How to distinguish white gold from a fake - Metals and their processing

How gold is counterfeited

Gold is out of fashion. For thousands of years, the solar metal has remained desired by humanity. Gold jewelry is still recognized today as an indicator of high social status and a symbol of wealth.

In the 21st century, jewelers have learned to create products in different shades: some of the most popular, in addition to the classic yellow and red, are white and pink.

But the more popular gold , the more ways lovers of easy money found to counterfeit the precious metal. We are at Zlato.

ua we will tell you about popular methods of counterfeiting solar metal. It’s worth knowing about them, because fakes are too expensive. Both for the wallet and for the nerves.

Gold jewelry

Gold samples and product quality control

Sample is an indicator of the mass of precious metal in an alloy. Pure 999.9 gold is too soft and not suitable for making jewelry. A ligature is added to it. 585 test is the most popular alloy and has the optimal characteristics: it is durable enough for everyday wear and has a relatively affordable price.

A product with a purity of 375 contains only 37.5% gold, so the jewelry quickly tarnishes. The color does not depend on the sample - solely on the presence of the necessary metals in the alloy. For more information about hallmarks, read the article about gold and its hallmarks.

A good fake can be visually distinguished from real gold only with the help of special devices. In Ukraine, the quality of jewelry is controlled by the Assay Office. Genuine jewelry has a hallmark and a tag with full information . But in pursuit of savings, people buy products secondhand without any imprints or signs of the real product.

Although a sample is not always a guarantee that the buyer is not being deceived. The reason to doubt is the unevenness, the unclear mark of the mark . When buying a product, be sure to ask the seller for a magnifying glass to take a closer look at the inscription.

Rings and earrings in pink, red and yellow gold

How gold is counterfeited: types of counterfeits

Two types of fake gold are identified : jewelry alloys coated with gold and alloys with an underestimated value of the precious metal in the composition, which does not allow the product to be assigned a sample. The second type of fakes is more difficult to distinguish.

There is another clever trick: the lock on a chain or bracelet is made of gold in order to stamp it, and the product itself is made of an alloy with a low content of precious metal.

Gypsy gold (samovar, randol) - yellow copper or brass with a minimum gold indicator or without it. Contains beryllium.

Easily dissolves in all acids. Has bright color and shine. The peculiarity of the randol is that its physical qualities only improve over time and the metal becomes stronger. Because of this, gypsy gold is even used in the aviation and automotive industries.

Randol is also popular as a material for making jewelry, watches, decorative items, blades, and coins. Gypsy gold is identical in composition to the 375-carat alloy.

To make imitation precious metals look as true as possible, some jewelers have tried all possible methods. One of the most popular is the creation of alloys that are barely distinguishable from gold in appearance.

Tombak plates, creation of an alloy with gold

Tompak is an alloy of 90% copper and 10% zinc, resistant to corrosion. Tombak is used to counterfeit different shades of gold, since this alloy easily accepts other additives. Compatriots often bring such products from Turkey. They quickly become deformed and lose their attractive appearance. Also characterized by a rich yellow or metallic color or reddish appearance.

Similor is a combination of copper, zinc and tin.

Durametal is an alloy of zinc, copper and aluminum with a golden-bronze hue.

Mosaic gold is an alloy of 70% copper and 30% zinc.

Heragold is a German alloy with a low gold content used to make costume jewelry.

Garnet gold is an alloy containing 25% pure metal. At the end of the 19th century, it was used in the Czech Republic for setting multi-colored pomegranates.

Platinor is an alloy of 18% platinum, 10% silver, and the rest is copper, nickel and zinc.

Modern gold jewelry in original design

How to test gold at home

Some craftsmen advise testing the product by “tooth”, soaking it in battery acid, lubricating it with iodine, or throwing it on a hard surface in order to distinguish real gold by sound.

Unfortunately, these methods are ineffective, and using some tips can even ruin a real precious metal.

For example, various reagents act only on the surface of the product, and what’s inside will remain a mystery. And professional reagents sometimes fail.

determine the authenticity of a product 100% using analytical equipment.

Wedding rings in different shades of gold: from green to white

To avoid fakes, buy jewelry from trusted stores. But buying from someone else is always a risk. If the fake makes itself known, it is impossible to make claims and demand the return of money. And most often a check is not issued in such cases. Whereas in specialized stores that cooperate with suppliers directly, the possibility of deception is low, and the likelihood is higher that in case of poor quality, you will receive a refund or exchange the goods.

Text author: Anna Garashchenko

Source: https://Zlato.ua/news/tips-for-choosing/like-fake-gold/

How to distinguish gold from fake without a jeweler

I am a jeweler, and people often come to me with questions about the authenticity of gold jewelry. We use special reagents for this purpose, which make it possible to reliably identify a fake. In this material I’ll tell you what to do if you don’t have the opportunity or desire to go to a jeweler.

Try

Checking the presence of a sample is the simplest and most obvious way to identify a fake. It should not only be present, but also be clear and show a real-life number.

Thus, in Russia, products are now produced with hallmarks 375, 500, 585, 750, 900, 916, 958. On old jewelry you can find hallmark 560. For jewelry from other countries, this list may be different, so I advise you to study the issue more carefully.

Vinegar

It is necessary to pour this substance into any convenient container, without diluting it with water or anything else. Then lower the decoration there and leave for 5-10 minutes. Nothing will happen to gold, but fakes will definitely change color noticeably.

