How to distinguish real gold from fake - Metals and their processing

How to distinguish precious jewelry from fake | SOKOLOV Magazine

When buying jewelry secondhand, you can almost never be absolutely sure of its authenticity: according to the Russian State Assay Office, by 2014 the share of counterfeits on the Russian market was 30%

Source: https://sokolov.ru/blog/about-jewelry/jewelry-factory/original-or-fake/

How to distinguish real gold from fake?

How to distinguish gold from a fake and not become a victim of scammers? Today, copies and fakes often appear on the market for gold products and jewelry. There are many effective ways to distinguish original gold from a fake. Of course, the best method is to give the jewelry to specialists, but if this is not possible, you can always take the advice of jewelers, and the most experienced citizens in this matter are employees working in a gold pawnshop.

Ways to detect fake jewelry and gold

First you need to carefully examine the precious jewelry. It must have a special marking on it that is responsible for the authenticity of the gold. The hallmark or carat weight must also be stamped. When examining, it is advisable to use a magnifying glass so that all small details can be clearly seen. It is difficult to distinguish the mark on antique metal. Today, scammers have learned to test fake gold, so this method is not always one hundred percent accurate.

The older the jewelry, the more its gold plating wears off. When inspecting, you need to pay attention to the edges of the product. If another metal appears in places of wear, then this is the main sign that the jewelry is not entirely made of gold, but only fragmentarily and on the outside. Unless, of course, it was stated in advance that it has such a sophisticated design. In fact, this is a fairly common method of deception.

Testing a product “by the teeth” is the most “mythical” way to verify the authenticity of gold

Often in films there are moments where gold coins are tested for bite. And for good reason! This method can be used to check not only gold coins, but also jewelry. For example, an earring or a ring. The product must be pressed with your teeth. Take a close look at it.

Real gold will always have teeth marks. As a rule, the higher the purity, the softer the gold. However, you need to remember that lead is also a very soft material, so it will also leave bite marks.

That is why this method is considered the most convenient in everyday conditions, but often fails.

Ceramic testing of gold for counterfeiting

Using this method it is easy to detect fake gold. This test must be carried out very carefully, as the surface may be scratched. For this method you will need an unglazed (not covered with anything) ceramic plate. Run the gold over it, pressing lightly. If a gold stripe is visible on the cover of the plate, it means that the product is natural; if it is black, the decoration is fake.

Magnetic check

For this method you need to purchase a magnet. Those that are usually put on the refrigerator are too soft and will not suit us for this test. The magnet must be heavy, which interacts with metal, that is, real.

Gold should not be attracted to it. Therefore, do not be afraid and feel free to bring the jewelry to the magnet. If it is magnetized, then you have a fake in your hands. But it happens that a magnetically passive component is added to the composition of the jewelry.

In such cases, gold can be confused with counterfeit.

Sound test to detect fakes

If you throw a gold jewelry onto the surface of a table, then when struck, real gold will ring loudly, like crystal. For this experiment, earrings, rings, but not long jewelry (bracelets, chains) are suitable.

Recognizing fake gold - vinegar test

You need to pour a little vinegar into the container and put the decoration there. When tested in this way, the fake will darken in a few minutes, but the appearance of real gold will remain unchanged.

Test for detecting fake gold using iodine

Iodine is a very good test for original jewelry. To do this, it is enough to apply just one drop to the inside of the product. Just like in the previous method, the gold will remain unchanged, but the fake gold jewelry will change its color. It can turn either black or light gray.

In order to be completely sure that you have real gold and not a fake, it is best to seek help from experts who will help in several ways to determine whether the jewelry is real, its weight and fineness. And, of course, when you contact our gold pawnshop, you can always be sure that we sell only high-quality and proven products.

Source: https://lombard-52.ru/kak-otlichit-nastoyashhee-zoloto-ot-poddelki/

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.

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.

