🧐 Introduction: Real or Fake Gold?

With gold prices climbing and the market flooded with imitations, knowing whether your gold jewelry is real is more important than ever—especially if you've inherited, purchased, or been gifted a piece.

At Bijouterie Jamil, we regularly assess and appraise gold pieces, and we’ve seen it all: real treasures, clever fakes, and everything in between. In this article, we’ll show you how to identify authentic gold with easy at-home methods and explain when it's best to get a professional evaluation.

⚠️ Why Fake Gold Is So Common

• Gold-plated jewelry looks convincing but has a thin layer over cheaper metal.

• “10K” or “18K” stamps are sometimes forged.

• Online and vintage markets often sell unverified pieces.

Knowing the signs of authenticity protects you from scams and helps you understand the true value of your piece.

🔍 5 Easy Ways to Tell If Your Gold Is Real (At Home)

1. Check for Hallmarks

Look for small stamps inside the band or clasp:

• Common markings: 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K

• European: 375, 585, 750, 916, 999

• "GP" or "GF" = gold plated/fill, not solid gold

🛑 Fake gold may also bear fake stamps—this test is not foolproof.

2. The Magnet Test

Gold is not magnetic. Hold a magnet near the piece:

• If it sticks, it's not real gold

• Weak attraction may indicate gold-plated or base metal mix

🔧 Use a strong rare-earth magnet for best results.

3. Skin Reaction Test

Wear the jewelry for a few hours:

• Green/black marks on skin = likely fake or gold-plated

• Real gold will not tarnish or discolor your skin

👤 Note: this test may vary depending on your skin pH or lotions used.

4. The Float Test

Drop your gold item in a cup of water:

• Real gold sinks immediately

• Fake or plated items may float or move slowly

🧪 Be cautious—this doesn't confirm authenticity, but it may signal red flags.

5. Ceramic Scratch Test

Gently rub your gold item on unglazed ceramic (like a tile):

• Real gold leaves a gold streak

• Fake gold may leave a black or gray streak

⚠️ This may scratch your jewelry—use only on unimportant pieces.

🧾 Professional Testing: When to Visit a Jeweler

Even if your piece passes all home tests, a professional appraisal gives you:

• Certified proof of authenticity

• An accurate karat and weight measurement

• Fair replacement value for insurance

• Peace of mind for resale, gifting, or inheritance

At Bijouterie Jamil, we provide:

• On-the-spot gold testing

• Official appraisals

• Guidance for selling, insuring, or resetting gold

📍 Gold Testing in Montreal

Looking for a trusted jeweler in Montreal to verify your gold? Bijouterie Jamil offers private, expert evaluations—whether it’s a family heirloom or a new find.

Book a consultation or walk in with your piece, and we’ll test it while you watch.

💬 FAQs

Is gold plating worth anything?

Minimal. It may have sentimental value, but resale or melt value is very low.

Does real gold ever tarnish?

Pure gold (24K) doesn’t tarnish, but lower karats (10K–18K) may dull slightly due to alloy content.

Can I test white gold the same way?

Yes, but it's harder—white gold is alloyed and may behave differently in visual or magnet tests. We recommend a professional test.

✨ Conclusion: Know What You’re Wearing

Whether you’re wearing it, selling it, or insuring it—know what you own. Home tests are a great start, but nothing beats expert analysis.

👉 Visit Bijouterie Jamil today for a quick gold check, no obligation.