How to Test Jewelry for Gold

If you are buying gold jewelry online or from an unfamiliar seller, you may have doubts about whether or not you are getting the real thing. There are a number of ways to test jewelry for gold. The best way is to take the piece to a reputable jeweler for appraisal; he may charge a nominal fee for this service. However, there are a few indicators you can look for to determine if the jewelry is real gold.

Things You'll Need

• Magnifying glass
• Nitric acid
• Flat piece of slate
• Gloves
• Goggles

Instructions

Visual Test

1. Examine high-friction areas on the jewelry. Discoloration or flaking off of the top layer indicates this is not real gold. However, the absence of these signs does not guarantee that it is real gold.

2. Use a magnifying glass to check for stampings. On white jewelry, markings such as 925 or .925 indicates sterling silver. Pt 900 or Pt 950 indicate platinum. Markings such as G.F., G.E.P, R.G.P, H.G.E, E.P or GF means that the jewelry is gold-plated. Most gold jewelry is stamped 10k, 14k, 18k or 22k.

3. Wear the jewelry for a day or two. If it discolors your skin, it is not real gold.

Acid Testing

1. Wear safety goggles and gloves.

2. Rub the jewelry on a flat piece of slate so that a small amount of metal is deposited on the surface of the slate.

3. Drop nitric acid on the metal on the slate. If the metal dissolves in the acid, it is not real gold.

Tips & Warnings

• There are home testing kits available to test jewelry for gold content.

• Acid testing is extremely dangerous. Exercise utmost caution when handling nitric acid. Wear protective goggles and gloves.

References

• eBay Guides: How to Check For Gold
• Argonne National Laboratory: Test for Gold