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/

A few tips to help you distinguish real gold from fake

Nowadays, in the age of high technology, it is often quite difficult even for an experienced jeweler to distinguish such a precious metal as gold from a skillful fake. However, there are several ways that will help you recognize fake gold at home. To do this you will need the following tools:

1.Vinegar 2.Bleeding pencil 3.Iodine 4.Sheet of paper 5.Magnet 6.Other gold jewelry

In fact, fake gold is significantly different from real gold. Of course, the most reliable option would be to conduct an expert assessment by a professional jeweler, who, using tools specially designed for such cases, will be able to establish the authenticity of the gold jewelry with a 100% guarantee and issue a special expert opinion. If this is not possible, here are a few proven methods that will help distinguish real gold from fake:

- Place the jewelry in a glass of vinegar and water. Acetic acid will not have any effect on gold, but it will react chemically with other metals. If the water becomes dark and cloudy, and the jewelry has darkened, then it is very likely a fake, but if the glass contains real gold, the color of the liquid will remain the same, exactly like the color of the noble metal;

- run a pencil over the piece of jewelry to stop bleeding, and if a significant and noticeable mark remains on the piece, then this is a fake; in the same way, iodine will leave a dark or light yellow noticeable mark on a fake piece;

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- take the tested and verified jewelry and run it across a sheet of paper, and if the stripes are the same, in front of you are two gold products;

- noble metal is not attracted to a magnet.

They also use other methods to distinguish gold from fake. Firstly, you need to carefully examine the sample on the jewelry and, if the sample looks unclear and the numbers are poorly visible, it is advisable to discard such a product. Moreover, please note that sometimes the sample is placed on a fastener or lock, so carefully examine the decoration; it may well happen that somewhere there is another completely different sample.

Secondly, remember the movies about the Wild West, where there was no question of how to test gold - it was tested by tooth. Indeed, gold is a fairly soft and ductile metal and a dent should remain at the site of the bite, but if this place has darkened, then it is either a fake or a low-quality metal. And thirdly, the authenticity of gold jewelry can be verified using light and shadow. The noble metal shines equally in the sun and in the shade.

And if the product looks faded in the shade and plays with colors in the sun, then there is a high probability that this is a fake.

It is also quite easy to distinguish a copper product from a gold one. Copper is a stronger and less ductile metal, and it reacts very well with water - in such cases, copper turns green quite quickly.

How to distinguish real gold from gilding?

Specialists in the laboratory can distinguish fake from gold. This is what sometimes unscrupulous manufacturers of gold jewelry take advantage of, sending for testing not the whole piece of jewelry, but a part of it, for example, a lock or a link in a chain, and after the expert makes a test, this part of the product is built into a piece of jewelry of much lower quality.

However, even more often they try to pass off brass or gilding as gold. In order to distinguish real gold from fake, you will need proven gold jewelry and ceramic dishes. In this case, the ceramics must be without any coating.

If you run a piece of jewelry over it and a dark mark remains on it, it means it’s a fake; on the contrary, gold will leave a very definite stripe of yellow color.

To recognize gilding, it is enough to scratch the product and if there is only a film of precious metal on it, then a black stripe will appear, which will be evidence of a fake. Also note that high-quality gold has strong heat-resistant characteristics.

If you heat gold jewelry, the high temperature will in no way affect the real precious metal; on the contrary, if the product is covered with dark-colored stains, then this is a fake.

Also, if you drop genuine gold jewelry on a smooth surface, the gold will make a characteristic ringing sound, but this method should not be used for fragile long earrings, chains and bracelets, as this can significantly damage the jewelry.

What products should you avoid?

High-quality gold products must be even, smooth, the same color without any tint and have a characteristic cold shine. At the same time, there should be no dark stains or stripes on the decoration.

If any abrasions, roughness, chips, unclear markings, or uneven color are observed on the jewelry, then it is advisable to immediately refuse to purchase such a product. According to experts in the field of gold jewelry production, products made in Turkey are of the lowest quality. Turks can often test for fakes right on the street.

