Identify real gold and fake gold

Identify real gold and fake gold

To Identify real gold and differentiate it from fake gold in the market.                              

     1. Hallmark Certification  

• What is it?  Hallmarking is an official mark stamped on gold to certify its purity. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides hallmarking.                                  
• How to check?  Look for the BIS hallmark, which includes a BIS logo, fineness number (e.g.,916 for 22K gold), hallmarking centre's mark, and jeweller's identification mark.

    2. Magnet Test

•  What is it? Gold is not magnetic, so it won't stick to a magnet.
• How to check?  Use a strong magnet and bring it close to the gold item. if it sticks, the item might not be pure gold.

    3. How the Magnet Test Works.

   Understanding Magnetism in Gold:

• Pure gold (24 karats) is not magnetic, meaning it won't attract magnets. if gold is mixed with non-magnetic metals like silver or copper (used in many jewellery pieces to add strength), the gold will still not be magnetic. 
• However, if the gold is mixed or coated with magnetic metals like iron or nickel, it will be attracted to a magnet.

• Performing the Magnet Test:

• Get a Strong Magnet: Use a high-strength magnet, such as a neodymium magnet stronger than regular fridge magnets and can detect even slight magnetism.

• Bring the Magnet Close: Hold the magnet near the gold item without touching it. Move the magnet around the piece of gold.

• Observe the Reaction:                                                                                                    1.  if the item is attracted to the magnet or sticks to it, the gold is likely not pure and could contain a magnetic metal, inciting it might be fake or of low purity.                                                                                                                                                                  2. if the item is not attracted to the magnet, it does not necessarily mean it is pure gold but suggests it does not contain significant amounts of magnetic metals.

Limitations of the Magnet Test

• False Positives: Some fake gold items may not react to a magnet if they are made of non-magnetic materials.

• Plated Gold: Items that are just gold-plated (a thin layer of gold or another metal) might not be magnetic if the base metal is too magnetic.

• Not a Comiprehensive Test: The magnet test can help rule out fake gold but does not confirm the purity or authenticity of gold. Additional tests are needed for conclusive results. 

    Using the Magnet Test with Other Methods

    

    To increase accuracy, use the magnet test in conjunction with other gold-testing methods.     For instance, combining it with the acid test or checking for hallmark certification                provides a better assessment of gold authenticity and purity. 

    4. Acid Test 

• What is it? This test uses nitric acid to check for purity.                                                             
• How to check?  A small scratch is made on the gold item, and a drop of nitric acid is applied. Real gold will not react, while fake gold will show a green or milky reaction. 

     5. Density Test.

• What is it? Gold has a specific density (19.32 g/cm ). 

• How to check? Weigh the gold item and measure its volume by water displacement. Calculate its density and compare it to the standard density of gold.

    6. Ceramic Scratch Test

• What is it? This test involves rubbing the gold item on an unglazed ceramic surface. 

• How to check?  if it leaves a gold steak, it is likely real. if it leaves a black streak, it is fake.

    7. Electronic Gold Tester 

• what is it?  A device that can measure the electrical conductivity of gold.

• How to check?  Use the device according to the manufacturer's instructions to get a reading on the gold's purity.    

    8. Ultrasonic Testing 

• What is it? This method uses high-frequency sound waves to detect the internal composition of the gold.

• How to check? Specialized equipment is required to perform this test, usually available at professional jeweles or testing centres.     

    9. Professional Appraisal 

• What is it? Consulting with a certified jeweller or a gold testing laboratory.

• How to check? Visit a reputed jeweller who can use professional equipment to verify the authenticity and purity of the gold.

    After-Sales check

• Always request a bill or receipt specifying the gold's karat, weight, and price. 

• Ensure the jeweller offers a buyback policy or exchange options for future needs. 

• Retain the certificate of authenticity and any other documentation provided.