Nitric acid

The jewelry should be placed in a metal container and a little nitric acid should be dripped onto it in an inconspicuous place. Entirely gold jewelry will not change color, gold-plated jewelry will acquire a light milky tint, and jewelry made from a non-precious metal alloy will turn green.

Iodine

Drop undiluted iodine onto the surface of the product, wait about a minute, then wipe off the excess with a cloth or paper towel. Gold will not leave marks, but other metal alloys will in most cases.

Silver nitrate

The method allows you to distinguish an entirely gold product from a gilded one. In the first case, no visual changes will occur to the decoration, but in the second case, streaks will appear on it.

Magnet

Most gold alloys produced by the jewelry industry do not contain ferromagnets, that is, metals that are attracted to a magnet. But there are exceptions, so it is better to use this method of verification in combination with others, so as not to make a mistake.

Needle

It is necessary to carefully, without strong pressure, scrape the surface of the product with the tip of the needle. There will be no traces left on the gold, and if the product was plated with gold, it will be partially removed.

Smell

Normally, gold does not smell at all. And even more so, it cannot have a characteristic metallic smell. If it is clearly present, this is definitely a fake.

Price

Gold jewelry cannot be sold much cheaper than the cost of the metal used for its production. If the seller insists on the need for money, don’t believe it. You can sell gold for scrap by weight at any pawnshop, and there are them in almost every city.

White gold testing

White gold is an alloy of gold with nickel, palladium or silver. All the methods described above will help to distinguish it from alloys of base metals. Here's how to check whether the jewelry was made entirely of silver without a drop of gold:

Press the decoration over the paper. It is important that it is not glossy. Silver will leave a slight grayish mark, white gold - none.
Take a closer look at the decoration. Pure silver has a cooler, more matte tone.
During wear, silver quickly acquires a blackish coating due to contact with sulfur in the air and on human skin. Gold darkens much more slowly.
Silver is softer than gold. It is much easier to bend or otherwise deform a product made from it.

Summary

The product must have a sample. The exception is antiques from those times when its placement was not yet mandatory by law.
Real gold has no odor and tarnishes very slowly.
Most gold alloys are not magnetic.
Gold leaves no marks on paper.
Gold does not change color when exposed to vinegar, iodine, nitric acid or silver nitrate.
Genuine gold jewelry cannot cost a penny.
Gold is not so easy to scratch with improvised objects.

When using materials from thebestvideo.ru, a link to the source is required.

Source: https://thebestvideo.ru/fun/poleznosti/zoloto-ot-poddelki/

How to distinguish gold from fake? - How to be there

Today you can find a lot of fake jewelry. How to distinguish gold from fake so as not to become a victim of scammers? There are many effective ways. The most reliable method is to check with a specialist. If he is not nearby, then there are some useful tips from jewelers.

Ways to recognize fake jewelry

First you need to consider the jewelry. It must have a special marking that is responsible for the authenticity of the gold. The hallmark or carat weight must be stamped.

To facilitate inspection, it is advisable to use a magnifying glass. It is not always possible to distinguish the mark on antique metal.

In the modern world, they have learned how to test gold on fake gold, so this method is not always successful.

Over time, the gold plating wears off. You need to look at the edges of the product. If other metal is visible in the areas of wear, the item is not entirely made of gold.

Checking the product for bite

Previously, films were often shown where gold coins were tested for their “tooth”. And for good reason. After all, this way you can check not only coins, but also gold jewelry. For example, a ring or earring.

The product must be pressed with your teeth. Now look at him. Real gold will leave teeth marks. The deeper the bite, the higher the test.

However, we must not forget that lead is very soft, so it will also leave traces.

Ceramic check

Fake gold is easy to detect using this method. This test must be carried out very carefully as it is easily scratched. To do this, you will need an unglazed ceramic plate, that is, not covered with anything. Swipe the gold over it with light pressure. What is visible? The gold stripe is a natural product, the black stripe is a fake decoration.

Magnetic check

First you need to purchase a magnet. The one that hangs on the refrigerator is very soft and is not suitable for dough. The magnet must be a real, heavy one that interacts with the metal. Gold is never attracted.

Therefore, feel free to bring the jewelry to the magnet. If she is attracted, then you are holding a real fake. There are cases when a magnetically passive component is added to a product. Then you can confuse gold with a fake.

How to distinguish gold in such cases? Try the following method.

Application of nitric acid

Nitric acid will help identify fake gold from real gold. To do this, place the product in a metal container without stains. Next, you need to drop nitric acid from a pipette onto the product.

If the gold changes color and becomes greenish, then you are conducting an experiment with ordinary metal. The gilded product takes on a milky hue. If the gold is real, then no reaction will take place.

Sound test

If you take a gold item and throw it onto the surface of the table, then the real metal will ring loudly, like crystal. For such an experience, rings, earrings, but not long jewelry (chains, bracelets) are suitable.

Vinegar test

Pour some vinegar into the container and place the decoration there. Nothing bad will happen to real gold, but fake gold will darken in two minutes.

Iodine test

Iodine is a very good test for the authenticity of jewelry. To do this, you only need to apply one drop to the inside of the product. Gold will remain unchanged. The fake decoration will darken. It can turn either light gray or black.

Any chemical testing is possible only on the surface of the jewelry. The inside is checked when a person is ready to destroy the product.

You can also ask experts how to distinguish gold from a fake, who will help you quickly and using several ways to determine whether the jewelry is real. Gilding is almost real metal.

Determining gold plating

Many consumers are interested in: “how to distinguish gold from gilding?” With the slightest knowledge this is not difficult to do. Usually gold plating is not tested. The gold alloy will not be able to lie on top of the metal. Only real noble metal will fit.