Therefore, when buying gold jewelry, avoid dubious sellers and unverified stores. Moreover, it is not recommended to buy gold on the street or in unverified establishments.

Please note that copper and other metals are quite often present in precious jewelry as alloys, and moreover, you should remember that pure gold is quite rare today. The reason for this is the characteristic features of gold, namely its ductility and weak strength. And since counterfeiting gold jewelry is no longer an exception to the rule, but most likely the rule has become widespread, the main advice to the buyer and the first rule would be to carefully select a store that sells gold jewelry, in which case you will not wonder how to check the gold jewelry for authenticity. Happy shopping!

Source: https://www.hemma.kiev.ua/index.php/stati/poleznye-sovety/207-neskolko-sovetov-kotorye-pomogut-otlichit-nastoyashchee-zoloto-ot-falshivki

Distinctive features of gold and methods for detecting counterfeiting

Gold is still a precious metal, and its value has not changed dramatically for many years. Moreover, there is a tendency for the cost of gold to increase, so in stores you can increasingly find low-quality goods that sellers want to sell as expensive as possible. Before buying, you need to know how to distinguish gold from a fake, so as not to fall into the clutches of scammers.

Where is the risk of buying a fake?

Risk groups for purchasing counterfeits include:

Pawnshops, where the gold they are trying to sell you is often unknown.
Trade counters and private jewelry manufacturers. They also lie about the amount of gold in the product and its presence there.
Gold markets abroad, for example in Turkey. Turkish sellers test the product directly in the store at the buyer’s request. They will never tell you how to distinguish real gold from fake gold, because they themselves sell low-quality goods.

Gold jewelry

Therefore, in order not to encounter problems with the authenticity of the product and not once again check the presence of gold in it, it is better to purchase gold bars in banks and jewelry from trusted jewelry factories. In addition, do not forget to monitor the availability of all documents and quality certificates.

Real gold must contain a hallmark in the form of a stamp on the reverse side. The seller is obliged to provide all warranties, as well as provide all information about the product. The seller’s words must be confirmed by a tag that indicates not only the sample size, but also the weight of the jewelry.

If any information is not true, this should alert the buyer, and it is better to refuse to purchase the product.

Gold is counterfeited because it makes economic sense. Often, buyers are faced with the problem of not counterfeiting a gold item, but an inappropriate gold standard. Sellers often inflate the purity of the product so that it contains more gold as a percentage than the ligature. At the same time, the appearance of the product does not deteriorate, but its real cost is much cheaper.

The sample must be documented by a passport or product tag. If it is missing, it is almost impossible to verify the seller's word and you will probably end up with fake gold.

And with documents, you can prove in court a case of fraud in a store. The price also depends on the sample: the higher it is, the more the final cost increases and it is profitable for the seller to raise it.

But large factories do not want to risk their reputation and inflate the purity of the product, so when purchasing precious metals they seem more trustworthy.

What is passed off as gold?

Occasionally there is no gold in the jewelry at all, but instead there is:

alloys with the addition of copper;
bronze products, in particular aluminum bronze;
red brass;
Belgian;
bijouterie;
mosaic gold;
gilded items.

The gold plated ring looks like gold

At first glance, it seems that it is easy to distinguish gold from a fake, but when you are offered a beautiful product in a store under artificial lighting, many people forget about the possibility of fraud and the differences between gold and other metals.

Product testing methods

But if you have already purchased a product of questionable quality, then check it at home. The question of how to distinguish gold from counterfeit gold has many answers. You can recognize gold in the following ways:

