Gold items can fetch you a pretty penny in today’s gold-hungry market. And for those of you wanting to sell this precious metal, you’ll want to make sure that your gold jewelry is the real deal. So, while you are asking yourself, “what is the gold price in Canada?”, it might also be a good idea to check if that gold ring or necklace is truly authentic or just a cheap knockoff. To help you get the best return on your jewelry here is how to tell if your gold is fake.
Look for the hallmark
One of the easiest ways to test if your gold is real is to look at it. Most gold jewelry has engravings or markings verifying the carat weight. But keep in mind, stamps can fade over time—and counterfeiters have come up with some sophisticated ways of engraving. Checking for stamps or marks might not be the best foolproof test, but it’s a good place to start.
Try a magnet
Not all metals are created equal—some are magnetic, and some aren’t. Gold definitely falls into the “not” category. To test the authenticity of your jewellery, hold a magnet to it. If it sticks, it stinks. That said, many metals are non-magnetic, so you won’t want to solely rely on the magnet test to check if your gold is fake.
Drop it in water
A quick and easy way to test to see if you have an authentic piece of jewelry is to drop it in water. Gold is a heavy metal. So, if you place real gold in a cup of water, it should sink to the bottom. If it floats, you’ll know it is a fake.
Perform a liquid foundation test
The foundation test—it’s not the most reliable test, but it can work. Start by putting some liquid foundation on your forehead. Then, rub the gold piece across the covered area. If you see a black streak, you’ve got yourself some real gold.
Get it professionally appraised
Want to know without a shadow of a doubt if your gold is real or not? Have your jewelry appraised by a professional. Reliable gold buyers have the experience and the state-of-the-art equipment to test your gold for its authenticity.
Checking the authenticity of your gold isn’t tough—it just takes a little know-how and the right gold buyer. So, the next time you ask yourself, “what is the gold price in Canada?”, don’t forget to test if your gold items are real.
