Few things are as disappointing as discovering that what you thought was gold is fake.
The saying “All that glitters is not gold” is derived from a 16th-century line by William Shakespeare. And although it is meant figuratively to indicate that not everything that looks valuable is valuable, it also has a literal meaning – not everything that looks like gold is gold!
Gold is arguably the most popular precious metal. And as one of the most expensive precious metals, it is no surprise that the fake gold market is huge.
Some people use inexpensive materials to create items they fraudulently pass off as gold. But most jewelry items that look like gold, such as costume jewelry and gold-plated jewelry, are not created to deceive the buyer.
The challenge is that some of these fake gold items end up in the hands of people who believe they are genuine. For that, we have made an extensive guide for you that can help on make sure you never buy a fake metal labeled as gold! Read on to learn the telltale signs of how to spot fake gold.
Easy Tests: How to Spot Fake Gold at Home
You can use the following methods to help determine if gold is real. However, they are not foolproof. To validate any suspicions you might have, visit a reputable jeweler or pawn shop that can test and evaluate gold for its authenticity. However, here we have listed some easy tests you can do yourself to determine your gold’s purity.
#1. Magnet Test
Gold is not magnetic. If your item is attracted to a strong magnet, it likely contains other metals like iron or nickel. To test, hold your gold item near a high-powered magnet—real gold will show no reaction.
However, many non-magnetic metals like copper, zinc, or silver are also used in gold alloys. For instance, white gold may contain nickel, which is magnetic, possibly giving a false reading. This test is best used as a first step to eliminate obvious fakes, not as a final answer.
#2. Hallmark Test
Hallmarks are small stamps found on genuine gold jewelry that indicate the purity level and, in some cases, the manufacturer. These marks might be located on the inside of a ring band or clasp of a necklace. Common gold purity hallmarks include 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, and 24K. European pieces may use fineness markings like 375, 585, 750, and 999.
Other common hallmarks include:
- GP – Gold Plated
- GF – Gold Filled
- GE – Gold Electroplated
- GEP – Gold Electro Plated
- HGP – Heavy Gold Plated
- HEG – Heavy Electroplated Gold
The above markings indicate that only a small percentage of gold is covering an item to give it the appearance of gold.
Hallmarks are not foolproof and may wear off over time.
#3. Skin Test
To perform the skin test, rub the gold against your skin or hold it in your hand until it becomes warm. Real gold won’t discolor your skin, but fake gold might leave a green, blue, or black stain. This happens due to a reaction between non-gold metals and the acids or moisture in your skin.
Note that wearing makeup may discolor your skin when it is in contact with gold. In addition, test results may differ for heavily plated gold items.
#4. Acid Test
The nitric acid test is a common method for spotting fake gold. When a drop of acid is applied to a scratched area on the item, real gold remains unaffected, while fake gold changes color or dissolves. Green indicates a base metal like copper or nickel, while a milky color may indicate silver.
This test requires special acid kits and should be done carefully, as nitric acid is corrosive. Scratching the item can cause minor damage, especially to plated jewelry. If you’re not experienced with acids, it’s best to leave this one to the professionals.
#5. Float Test
All you need to do to perform the float test is to drop your item in a bowl of water. Real gold will immediately sink to the bottom. Imitation gold will float or hover above the bottom of the bowl.
Note that imitation gold made from metals denser than water, such as iron, will also sink to the bottom. But it is a quick and easy test, and if the item floats, you know it is not real gold.
#6. Smell Test
Have you ever noticed how bad your hand smells when it starts sweating while holding coins?
One metal that is often used to make coins (and fake gold jewelry) is brass – an alloy of copper and zinc. Whereas gold is odorless, brass, when in contact with sweat, produces an acidic smell due to an electrolytic reaction.
Place your gold jewelry in the palm of your hand until your hand starts sweating. Place your other hand over it and rub your hands together with the jewelry between them. Next, smell your hands – if they smell like coins, your gold jewelry might be fake.
If your gold jewelry passes the smell test, it does not necessarily mean it is gold. But if it fails the smell test, it is a red flag.
#7. Lighter Test
The lighter test is another quick and easy test you can do at home.
Place your gold jewelry in a position where you can apply heat to it without damaging the surrounding area or burning yourself. Keep the flame of a lighter on it for about one minute. If the color of the gold becomes darker, it is more than likely fake gold.
Real gold will get brighter, not darker. Fake gold will darken or change color.
Note that if the jewelry is gold plated, the gold plating might melt, in which case you should be able to spot the metal underneath.
Advanced Techniques for Authenticating Gold
Home tests are useful for initial assessments, but advanced tools offer greater accuracy without damaging the item. These professional techniques are commonly used by jewelers and pawnshops to verify the composition of gold precisely. If you want to be sure 100%, this is where to start.