If you see a product with hallmarks: 585, 750, 350, 500 - this is gold with added impurities. Pure precious metal can have only one hallmark - 999.

If gold foil was used, then they can use a different test than those used on real metal.

Important! A sample does not always guarantee the authenticity of a product. Sometimes small scratches can be seen. Often this means that the item is not entirely gold, but only a clasp on or near the item. Everything else may turn out to be gold.

To check the jewelry yourself, you can lightly scrape the product in an inconspicuous area. The gilding will come off slightly, but the gold will remain unchanged.

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A lapis pencil is also suitable for checking. It is sold in any pharmacy. The scraping area must be moistened with water and drawn over it with a pencil. Any metal other than gold will darken.

A simple experiment can be done to test gold. Turn on the burner and heat the product over it (300-400 degrees). Then quickly throw it into cold water. Gold will not change, but stains will appear on other metals.

You should never purchase gold from dubious establishments and stores. These should be specialized jewelry departments, where there are quality certificates and specialists work. After all, some unscrupulous sellers refer to the fact that samples are not taken abroad. You can't believe this. Any import of gold jewelry is not permitted without a stamp and relevant documents.

Sometimes you come across products that have the 583rd mark on them. Many people don't know about it. These jewelry were made in Soviet times and fakes of such products are extremely rare. Therefore, if you come across a 583 sample, do not be alarmed.

Recognizing copper

The famous scientist Aristotle believed that the best way to distinguish copper from real gold is to taste both. If you drink water from a metal cup that contains copper, it will taste metallic. The golden cup does not give off any taste.

Copper tends to oxidize when interacting with oxygen, that is, in air. Therefore, unlike gold, it will darken over time.

Imitation gold

A variety of alloys are used for fake gold jewelry.

Aluminum bronze, which resembles gold in color. This alloy consists of 90% copper and 10% aluminum.

Aluminum bronze coin.

Belgica is an alloy similar to platinum. It contains about 74% iron, approximately 16% chromium, and almost 9% nickel.

Mosaic gold, which includes almost 70% copper and 30% zinc. Gives a hint of native gold.

Tompak - this alloy is very similar to real gold. It is often brought by tourists from Turkey, Israel or China. If you don’t know how to distinguish gold, it’s better not to buy it in these countries.

There are a huge number of such alloys. Thanks to such materials, they learned to imitate real gold. Most often it is transported through smuggling. Counterfeiting gold is a very common phenomenon. Try not to fall into the “trap”.

How to avoid fraud?

To avoid buying a fake, you need to follow simple rules.

You should not buy gold jewelry from traders in markets or dubious stalls where there are no appropriate documents. Sellers very often offer fakes.

Don't trust your intuition, because it can fail you at the most inopportune moment. Don’t think that a product is too cheap - this does not mean that it is of high quality. Gold must be hallmarked, even if it is made to order.

Do not buy jewelry that contains an alloy of titanium and gold. In appearance they resemble 585 gold, but most likely they do not contain precious metal.

If a product has a hallmark or a tag hanging on it, this does not guarantee the yellow metal content. A poorly versed consumer will not always be able to distinguish a fake even with the help of numerous experiments.

If a buyer knows the real price of a product and suddenly sees the same thing, but cheaper, this does not always mean that it is a fake. It is necessary to pay attention not only to external data, but also to size, weight and manufacturer. It is from this data that prices vary. You can also end up with a high-quality fake, which is extremely difficult to distinguish from real precious metal.

Every jewelry professional has special equipment that can be used to determine the quality and price of the metal. Of course, the easiest way to find out how to distinguish gold from copper, for example, is advice from a professional. Even if the service is paid, the person will be confident in the authenticity of the jewelry.

Source: https://kaktambyt.ru/kak-otlichit-zoloto-ot-poddelki.html

How to distinguish gilding from gold? Jewelers' advice

Not everyone has the professional sense of a jeweler, capable of recognizing a fake among gold jewelry at first glance. However, this does not mean that you should rely only on your luck or the integrity of the sellers. There are several ways to distinguish gold from gilding without the involvement of experts and laboratory tests.

Gilding and methods of applying it

Gold plating is considered to be a layer of several microns on a piece of jewelry made of silver or other metal. Visually, such objects do not differ from gold ones, which is what many designers, artists and jewelry sellers use. With the help of gilding you can create unique objects of art and architectural designs. They even began to use it in cosmetology.

The further use of the jewelry will depend on the thickness of the gilded layer. For example, a 0.05 mm gold coating will withstand up to six months of active wear, after which it will begin to peel off. Therefore, self-respecting jewelry companies strive not to make their goods cheaper, but to make them of high quality, covering objects with a layer of gold plating from 0.1 mm.

There are several ways to gild products. The choice of each of them depends on the type of metal being coated and the professionalism of the craftsman.

Fire or mercury. An ancient method often used in gilding church domes. It was based on the use of a mixture of mercury, so the method was dangerous to health and even life. Because of this, they stopped using it.
Oil-based or Mordan gilding. It is used for both internal and external work. Mordan can be purchased in specialized online stores.
Clay based. Used mainly for interior design and not for decoration. Previously, coating mixtures were made from specially selected components. Now you can find ready-made formulations on sale
Water-synthetic. For this method of gilding, mixtures based on water are used. The finished product is glossy and does not require final polishing.

