get professional help when in doubt, and never get it from an untrustworthy seller. 

Have you tried out a gold jewelry check at home? Do let us know about your experiences below.

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