How to Check If Your Jewellery Is Real Gold at Home
Buying or owning gold jewellery brings emotional and financial value – but how do you know if it’s real gold and not fake or gold-plated?
While professional testing is always the most accurate, there are several safe and easy at-home methods that can help you understand your jewellery’s authenticity.
1. Check for Hallmark (BIS Mark)
The BIS Hallmark is the most reliable indicator of purity in India.
Look for:
BIS logo
Purity mark (22K, 18K, 14K)
Jeweller’s identification mark
Assaying centre number
If your jewellery has all these markings, it’s more likely to be genuine.
2. Magnet Test
Real gold is not magnetic.
How to test:
Bring a strong magnet close to your jewellery.
If it gets attracted, it may contain other metals or be gold-plated.
Note: Some non-magnetic metals can still be fake gold, so use this test along with others.
3. Water Density Test
Real gold is heavy.
Steps:
Fill a cup with water.
Drop the jewellery in.
Real gold will sink immediately.
Fake or low-quality gold may float or sink slowly.
4. Skin Test (No Color Change)
Real gold does not react with your skin.
Observation:
If your skin turns greenish or blackish after wearing it, your jewellery likely contains other alloys or is not pure gold.
5. Soap or Makeup Swab Test
Steps:
Apply a bit of liquid makeup on your skin.
Rub the jewellery on it.
Real gold will not leave any dark mark.
6. Ceramic Scratch Test (Optional & Risky - do gently)
Rub the jewellery on an unglazed ceramic tile.
Real gold leaves a gold streak
Fake gold leaves a black streak
(Do this carefully to avoid scratches.)
7. Visual Inspection
Check for:
Discoloration
Peeling
Tarnishing
Fading polish
Real gold does not fade or peel, while gold-plated jewellery can lose color over time.
When to Avoid Home Tests
For expensive jewellery, heirloom pieces, or pledged gold – avoid harsh tests.
Instead, go for a professional gold purity test.
Get Your Gold Checked by Professionals - True Gold Company
True Gold provides:
✔ Accurate purity testing
✔ Transparent evaluation
✔ Highest market rates
✔ Instant cash for gold
✔ Trusted & certified process
If you’re unsure about your gold’s authenticity, True Gold Company ensures a safe, reliable, and honest valuation.