Gilding on jewelry is done in a modern way - galvanic. In this case, only high-quality gold is often used. The gilded layer lasts from 3 months to a year, depending on the frequency and accuracy of wear.

Methods for determining the authenticity of gold products

All the differences between gold and gilding lie in the composition of the products, because... visually it is difficult to immediately determine who is who. Don't pay attention only to the price. Some sellers, on the contrary, may overestimate it in order to confuse an uninformed buyer. If you have doubts about the authenticity of the purchased jewelry, you can carry out a number of activities and find out whether you were deceived or not.

Visual inspection

You can perform a similar verification method immediately before purchasing. Having carefully examined the gold jewelry, there should be no abrasions, chips, or blurred colors on it. A clearly visible sample must also be present. The precious metal has a characteristic cold shine and uniform color. No dark stains or stripes are allowed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plFDk8mPr3w

The easiest way to figure out whether there is gold in front of you or not is to test it with light and shadow. The precious metal shines equally in the shade and in the sun. If under the rays of the sun the jewel sparkled with new colors, but in the shadow it looked faded and unattractive, then it is a fake.

Real gold is stamped with hallmark data.

Marking

The higher the grade indicated on the jewelry, the more expensive it is. However, it should be remembered that pure gold is extremely rarely found in stores. The most popular samples are 585 and 750. Silver, copper and other less valuable impurities are mixed into the base metal. Thus, the strength of the alloy is achieved and the ability to create jewelry of various shapes and sizes from it.

Real gold is marked with information about the fineness, manufacturer, price per gram and for the entire piece of jewelry. In addition, the Quality Control Department stamp must be present.

No matter how much one would like to believe that the presence of a sample is a guarantee of the authenticity of the product, this is not always the case. The fact is that bracelets, chains and earrings have clasps. Unscrupulous suppliers most often send these parts for testing and, having received a positive result, put the gold part on a cheap gold-plated piece of jewelry.

Determining the authenticity of gold using vinegar

lapis pencil

Lapis pencil can be bought at any pharmacy. This is a means to stop bleeding, but in this case, it will help distinguish gold from gilding. A small cut is made on the reverse side of the product being tested and the area is washed with water. Then they run it with a lapis pencil and see if the metal has changed color. If this doesn't happen, then it's real gold.

Determining the authenticity of gold using nitric acid

Needle test

A needle or other sharp object will be a great help in determining the authenticity of jewelry. You need to make scratches in an inconspicuous area. After such manipulations, the gilded layer will immediately peel off, and not a trace will remain on pure gold.

Selection criteria and recommendations for purchasing

The first thing you should know when going to a store to buy gold jewelry is that it must be reputable and certified. It is highly not recommended to buy such products in small shops, kiosks, and especially on the Internet on dubious sites.

You don’t need to trust your intuition and especially chase the cheapest. A suspiciously low price for jewelry supposedly made of gold should be the first signal that it is a fake. All high-quality jewelry made of precious metal must be hallmarked, even if it was made to order.

If you know a jeweler, it is better to ask him to check the authenticity of the selected product. You can use a paid gold determination service. Now they are provided in any specialized stores, workshops and even pawn shops.

Source: https://1nerudnyi.ru/kak-otlichit-pozolotu-ot-zolota-01/

Good advice on how to distinguish gold from fake

How to distinguish gold from fakes at home: features, recommendations - Gold and Jewelry

There are situations when a tempting offer to buy gold requires verification. There are a lot of fakes in this case, which you need to be able to distinguish from real gold. And considering that very often this happens in ordinary home conditions, how to correctly and reliably check whether it is real gold or a fake? Today we will study all the ways to quickly and reliably get a 100% result and distinguish gold from fakes.

Product counterfeiting has been called a "crime of the 21st century." In 2015, the International Chamber of Commerce conducted a study that estimated the global value of counterfeit products could exceed US$1.77 trillion. Since jewelry is also often counterfeited, it is necessary to take precautions against deception when purchasing it.

Excessive shine and a brassy appearance can be obvious signs that jewelry is fake, but counterfeiters can now create an exact replica of the genuine item. An unsuspecting buyer will not be able to tell the difference between a fake and the real thing at first glance.

You may have already bought gold jewelry but haven't bothered to check if it's genuine. Unless we are talking about gold bars, it is very impractical to consult an appraiser every time you buy this jewelry. Although, this may save you from being scammed.

Fortunately, precious metals such as gold have unique properties that can be seen after these studies are performed.

Physical check

You can inspect the gold jewelry you have purchased and look for official markings. They are usually located in an unseen area of your body jewelry. There should be a small stamp indicating the purity (or karat) of your gold jewelry. Anything under 10 carats is considered fake in the United States.

This is accompanied by the manufacturer's emblem, which is not easy to imitate. In the United Kingdom (where the minimum accepted standard is 9 carats) there are four official assay offices and their hallmarks must be found on the jewelery you buy.

These labels are too small to be seen and require a magnifying glass to locate them.

Authentic but old jewelry may have lost its stamp due to wear and tear. Counterfeiters can also often imitate this control. You should also be aware that marks with HGP and HEP indicate that what you purchased is not real gold. The two acronyms stand for heavy plated gold and heavy plated gold, respectively. So it's partly your fault if you mistook these marks for real gold marks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2kKIk-CHG0

You can also check the authenticity of your jewelry by looking for discoloration in unseen areas. If the gold appears faded and you see a different color, this may be evidence that your item is another metal plated with gold.