The method of checking jewelry for bite is not justified, since products are rarely made of soft 999 gold.
The method of detection using sound is that the product should be thrown onto a smooth, hard surface. As a result, you will hear crystal and clear sound. The method is also dubious, but very simple, suitable for those who have an ear for music and massive items (the method is not suitable for chains and bracelets).
Real gold is not magnetic, so if you see the opposite effect, it means you have a fake in your hands.
Testing with table vinegar is absolutely harmless to gold items. They do not change their appearance if the decoration is placed in a container with the substance. But a fake specimen will become spotted in two or three minutes.
If it is possible to make a small cut on the product from the inside out, then you can test the gold with iodine. It is enough to drop a couple of drops on the product - dark spots will appear on the genuine jewelry, but the fake will not react to iodine in any way. Moreover, the test is carried out precisely on the saw cut.
A lapis pencil is also used for checking the cut of the product. If you have an original, there will be no traces left on it. But darkening indicates that the hands are holding fake gold.
Analysis of the sample seal is also not a completely reliable method for a beginner. It is more often used by professionals who can indicate the clarity of the print and the correctness of its shape.

Testing gold with a magnet

It will be more difficult to find out about the presence of gilding on a product, since gilding is a thin layer of 999 gold. Therefore, the appearance of the jewelry will be no different from gold. But to learn about gilding, it is enough to make a light cut on the back of the product using sandpaper.

Usually the top layer is very thin and can be easily erased, even if applied by electroplating. Although such a check spoils the product, you will know the truth.

The Archimedes method will also help check the presence of gilding, but it only works for large items. To perform it, you need a vessel filled with water, and you also need to know the volume of the product, its weight. The decoration must be placed in water and the volume of liquid that has spilled out of the container, or the rise in the water level, must be calculated. Using Archimedes' formula, the density of the product is calculated and compared with the density of different samples. This method is the most questionable and the errors in its use are very large.

Reliable authentication method

If you still doubt the authenticity of the jewelry, take it to the workshop for examination. The specialist knows exactly how to distinguish gold from fake. There they will determine not only the presence of gold in the product, but also its quantity, that is, the sample. This is done using special devices, without damaging the decoration itself.

In addition, the verification process is fast. After passing the inspection, the owner of the jewelry receives a document confirming its authenticity, and also recognizes the sample of the product. This may be useful if you sell gold in the future.

Testing gold for authenticity is a common procedure that is safe for the product and can dispel doubts about the presence of gold in the jewelry. But in order not to carry out all sorts of tests once again, purchase jewelry from trusted places with all quality certificates and stamps.

Source: https://HochuZoloto.com/sovety/kak-zoloto-otlichit-ot-poddelki.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.

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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.

Nitric acid

This chemical solution will easily help identify a fake. How to distinguish gold from counterfeit using it? For the experiment, we will need a small metal dish in which we will place the decoration.

Now we drop the solution onto the item from a pipette and observe the reaction: if the decoration has changed color and acquired a greenish tint, then you are dealing with the most ordinary metal. Gilding in this test will take on a milky hue, and only real gold will not change color.

Today this is the most reliable way to detect fake metal! But it cannot be said that nitric acid is present in every home, so it is worth learning about other testing 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.

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

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.

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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.

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.

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

Good advice on how to distinguish gold from fake

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.

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.

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 TEST IS POSSIBLE ONLY ON THE SURFACE OF THE DECORATION. 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.

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.

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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.

Product made from tombak.

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 COSTUME JEWELRY CONTAINING TITANIUM AND GOLD ALLOY. IN APPEARANCE THEY REMEMBER 585 GOLD, BUT LIKELY THEY DO NOT HAVE PRECIOUS METAL IN THEM.

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: http://www.999gold.ru/news/view/630

What will help distinguish real gold from gilding or fake?

Today, the number of jewelry stores is increasing, and gold mining is decreasing. So what drives business development? Some say that gold will never go out of style, while others say that stores sell fake gold. So who to believe and how to independently distinguish a precious metal from a fake?

What will help you recognize a fake?

A fake is different from a precious metal, but often the difference is difficult to detect even for a jeweler. But you can determine which jewelry was purchased in a store yourself at home. The following will help you recognize fake gold:

Vinegar.
Pencil to stop bleeding.
Iodine.
Paper.
Magnet.
Other gold jewelry.

Testing gold with vinegar

Expertise from a jeweler is considered the most reliable. A specialist will help establish the authenticity of the product and issue a conclusion.

