The fastest way to tell if gold is real is to find the stamp: solid gold is marked with a karat like 10K, 14K or 18K, or a number like 417, 585 or 750. A few simple checks at home, like a magnet test and a close look at worn spots, can back that up, but only a jeweler's test confirms it.
What stamps mean the gold is real?
Look near the clasp of a chain or bracelet, inside a ring, or on an earring post. You may need a magnifying glass.
| Stamp |
What it means |
| 10K or 417 |
Solid gold, 41.7% pure |
| 14K or 585 |
Solid gold, 58.3% pure |
| 18K or 750 |
Solid gold, 75% pure |
| 22K or 916 |
Solid gold, 91.6% pure |
| 24K or 999 |
Pure gold |
For a full breakdown of these numbers, see 10K vs 14K vs 18K Gold.
Which stamps mean it is not solid gold?
These marks mean a gold layer over a base metal:
-
GP gold plated
-
GEP gold electroplated
-
HGE or HGP heavy gold electroplate or heavy gold plate
-
RGP rolled gold plate
-
GF or 1/20 14K GF gold-filled
-
925 sterling silver, sometimes plated in gold
A 14K stamp followed by GF or GP is still a layered piece. Read Solid Gold vs Gold-Plated vs Gold-Filled to see what that means for wear.
One caution: a stamp is a good sign, not a guarantee. Stamps can be faked, so use the checks below too.
What simple checks can I do at home?
-
The magnet test. Gold is not magnetic. Hold a strong magnet near the piece. If the whole chain jumps to it, there is likely steel or iron inside. Note that clasps often have a small steel spring, so a slight pull at the clasp alone is normal. Also, passing this test does not prove a piece is gold, because many non-gold metals are not magnetic either.
-
Look at worn spots. Check the clasp, the inside of a ring and the edges of links. If a silver, red or brassy color shows through the yellow, it is plated.
-
Check your skin. Green or black marks on your skin after wearing a piece usually point to copper or other base metals near the surface.
-
Feel the weight. Solid gold is dense. A wide chain that feels oddly light may be hollow gold or a different metal. Hollow gold is still real, so this is only a clue.
-
Look at the details. Real gold pieces usually have clean soldering, crisp stamps and solid clasps. Blurry stamps or rough joins are worth a closer look.
What tests should I avoid at home?
Skip biting the gold, scratching it on tile, or using acid kits on your own. These can scratch or damage a real piece and still give you an unclear answer. Leave those to a jeweler.
When should I bring it to a jeweler?
If a piece has no stamp, has a stamp you are unsure of, or is something you inherited or plan to sell, a jeweler can test the metal properly. Bring it to our store and we will take a look. Call or text us for details.
When you buy from us, every listing shows the metal and karat, and gold-plated items are clearly labeled as plated. You will always know what you are getting.
Visit or text us
Have a piece you want checked? Visit our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open 7 days, or call or text (973) 673-3800. When you are ready for something you know is solid gold, shop our gold chains.
How to Tell if Gold Is Real: Stamps and Simple Checks
The fastest way to tell if gold is real is to find the stamp: solid gold is marked with a karat like 10K, 14K or 18K, or a number like 417, 585 or 750. A few simple checks at home, like a magnet test and a close look at worn spots, can back that up, but only a jeweler's test confirms it.
What stamps mean the gold is real?
Look near the clasp of a chain or bracelet, inside a ring, or on an earring post. You may need a magnifying glass.
For a full breakdown of these numbers, see 10K vs 14K vs 18K Gold.
Which stamps mean it is not solid gold?
These marks mean a gold layer over a base metal:
A 14K stamp followed by GF or GP is still a layered piece. Read Solid Gold vs Gold-Plated vs Gold-Filled to see what that means for wear.
One caution: a stamp is a good sign, not a guarantee. Stamps can be faked, so use the checks below too.
What simple checks can I do at home?
What tests should I avoid at home?
Skip biting the gold, scratching it on tile, or using acid kits on your own. These can scratch or damage a real piece and still give you an unclear answer. Leave those to a jeweler.
When should I bring it to a jeweler?
If a piece has no stamp, has a stamp you are unsure of, or is something you inherited or plan to sell, a jeweler can test the metal properly. Bring it to our store and we will take a look. Call or text us for details.
When you buy from us, every listing shows the metal and karat, and gold-plated items are clearly labeled as plated. You will always know what you are getting.
Visit or text us
Have a piece you want checked? Visit our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open 7 days, or call or text (973) 673-3800. When you are ready for something you know is solid gold, shop our gold chains.