Another way to test your gold is by biting the jewelry. However, this is the least reliable test in this article. Try not to bite too hard, otherwise you risk damaging your teeth. If the metal recedes a little, it may be real gold, since gold is a soft metal. But be careful, lead is also soft, so you may end up with gold-plated lead jewelry.

Nitric acid test

Before performing this test, you need to know that if it is indeed real gold, your jewelry will not be harmed. However, if it is not real gold, it will suffer some damage. You can buy a test kit and do it at home, following specific instructions. The concentration of nitric acid you use should match the purity of your gold necklace or bracelet.

First, make a tiny mark (or scratch) on your jewelry and add a small amount of nitric acid. Make sure the scratch is deep enough for the nitric acid to penetrate. Then wait for some weird chemical reactions. If this part of your jewelry turns green, it is fake. If the reaction you get is the color of milk, know that your jewelry is made of sterling silver, gold plated.

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Genuine gold should not show any reaction or discoloration after this test. This is because gold does not react chemically with nitric acid, hence it will not change its color.

Ceramic or porcelain test

Although this is a test where you risk scratching your jewelry, it's worth mentioning. For this test you will need an unglazed ceramic or porcelain plate (or tile). Clicking and dragging the fake jewelry onto the plate will create a black line, while the gold will leave a gold-colored trail.

Magnetic Test

This is perhaps the most convenient test on the list, although even this test is not completely reliable. All you have to do is place the magnet next to your jewelry. Since gold does not react to magnets, objects should not stick to it. Just make sure the magnet you use is strong enough, so don't trust the ones you have in your refrigerator.

Remember that the gold we wear is mixed with some alloys to make it more durable because pure gold is a soft metal. Counterfeiters can very easily use non-magnetic metals in their jewelry.

Genuine gold shows no signs of discoloration.

Water test

There are two ways to check the authenticity of your jewelry using water. To make it easier, just pour some water into a cup and wait to see if your item rusts. Genuine gold will not rust because it is one of the least reactive metals on Earth. Your jewelry is fake if it shows signs of rust. This test may take some time as rust does not appear instantly.

Another method involves a bit of physics and gives you the density of your item. Pure gold has 19.30 g/s m3. To calculate the density of your item, first of all, you will need a container with millimeter markings. Pour some water into the container and mark the water level. Then submerge your jewelry in it and mark the water level again.

Next, calculate the difference between the water level from the beginning and the level it is now. The result gives you the volume of your jewelry. Now, to find out the density, you need the following formula: Density = mass / volume.

If your result is close to 19.30 g/s m3, then your part is made of real gold. Make sure you know the carat of your item because the density varies.

Weigh your jewelry

Gold is a heavy metal, so fake jewelry that looks exactly like the real thing will be relatively lighter. Basic comparisons usually talk about the purity of what you are wearing or its authenticity. If you still can't tell just by looking at it, you can use a set of calipers and a jeweler's scale. The latter can be configured to set a threshold for weighing gold items.

If you're still not sure

Gold is a precious metal, so be sure to check whether what you are buying is real or not. These tests do come in handy, but they are not completely effective and some clever counterfeiters can evade the indicators. However, the acid test is the most effective DIY method, but it causes damage to your gold jewelry.

Buy gold from trusted retailers and brands. If you are transacting online, buy from a legitimate website and avoid deals that are too good to be true. Also check the return policy of the store where you are planning to buy gold jewelry.

Regular stores have their own set of rules for a certain period of days. Moreover, they have in-house experts who can assist you in purchasing gold of your desired purity. Just stop by and inspect your jewelry.

Of course, there may be a fee, but they are professionals and their services are always 100% guaranteed.

Source: https://drag-zoloto.ru/dragocennye-metally/kak-otlichit-zoloto-ot-poddelok-v-domashnih-uslovijah-osobennosti-rekomendacii/

Gold and fake: how to distinguish at home

12.12.2018

Today, the urgent question has arisen about how to distinguish gold from counterfeit gold at home. This is due to the fact that the production of precious metals has decreased, but the number of jewelry stores, on the contrary, is growing. Therefore, the ability to distinguish gold from fake is very important in order not to become a victim of scammers and not end up the owner of fake jewelry.

Difference from fake

Various metals can be yellow, not just gold. It may be difficult for a person who has not had experience working with valuable substances to distinguish a fake from real jewelry . When buying an expensive item, it is recommended to ask what real gold looks like and how to determine its authenticity.

Stamp and hallmark

Each gold product has a hallmark. You need to carefully examine it with a magnifying glass. The sample location on jewelry is determined by uniform worldwide requirements:

Bracelets and earrings have a stamp on the clasp.
The test on the rings is placed on the inside.
On stud earrings it is located on the stem or on the clasp.
For watches, the hallmark is located on the inside of the lid.
On products with an English lock, the mark is placed on the shackle of the lock.

The hallmark is applied to the product in the form of numbers, for example, 585. Ordinary gold jewelry has exactly this hallmark. However, a hallmark with the numbers 999 will indicate pure gold without impurities. Everything below is alloys. The higher the standard, the more precious metal the product contains.

Appearance Features

The pronounced yellow color is a characteristic sign of authenticity. But this fact is not enough to determine whether it is a fake. For example, Turkish gold also has a rich yellow color. To check the quality of a gold product, you need to throw it on the table and listen to the sound:

Real gold has a very ringing sound, reminiscent of the ringing of crystal. This check is only suitable for small jewelry.
Using an empty glass, you can tell by the sound of an object falling into it whether it is real gold.

