How to know if something is gold using the home method? If you have a piece of jewellery or a metal object at home and you are not sure if it is real gold, don't worry. There are various home tests that will allow you to check if it really is gold or a simple imitation without having to go to a professional.
In this article we will explain different home methods and professionals to verify the authenticity of gold, from tests with vinegar y lemon to more advanced checks with magnets y fire. Keep reading for all the details!
How to know if something is gold using the home method: detailed observation of the jewel
Before performing any tests, the first thing you can do is carefully examine the jewel or the object in question. Here are some key aspects to pay attention to:
- Purity prints: Many gold jewelry pieces carry a mark indicating their purity, such as “18K” or “750.” These numbers indicate the amount of gold present in the piece.
- Color and wear: Pure gold does not change color over time. If you notice discolorations or a different tone beneath the surface, it is likely a gold-plated piece or an imitation.
- Weight and density: Gold is a dense metal, so it is usually heavier than other alloys. An object that is too light may not be solid gold.
magnet test
Gold is a non-magnetic metal, so one of the simplest tests is to bring it close to a powerful magnetIf the piece is attracted to the magnet, it means that it contains other metals and is not pure gold.
It is important to note that some gold alloys may contain small amounts of magnetic metals, so this test is not 100% conclusive.
Vinegar and lemon test
Gold does not react with mild acids such as vinegar or lemon juice. To perform this test:
- Apply a few drops of vinegar or squeeze a little lemon juice onto the surface of the jewelry.
- Wait a few minutes and see if there are any changes in color or any kind of reaction.
- If the piece remains unchanged, it is a good sign that it could be gold. If it changes color or shows signs of oxidation, it is probably not real gold.
ceramic test
For this test you will need a plate of ceramics without glaze or a ceramic tile:
- Gently rub the jewelry against the surface of the ceramic.
- If it leaves a golden mark, it is probable that it is gold. If the mark is black or grey, the piece is not pure gold.
It is advisable to do this test carefully so as not to damage the jewel.
Test of fire
Another homemade method is to heat the jewel with a lighter for a few seconds.
- If the piece is pure gold, it will not burn or change color.
- If it has dark spots, it may indicate that it is not real gold or that it has low purity.
Density test
Gold has a specific density quite high, so this test can be very useful:
- Fill a container with water and measure the costumes before inserting the jewel.
- Place the jewel inside and measure the new volume.
- Calculate the density by dividing the weight of the jewel by the displaced volume.
- The standard values are: 19,32 g/cm³ for 24K gold, 15,58 g/cm³ for 18K gold and 13,07 g/cm³ for 14K gold.
How to tell if something is gold using the home method: What to do if you are not sure?
Although these home methods can give you an idea about the authenticity of the gold, the most reliable way to verify it is to go to a professional jewelerThey have specialized tools such as spectrometers and specific acids that allow the purity of gold to be determined accurately.
If you have questions about a valuable piece or need an official certification, consulting an expert will always be the best option.
Determining whether a piece of jewelry is genuine gold isn't difficult if you follow the right methods. From close observation to testing with vinegar, fire, or magnets, there are many ways to check its authenticity at home. However, if you need definitive confirmation, it's best to consult a professional jeweler to ensure that your jewelry is truly pure gold.