How to Test Gold at Home

Home tests can rule out obvious fakes. None of them proves the exact karat, so use them to sort, not to set a price.

1. Look for the stamp

Check clasps, ring bands and earring posts with a magnifier. A karat or fineness mark (14K, 585, 750) is the first clue. GF, GP or HGE means plated or filled. See gold hallmarks explained.

2. The magnet test

Gold is not magnetic. If a strong magnet pulls the piece clearly, it is mostly another metal, or it has a steel spring or core. If it does not stick, that does not prove it is gold, because many other metals are not magnetic either. Clasps often contain a steel spring, so test the chain itself.

3. The ceramic streak test

Rubbing a piece gently on the unglazed back of a ceramic tile leaves a streak. Gold tends to leave a golden streak, while many base metals leave a dark one. This can scratch your item, so only do it on a hidden spot, and never on something valuable to you.

4. Acid test kits

Jewelers test gold by rubbing it on a test stone and applying acids made for each karat. Kits are sold for home use, but the acids are corrosive. If you use one, follow the instructions, wear gloves and eye protection, work in a ventilated space and keep it away from children. Many people find it safer to ask a buyer to test in front of them.

5. Weigh it

Weighing does not test purity, but you need the weight for the calculator. A kitchen scale that shows 0.1 gram is fine for a rough idea; a jewelry scale that shows 0.01 gram is better for small items.

What home tests cannot do