Very often it is difficult to determine the authenticity of a gold item by appearance. Its color may vary depending on the subspecies. Alloys with the addition of less valuable metals give a golden color. Gold itself is not only yellow, but also red, pink, and white.

Checking using available tools

If you have any doubts about the authenticity of gold jewelry, it is recommended to check it using available means. Typically, vinegar, iodine or black bread are used for such purposes. In addition, there are a number of options that will help you distinguish gold from other metals yourself. This check can be done as follows:

Vinegar. Pour a little vinegar into a ceramic or plastic dish and place the jewelry in there for a few minutes. If the metal is real, it will not change color or become stained. The fake will definitely darken.
Iodine. You need to drop it on the jewelry and wait 5 minutes, then wipe the product with a napkin. One drop is enough to distinguish real gold from fake gold at home. A ring that has darkened or turned greenish will confirm that it is fake.
Black bread. You will need a crumb in which to place the product. You need to roll the ball so that the decoration is in the middle of it, and leave it for a couple of days until it becomes stale. This jewelry will not change color and will shine as usual. If it turns out to be an alloy, it will become dark as it undergoes oxidation.
Lapis pencil. This drug can be bought at a pharmacy. It is used to treat wounds and stop bleeding. To determine whether it is gold or costume jewelry, you need to wet the item and draw a line along it with a lapis pencil, then wipe it with a dry towel. On real gold there will be no trace of the drawn line. If the stripe remains after wiping the product, then it is definitely a fake.
Magnet. To distinguish gold from copper or other alloys, it can be tested using a magnet. The decoration should be applied to it and see if it is attracted. Pure gold does not react to a magnet in any way. A slight pull will indicate that the product contains copper. Aluminum and tin can also be in an alloy; they do not react to a magnet. And such jewelry will weigh less than real gold rings or earrings.
Nitric acid. An authenticity test using this chemical compound will accurately indicate whether an item is genuine. For the experiment you will need a deep metal bowl. Place the decoration in it and add just one drop of acid. A change in color to milky or green will be a bad sign, indicating that a fake ring or bracelet was purchased.
Needle test. This method is suitable to eliminate gilding. If you scratch with a needle, there will be no marks left on the gold ring. As for the gilding, it will peel off.
Ceramic tile. Other metals or alloys leave a dark or grayish mark on the surface when rubbed across the tile. A gold ring will leave a golden mark.
Sun test. This check can be carried out on a bright sunny day. First you need to carefully examine the decoration in the shade. Then do the same in sunlight. Real gold does not change its shine and appearance in any light and in any weather conditions.
Archimedes' method. This method will require certain knowledge and effort. A deep bowl must be filled with water, having first measured its volume. Carefully place all decorations into the container until the liquid pours out. According to Archimedes' law, an object immersed in water is subject to a buoyancy force that is equal to the weight of the liquid itself in the volume of the immersed object. Knowing that the density of water is 900 kilograms per 1 cubic meter, we can use the formula to calculate the mass of a gold product. The gold should sink because its weight will be greater than the volume of liquid poured out.

Using a couple of these methods, you can make sure whether the jewelry is gold, copper or made of bronze.

Don't confuse gold with brass

Fraudsters most often try to pass off brass as a noble metal. A specialist, of course, will identify a real piece of jewelry, but some craftsmen manage to make such skillful fakes that it is quite difficult to distinguish gold from brass. Therefore, you should know certain nuances:

This jewelry has no scratches, cracks or chips. It must have perfect processing.
The price cannot be cheaper than per gram of precious metal. A ring offered below cost will definitely turn out to be fake.
If copper is present in the composition, the tint will be reddish. When zinc is added to the alloy, the color will turn pale yellow.
It would be a mistake to assume that everything shiny is necessarily made of real noble metal. Brass does not look dull, so you should check the decoration using any available means.

A specialist can dispel any doubts, so it is advisable to show the product to an experienced jeweler.

Recommendations and tips

The price of gold increases every year. Accordingly, the scammers’ tricks are becoming more and more sophisticated. Following certain rules will help reduce the risk of buying counterfeit jewelry. Experts give the following recommendations:

You should only purchase jewelry from reliable stores. You should not buy gold rings or earrings in dubious places, by hand or in pawn shops.
You should carefully examine the appearance of the jewelry: it should be free of dents and scratches, shiny and have an even color.
Gold products are always expensive. Suspiciously cheap jewelry may well turn out to be a fake.
Expensive metal has no smell. It is recommended to smell the product.

By taking these tips into account, the buyer has a better chance of determining whether an item is real gold.

Gold and fake: how to distinguish at home Link to main publication

Source: https://VseoMetallah.ru/uvelir-isdelia/kak-proverit/zoloto-i-poddelka

How to distinguish white gold from silver visually

The surest way to distinguish real gold from a fake is to contact a professional jeweler. If this is not possible, then you can establish the authenticity of the metal on your own at home.

Basic rules when buying gold products

To avoid getting into trouble and purchasing a fake item, you should start checking the authenticity of the product at the time of purchase. Firstly, you should only purchase gold jewelry in jewelry stores. The risk of buying a fake in a specialized jewelry store is much lower than when buying second-hand or at any dubious kiosks.

Secondly, the decoration must have a sample on it. Basically it is 585 or 583 (these were used during the USSR) sample. But abroad, the rules for certifying jewelry are completely different, and the hallmarks of gold may be different.

Thirdly, the gold product must have a tag indicating information about the manufacturer and the weight of the product.

In addition, when purchasing, carefully inspect the jewelry inside and out. If there are any scratches or inclusions on it, then you should not buy such jewelry. There is a high probability that this is a fake.