So, several ways to distinguish real gold from fake.

Acetic acid oxidizes metals, but it will not have any effect on gold. You can put a piece of jewelry in a glass of vinegar and water and see what happens to it. Gold will not make the water cloudy, its color will remain the same, but if a fake was immersed in a glass of acid, the water will become dark, cloudy, and the jewelry will darken.

To be fair, it is worth noting that pure gold is rare. Jewelry is made from alloys. This happens because gold is a very ductile metal.

Iodine will leave a mark on poor-quality jewelry; it can be dark or light yellow. Counterfeiting gold has long become widespread, so the first rule for a buyer is to choose a store that sells precious items.

Testing a gold ring with iodine

The gold-like metal can be identified using a pencil to stop bleeding. You should run a lapis pencil over the decoration, and if a noticeable mark remains, then it is a fake.

Two different decorations can be drawn across a piece of paper. One must be selected for testing, and the quality of the other cannot be doubted. If the stripes remaining on the paper are the same, then the product being tested is of high quality.

To check you will need two gold items. They are visually compared with each other, using a magnifying glass to determine the quality of the decoration.

other methods

How to distinguish gold from fake? There are several answers to this question; the following will help determine the quality of the product:

sample on decoration;
“tooth test”;
light adaptation.

The first step is to carefully examine the sample on the jewelry. If it is fuzzy, cloudy, and the numbers are poorly visible, it is better to put this decoration aside.

In some cases, the sample is placed on a lock or on a mount. Therefore, it is worth carefully examining the decoration; perhaps there is another sample somewhere.

In films about the Wild West, the question of how to distinguish valuable metal from a fake was not relevant. The coins were checked “by the tooth”. Since gold is a ductile metal, it will leave a small dent on its surface. But if, after such a check, the jewelry turns black at the “bite” site, then this indicates its low quality.

The light and shadow test is the simplest and can be easily done in the store. 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.

How to distinguish copper from gold? Very simple. Copper turns green when in contact with water, and it is also more durable and less ductile. It is present as an alloy in precious jewelry, this should not be forgotten.

Gold is not attracted to a magnet.

Checking a gold ring with a magnet

How to recognize gilding?

Experts know how to distinguish fake from real gold, but sometimes they make mistakes. Cunning manufacturers do not send a whole product for inspection, but only a part of it, for example, the links of a chain or the lock of a bracelet.

The expert tests the product, and the manufacturer embeds a lock into a piece of low-quality jewelry.

Most often, brass and gold plated are passed off as precious metals. How to distinguish gold from brass? For this you will need:

ceramic tableware;
gold product.

The ceramic product must be uncoated. The decoration is passed over it, and if a dark mark remains on the surface of the dish, it means it is a fake. The gold will leave a streak of yellow.

If you need to recognize gilding, you can scratch it behind the film of precious metal: a black stripe will appear, which indicates the low quality of the jewelry.

How to distinguish good quality gold from fake? Temperature will help with this. You need to heat the decoration over the stove. High temperature will not affect the noble metal in any way, but the fake will change: dark stains will appear on its surface.

You can throw the jewelry on a smooth, flat surface. Noble metal will make a characteristic sound, but this method of testing is not suitable for chains and bracelets, as well as long earrings.

What jewelry should you not buy?

If there is a decoration on the surface:

Scuffs.
Roughness.
Chips.
Fuzzy sample.
The product has an uneven color.

Jewelry has a characteristic cold shine. They should be even and smooth, the color of the product should be the same with tints of shade. No dark stains or stripes are allowed.

The higher the standard, the better the quality of the product, but it is impossible to find pure gold in the store. The most popular hallmarks are 585 and 750, these jewelry are of high quality, but the precious metal is mixed with silver, copper and other metals that have no value. All in order to increase the durability of the decoration.

According to experts, gold from Turkey most often turns out to be fake and of low quality. The Turks can test any test for fake gold on the street. Therefore, you should be careful when purchasing gold products and avoid dubious sellers and points of sale. An unscrupulous merchant will never tell the buyer how to recognize a piece of jewelry. He will simply praise his product.

