FAKE GOLD - Expert Warnings & Advice as sales increase

Experts reveals key to spotting counterfeit gold and silver jewelry

Seen as a safehaven for investors, the price of gold has risen 112% over the past decade making authentic jewlry increasingly desirable
To ensure your gold is real check for a hallmark on the piece, and check for any imperfections in any jewels featured on the pieces
Speak to professionals who can confirm the authenticity of a piece when all your home checks have been exhausted

Research from Admiral shows that the price of gold has risen by 112% in the past ten years, so owning authentic, premium jewelry has become increasingly desirable.

However, as the value of gold and silver continues to surge, so does the risk of encountering counterfeit products. As a result, ensuring that people buy genuine pieces is more important than ever.

Here, bullion dealer SD Bullion reveals six foolproof ways to spot counterfeit gold, silver, and precious stones, enabling people to buy with confidence.

1. Look out for a hallmark on real gold and silver

One of the easiest ways to identify counterfeit gold and silver jewelry is to search for a hallmark. Gold hallmarks typically display a carat rating, such as ‘9k’ or ‘18k’, which indicates the purity of the gold. For example, ‘9k’ gold is composed of 37.5% pure gold, with the rest comprising other metals, while ‘18k’ gold is 75% pure.

Silver jewelry, on the other hand, may feature a stamp reading ‘925’, indicating that it is sterling silver. Sterling silver consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. These marks assure buyers that the piece meets specific quality standards.

2. Use a magnet to determine whether gold and silver jewelry is real

Gold and silver are non-magnetic metals. If someone were to hold a magnet to their precious jewelry and it sticks, there is a strong chance that the item is either plated or contains a high proportion of base metals, such as iron or nickel, as these metals are magnetic. However, it is essential to note that some alloys, even though they may not be magnetic, can still be fake, such as copper or aluminum coated in silver or gold.

3. Analyzing the light-refracting patterns of gemstones

Genuine gemstones distinctly refract light. To test the quality of diamonds, for instance, individuals can shine a light on the stone and observe how it bends and moves through the gem. Diamonds are renowned for their exceptional brilliance, as light bends sharply and splits into various wavelengths, creating a colorful flash that is instantly recognizable.

In contrast, counterfeit gemstones, such as cubic zirconia, a famous diamond substitute, often give off a glassy, rainbow-like effect. This happens because cubic zirconia does not refract light in the same way as a real diamond; it may still appear sparkly, but the light reflection is less sharp.

4. Inspect gemstones for imperfections with a loupe

A loupe is a small, specialized magnifying lens commonly used in the jewelry industry. Professional jewelers frequently use them to inspect valuable jewelry pieces, including precious gemstones.

Sapphires, for instance, may appear flawless, but they often have imperfections in the form of inclusions or specks of material trapped within the stone, commonly referred to as beauty marks. By contrast, counterfeits are frequently free from these inclusions and may appear flawless to the naked eye.

5. Discern the quality of gold jewelry by conducting the acid test

It’s no secret that pure gold is the most malleable metal, meaning that it is easily scratched, bent, and reshaped. One thing gold can withstand, however, is nitric acid. To test the quality of the jewelry, apply a small drop of nitric acid to the metal and observe the reaction.

Genuine gold will not react, while base metals such as iron or nickel will change color or dissolve. It is important to note that if they are not comfortable working with corrosive liquids, individuals should consult a professional instead.

6. Consult a professional jeweler in your area

Finally, while there are several methods that individuals can use at home to test the authenticity of their jewelry, consulting a professional jeweler or a certified Gemologist is always advisable. Reputable jewelers have the necessary tools and expertise to assess the authenticity of gold, silver, and gemstones using methods that may not be available to the public, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing.

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