You can ask the seller to check the gold jewelry for authenticity. Usually jewelry stores have all the necessary tools for this. If the seller for some reason refuses to carry out an inspection, then this is a reason to doubt the authenticity of the metal.

Methods for determining the authenticity of gold at home

There are many different ways to distinguish gold from fakes at home yourself. It is important to know: in order not to spoil the product, all manipulations must be carried out on its surface, and not inside.

You can recognize the authenticity using vinegar. Fake gold will darken if you put it in ocet and hold it for 2 minutes. The present will retain its color.
You can test gold for strength. To do this, you need to lightly scratch the decoration. The fact is that a fake is always too hard and there will not be a dark alloy under the coating, as there should be in a genuine product.
Bring a magnet to the jewelry. Gold will not react to it in any way, but a fake can. But only if there is cheap metal under the coating. And if jewelry made of gilded silver, copper, aluminum or bronze is sold under the guise of gold, then this method of determining authenticity will not work. All these metals are not attracted to a magnet.
You can drop a little iodine on the outside of the jewelry and wait about 3 minutes. If the reaction did not occur and there were no traces of iodine left on the product, then high-quality metal was purchased. Iodine leaves stains of different colors on fake gold.
You can use a lapis pencil to check. The decoration should be slightly wetted with water and lightly scratched. Then bring a pencil to the scratch. All metals except gold will react chemically with the pencil, and the scratch will oxidize and darken.
The easiest way to spot a fake is the sun. Real gold will retain its color and shine in any light. But fake metal will shine and shimmer only in the sun, and in the shade it will immediately lose its shine and look dull.
It is possible to determine the authenticity of a gold item using another item. To do this, you need to take jewelry whose authenticity is beyond doubt. Using equal pressure, draw a stripe on a white sheet of paper for each of the products. They should leave the same marks.

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It is worth noting that none of the above methods gives a 100% guarantee of determining the quality of the product.

What metals are counterfeit gold made from?

You should know that pure gold will have a purity of 999. Everything else is gold with impurities of various metals.

When making a fake, the metal can be covered with either gold plating or gold foil. In this case, gold-plated metal is not tested. Copper, brass, bronze or cheap metal alloys can be sold under the guise of gold.

The most common metal for counterfeiting gold jewelry is copper. If the product has a reddish tint, it means it is made of copper, and therefore will definitely darken over time.

An alloy of copper (90%) and aluminum (10%) is very similar in color to real gold. But the alloy of copper (70%) and zinc (30%) is pale yellow in color, which resembles native gold.

Brass is visually no different from noble metal and has the same shine. The Belgian alloy consists of iron (74%), chromium (16%) and nickel (9%) and looks like platinum in appearance.

This is only a small part of the alloys from which fake gold can be made. And correctly applied gilding can mislead even experienced buyers. Therefore, if after all the manipulations of checking a precious item for authenticity at home, any doubts remain, you should contact a professional jeweler.

Source: https://ToZoloto.ru/o-zolote/tipy/kak-otlichit-beloe-zoloto-ot-serebra-vizualno.html

How to distinguish gold from fake at home: features, recommendations

Gold has always been and remains the most stable way to invest capital. After all, this precious metal practically does not lose its value and is constantly growing in price. It is not surprising that the business of counterfeit jewelry attracts all kinds of dishonest dealers and brings huge profits to scammers. This article will tell you how to distinguish gold from a fake and not become a victim of crooks.

Features of the precious metal

Pure gold has a rich yellow color and differs from other metals in its softness and ductility. And to give strength to jewelry, copper or silver, as well as other substances, are always added to it. So no piece of jewelry can be made of “pure gold.”

Fineness is precisely the percentage of pure metal. For example, a 585-carat product should contain 58.5% gold, and the rest should be impurities. Only bank bars with a purity of 999 can be called “pure”. But such gold is not used in the manufacture of jewelry.

So if the product tag contains 999 purity, then this is an obvious lie.

Are you real?

The best way to distinguish gold from a fake is to take it to a specialist for inspection. But if you can’t visit a jeweler, then you can use a few tips from professionals. First of all, carefully examine the decoration.

It must have a special marking that is responsible for the authenticity of the metal. In addition, the gold jewelry must have a hallmark stamped on it; if it is not there, then the weight of the item in carats. A magnifying glass will help make your inspection easier. If the sample has unclear and blurry outlines, then most likely it is a fake.

Of course, this does not apply to antique jewelry.

But modern fraudsters have learned to put a sample on fakes, so this method does not always help. How to distinguish fake gold if it is hallmarked? First of all, look at the edges and joints of the decoration. Over time, the top layer wears off, and if other metal is visible through it, then this is not a piece of jewelry made of pure gold.

Let's check the teeth

We have all often watched the same scene in movies: a man tests gold “by the tooth.” This method really works, and in this way you can recognize whether the jewelry in front of you is real or fake. Take, for example, a ring or earring and press it with your teeth.

Real gold will leave traces, and the deeper they are, the higher the purity of the product. However, there is another soft metal that will also leave dents: lead. So a “tooth test” is not a reliable way to distinguish real gold from a fake.

Read on for other methods.

Ceramics to the rescue

There are a huge number of ways to distinguish gold from a fake at home, but now we will talk about the simplest. Take an unglazed ceramic dish and run the gold piece over it using light pressure.

Be careful when doing this, as the decoration can be easily scratched. Now look at the result of your actions: if the stripe left by the product is black, then this is a real fake.

