How to Spot Real Gold in a Thrift Store

When you go to a jewelry store, there is usually someone behind the counter who knows everything about the gold pieces and is more than happy to share that information with you. But at a thrift store, you generally do not have the luxury of being able to ask the history and purity of a piece of jewelry. Before you lay down your money on something that might not be real gold, stop and examine the piece. You might just find the answer to your question and save yourself some money in the process.

Things You'll Need

• Magnet
• Magnifying eyeglasses (optional)

Instructions

1. Ask the thrift store attendant to see the piece up close if the jewelry is kept in a locked cabinet.

2. Place a magnet next to the item. If the piece is attracted to the magnet, it is another metal that has been painted gold.

3. Examine the jewelry for karat markings. Put on magnifying glasses if this will sharpen your vision for close work. Look for stamps that read 10K, 14K, 18K or 24K. The markings help you to determine the purity of the gold. If it is a ring, look on the inside of the band. If it is a chain with a lobster clasp, look for a number stamped on the portion of the clasp that opens.

4. Purchase the piece if it has a karat stamp on it and is not attracted to the magnet.

Tips & Warnings

• If you often find yourself perusing thrift stores in search of gold jewelry, it might be wise to invest in a magnetic keychain.

• If the attendant at the thrift store is unwilling to let you hold and examine the piece of jewelry before buying it, he might be hiding information. This is not a wise purchase, even if he assures you that the piece is made of real gold.

• If you choose to purchase the jewelry after finding out that it is not real gold, the piece could turn your skin green and the gold paint or plating could eventually chip off.

References

• LSU Department of Physics and Astronomy: Operation Primary Physical Science
• How To Tell If Your Gold Jewelry Is Real Gold
• Canada Gold Buyer

Resources

• Why Some Earrings Can Turn Your Skin Green
• Pocket Magnets