How to Check Gold Purity at Home

Ever wondered if that old gold jewellery lying in your drawer is genuine or just a shiny imitation? If you are planning to sell gold, you have to be sure about its authenticity. But do you really need to visit a jeweller to find out? Not necessarily! Professional tests are always accurate but complex. Still, there are a few simple and effective ways to check gold purity at home. Let us explore easy methods you can use to test gold at home. 

Magnet Test 

Gold is non-magnetic. So, if your gold item is attracted to a magnet, it is likely not pure gold. Here is what you have to do:

What You Need: A strong magnet. You can get it from a hardware store or an old hard drive.  

How to Perform: Hold the magnet close to the gold piece. If it sticks or is drawn toward the magnet, the item might contain other metals.  

Some counterfeit gold items use non-magnetic metals like stainless steel, so this test alone isn’t foolproof.  

Float Test

Gold is dense and does not float in water. This test checks whether the item is real gold or a lighter metal.  

What You Need: A glass of water.  

How to Perform: Gently place the gold item in the water. Real gold will sink to the bottom instantly. If it floats or hovers, it is likely fake or plated. This test can determine only whether the item is made of real gold, not the purity level. 

Scratch Test on Ceramic Plate 

Gold leaves a distinct mark due to its softness. You can determine the authenticity of the gold using an unglazed ceramic plate.  

What You Need: An unglazed ceramic plate. It is available at hardware stores.  

How to Perform: Gently drag the gold item across the plate. Real gold leaves a golden or yellow streak. Fake gold leaves a black or grey streak. This test might slightly scratch the gold. So avoid using it on delicate jewellery. 

Visual Inspection for Hallmarks 

Authentic gold items usually have a hallmark indicating their purity. While buying or selling gold, you might have seen some marks on the gold item. These marks include numbers like 999 and 750.  

What You Need: A magnifying glass.  

How to Perform: Check the gold piece under bright light using the magnifying glass. Look for stamps like 24K,18K, or any other purity numbers. Copy items may also carry fake hallmarks. So, use this method in conjunction with other tests.

Vinegar Test 

Gold does not react with vinegar. This is an easy at-home test.  

What You Need: White vinegar.  

How to Perform: Drop a small amount of vinegar directly on the gold item. You can immerse your gold item in a vinegar solution. Real gold will not change colour. But fake gold will react or discolour. This test should be done carefully to avoid damaging any non-gold parts of the jewellery, like stones and clasps.

Use an electronic gold tester

An electronic gold tester is a handheld device that analyzes the metal’s purity. Pure gold will show higher readings than plated metals. If you often buy or sell gold, you can buy this device to be on the safer side.

What You Need: 

– Electronic gold tester (handheld device)

– Conductive tester gel (sold with testing devices)

How to Do It:

Apply the gel to the gold item, then use the tester’s probe to measure its response to electricity. Pure gold will show higher readings than plated metals. Follow the tester’s instructions to interpret the results accurately.

Consult a Professional Assayer

If you need professional assistance, an assayer can provide an extensive analysis of its content and purity. This is perfect for high value items where accuracy is important. For a reliable and straightforward service, White Gold is the trusted choice for assessing and selling your gold. With professional expertise and smooth bank transfer transactions, we ensure you receive the best value for your precious metal.

Bottom line 

Knowing how to check gold purity at home helps you avoid unnecessary mistakes. Whether you are buying or selling gold, these home tests provide you with useful insights. But still, they aren’t foolproof.

If you are unsure about your gold’s authenticity, it is good to consult a professional jeweller or gold buyer like White Gold. With our expertise, you can get a precise evaluation. Looking for reliable gold buyers in Bangalore? Visit White Gold to get the best deals!