Gold leaves a yellow line in this test.

Magnet check

For the next method, how to distinguish gold from fake at home, you will need a small magnet. Just don’t think that the one that decorates your refrigerator will do. The magnet must be real, heavy and hard. Only this one interacts well with all metals.

Bring a gold item to a magnet, and if they are attracted, it means that this is a fake. But sometimes a component is added to jewelry that is attracted by a magnet. In this case, you can confuse real jewelry with a fake.

So this method is not the most correct, so it is worth trying other verification methods.

A few more ways

Take a small bowl and pour vinegar into it. Now place the gold jewelry there. If the metal is real, then nothing will happen to it. The fake will darken within two minutes.
Sound check. Throw gold jewelry on the table and listen: the precious metal sounds loudly, like crystal. This test can only be carried out with small items, such as earrings, rings, pendants.
Iodine testing. This chemical element reacts with all metals except gold. To check, apply a drop of iodine to the product, preferably on the inside, and look at the reaction: if the metal has darkened, acquired a light gray or even black color, then the jewelry is fake. Real gold will remain consistently yellow.

How to distinguish gold from fake gilding or copper

All of the above methods are relevant in cases of outright fakery. But how can one recognize whether another metal is hidden under a thin layer of gold and whether the gilding is passed off as a “pure” product? The presence of a sample is no longer an indicator of the authenticity of the metal, so let’s move on to practical tests.

First of all, take a closer look at the decoration; there should be no scratches on it, and the processing should be perfectly smooth. If you notice minor damage, then most likely the jewelry is covered with gold, and only the lock is made of real metal. If everything is clean, then scrape the jewelry in an inconspicuous area. With this test, the gold will remain intact, but the gilding will come off slightly and other metal will be exposed.

An excellent way to distinguish gold from a fake is a lapis pencil. This medical product interacts well with and oxidizes metals, and you can buy it at any pharmacy. Scrape the product a little and wet the area with water. Now you need to follow the scraping with a pencil. All metals except gold will darken.

How to distinguish gold from fake and brass

The most common method of deception in the jewelry market is to pass off brass alloys, which are very similar in appearance, as “pure” gold.

In some cases, only a professional can distinguish a fake, but you can avoid fraud yourself:

Take a closer look at the shade of the product. Any discrepancy with the usual color of gold indicates a large number of impurities.
Before purchasing jewelry, you should find out its regular price. If the price of a product is too low, the likelihood of counterfeiting increases significantly.
Brass and gold differ in chemical composition, and accordingly, they have different weights. That is, identical products will have different masses. Gold is heavier, and jewelry made from the precious metal will weigh more.

Or maybe it's silver?

White gold has recently gained wild popularity. This is due to the fact that products made from such metal are particularly refined and refined. It is not surprising that the market is flooded with counterfeits made from less noble metal. How to distinguish white gold from a fake? First of all, take a closer look at the color of the product.

Silver has a cooler tone. A good test method is a paper test. If you run a silver item over it, an almost imperceptible mark will remain; white gold will not leave it at all. In addition, tests with iodine, vinegar, a magnet and a lapis pencil, which were discussed above, will help to distinguish the noble metal.

It is best to purchase real jewelry in well-known jewelry stores that value their reputation. And what is especially important - try to avoid shopping in spontaneous markets, stalls, passages or from strangers. This will help you avoid being disappointed and becoming a victim of scammers. Don’t try to save money - and then the decoration will delight you for a long time with its warm color and bright shine.

Source: https://FB.ru/article/273266/kak-otlichit-zoloto-ot-poddelki-v-domashnih-usloviyah-osobennosti-rekomendatsii

How to distinguish gold from fake?

Gold has always been and probably will be in price. Various jewelry, decorative items, etc. are made from this precious metal. Gold can be red, yellow and white.

Different alloys are used to make jewelry, which allows scammers to create fakes and sell them as real jewelry. There are several tips on how to distinguish gold from other metals and avoid getting fake.

I would like to say right away that there is no universal method that will allow you to obtain one hundred percent confirmation of the purchase of original jewelry.

How to distinguish gold from fake in a store?

You should only go shopping for gold items in specialized jewelry stores. At points located in passages or on the street, the likelihood of purchasing a fake increases significantly. Having chosen the decoration, look at the tag, which should contain basic information: manufacturer, name, article, weight, purity, price and QC stamp. This product also has a hallmark that should be clear.

You can check the purchased jewelry at home using folk remedies. Let's look at a few proven methods:

As you know, gold does not oxidize, so dip the item in vinegar for a few minutes. Take it out and see if any dark spots appear. If they are not there, then the decoration is genuine.
You can apply a drop of iodine to the gold and wait a couple of minutes. After this, wipe off the iodine and look at the decoration. If it is real, then there will be no stains or other damage on the surface.
Another popular way to distinguish real gold from a fake is to throw the jewelry from a small height onto any smooth surface. Real gold will ring when struck.
Look at the jewelry in different light, for example, first in the sun and then in the shade. If the gold is real, then its color will not change in any way.
Gold does not have magnetic properties and if you bring a magnet to it, there will be no reaction. Just keep in mind that the magnet does not attract aluminum, bronze and copper.

How to distinguish white gold from silver?

All the tips that were used to test gold jewelry also apply to white gold. As for the sample, such products should have the number 585 or 750 (if there are stones). White gold is much harder than silver, so run the jewelry across the paper and if it is real, there will be no mark.

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Source: http://kak-bog.ru/kak-otlichit-zoloto-ot-poddelki