#1. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Testing
XRF machines use X-ray beams to penetrate the item and analyze its elemental makeup. They produce immediate results on a digital screen, identifying the percentage of gold and any other metals present. XRF is non-destructive, accurate, and ideal for evaluating high-value gold items without causing any surface damage.
#2. Electronic Conductivity Measurement (ECM) Testing
Gold conducts electricity exceptionally well. ECM devices test this by sending a small electrical charge through the item and measuring resistance. Pure gold has a known level of conductivity, so if your item reads below this threshold, it likely contains other metals. This test helps spot layered or plated items quickly.
#3. Ultrasonic Testing
Ultrasonic waves are used to detect internal inconsistencies in metal structures. Sound waves pass through the item, and the way they bounce back can reveal whether the interior is solid gold or contains other materials. This test is especially useful for spotting fakes with thick gold plating over base metals.
Understanding The Gold Purity
Gold purity is a measure of how much actual gold is present in an item. Pure gold is defined as 24 karats, meaning 24 out of 24 parts are gold. However, because pure gold is soft and easy to bend or scratch, most jewelry is made using lower karat levels like 10K, 14K, or 18K.
For example, 14K gold contains 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% alloyed metals like copper or silver to increase strength. Similarly, 18K gold is 75% gold and 25% other metals. The karat rating affects not just durability but also color and price, making it a critical factor in assessing value.
Things to Know Before Buying Gold
Buying gold is more than just choosing an attractive piece of jewelry or bullion—it’s a financial investment. Whether you’re buying for resale, gifting, or long-term value, being informed helps you avoid overpaying or unknowingly purchasing fake or misrepresented gold. Below are important factors every buyer should understand before committing to a purchase.
1. Know the Seller
Always buy gold from a reputable and well-established source. Trusted sellers—such as licensed jewelers, certified gold dealers, and reputable pawn shops offer transparency, proper documentation, and fair return policies.
Avoid street vendors, unverified online listings, or unfamiliar stores that offer prices that seem too good to be true. These are often red flags for counterfeit or misrepresented gold. A legitimate seller will provide full details about the item’s purity, weight, and origin, and won’t hesitate to answer questions.
2. Check for Hallmarks
Genuine gold pieces are typically marked with hallmarks that indicate their purity and often their country of origin or manufacturer. Look for stamps like 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K, or numbers like 375, 585, 750, and 999 that reflect gold content in parts per thousand. Other indicators may include initials for the jeweler or manufacturer. Avoid items with worn, faded, or poorly stamped markings. These could be counterfeit or inaccurately labeled.
3. Ask for Receipts or Certificates
Always request a certificate of authenticity or an original receipt—especially for larger purchases like gold coins, investment bars, or designer jewelry. These documents help confirm the item’s value, origin, and karat rating and act as proof of ownership. This is particularly important for reselling, insurance claims, or appraisals later on. Without paperwork, it may be harder to verify the gold’s history or guarantee its value. If the seller can’t or won’t provide documentation, that should raise a red flag.
4. Understand Market Pricing
Gold prices fluctuate daily based on the global market. Before buying, research the current spot price of gold (usually quoted per gram or per ounce) and compare it to the seller’s asking price. Keep in mind that retail gold jewelry includes markups for craftsmanship, brand name, and design. If you’re buying for investment purposes, bullion and coins will generally have lower markups than jewelry. Comparing prices across multiple sellers also helps you identify inflated pricing or identify deals that are too good to be true.
5. Know the Type of Gold You’re Buying
Not all gold is created equal. Solid gold (10K to 24K) holds the most long-term value, while gold-filled and gold-plated items contain only a small fraction of gold. Gold-plated jewelry, for example, has a thin outer coating that can wear off over time, exposing the base metal beneath. Gold-filled items contain more gold, but still aren’t considered solid. If you’re investing or buying with resale in mind, opt for solid gold pieces. Be clear on whether the item is solid, plated, or filled, and don’t hesitate to ask the seller.
Visit Maxferd to Authenticate or Sell Your Gold Today!
The tests on how to spot fake gold should give you an indication of whether or not an item is made from gold, gold plated, or costume jewelry. But, it is only an indication – to establish the authenticity of gold, visit a reputable jeweler or pawnbroker.
Now, are you wondering how much does a pawn shop pay for gold? Pawn shops pay on the basis of several factors, but generally, pawn shops pay a percentage of the gold’s market value.
If you have any jewelry or items made from gold that you would like to sell, pawn, or have them expertly evaluated, Maxferd has in-house experts ready to assist you.
Call us at (800) 888-7296 or visit one of our five locations in San Francisco and Los Angeles to find out how we can help you.