Source: https://DedPodaril.com/zoloto/imform/kak-otlichit-zoloto-ot-poddelki.html

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.

Ceramic check

How to distinguish real gold from fake at home

However, among such diversity there are often things that cannot claim to be originals. It is important for every person who wants to spend their money on the precious metal to know how to distinguish gold from a banal counterfeit.

Is it possible to counterfeit gold with purity?

Initially, they carefully examine the thing they like - a ring, bracelet, necklace, cufflinks, watch, etc. So, how to distinguish real gold from a fake by visual assessment? You should focus on these important details:

Brand. It should be fairly clear, but sometimes it can be difficult to see, especially with antique jewelry. However, scammers have gotten used to skillfully imitating markings. So counterfeit gold with hallmarks can also occur.

Tag and certificate. The original label contains relevant information about the product itself, and the name of the manufacturer must be indicated. The fake is devoid of accompanying documentation and labels.

The state of the “wrong side”. The inner surface of the original item is finished neatly and professionally, which cannot be said about the counterfeit. Chips, cracks, and other similar defects are also not allowed.

An example of a very crude counterfeit of gold is shown in the photo below:

Metal color. The reddish tint of the jewelry indicates an excessive amount of copper in it. The alloy, which is pale yellow in appearance, contains a lot of zinc. In addition, high-grade gold will not change its color when lighting fluctuates.

Occasionally, a sound check is also used. How to distinguish gold: it differs from a fake in that when it hits a hard surface it produces a slight “crystal” ringing. But, of course, not every person has such hearing to catch and recognize the finest facets of sound. Previously, gold was tested by biting with teeth. Imprints remain on the surface of the precious metal, however, one should not forget about the softness of lead.

How to distinguish - fake or gold?

To confirm (or refute) the decent quality of a jewelry product, they resort to simple but reliable analyzes. There are several simple methods that give you a chance to distinguish gold from a fake even at home.

For example, suitable for this:

Iodine solution. Drop a little substance and wait a couple of minutes, then remove the iodine from the product with a dry cloth. If there is a trace left on the area under study, then this is a forgery. If there are no prints, then the original is before your eyes.

The video demonstrates how to distinguish gold from a fake (we are talking about the iodine test):

Vinegar. Pour the liquid into a cup, lower the jewelry item there for literally 5 minutes, then take out the “trinket” and carefully examine it. If it has not darkened, then the acquisition can be safely called successful.

Unglazed ceramics. If you run the edge of the original decoration over a porcelain plate, a golden stripe will remain on it, and if it’s fake, it will be dark.

Lapis pencil . How to identify real gold: from a fake (after applying small strokes to its wetted surface using the mentioned pencil), you should expect the appearance of a dark blot. The precious metal will remain golden after manipulation.

There is another interesting way to identify gold - it is distinguished from a fake by its reaction to a heavy magnet. A noble ingot is not attracted, but a fake one immediately “sticks” to the magnet. There is, however, an important nuance: scammers manage to use magnetically passive ingredients (copper, bronze), which also cannot be discounted.

You can also conduct the following study: heat the product over a burner, then quickly immerse it in cool water. Gold will not change its appearance, but stains will form on other metals.

If you buy goods in a large brand store, then the risk of stumbling upon a “fake” will be much lower. But you shouldn’t let your guard down, because even prestigious retail outlets sometimes offer substandard products.

All considered testing options are acceptable exclusively for so-called express diagnostics. They help to identify only gross plagiarism. Only an experienced jeweler, who has special highly sensitive equipment at hand, can accurately determine the authenticity of the purchased jewelry and its detailed composition. Therefore, if any nagging suspicions arise regarding the quality of the product, the most rational solution would be to visit a professional.

The material was prepared by the editors of ladycharm.net

Source: https://ladycharm.net/2018/05/kak-otlichit-zoloto-ot-poddelki/