Selling gold can be a smart way to make some extra cash, but it's important to know if it's a real deal. Whether clearing your old jewellery or cashing it into gold coins. It's important to understand the difference between fake and real gold to save your money and time. In this blog post, we will discuss the key points to recognise real or fake gold so that you can sell it with confidence and get the best price, so let's get started!
Understanding Gold Purity
Gold purity refers to the amount of gold present in any piece of jewellery. It is measured in karats (K), where 24k is the highest purity and 18k or 14k are the lowest. It means the gold is mixed with other metals like copper or silver to make it more stronger and durable.
Learn what different karat marking represents:
● 24k: 99.9% gold (Pure gold)
● 22k: 91.7% gold
● 18k: 75% gold
● 14k: 58.3% gold
● 10k: 41.7% gold
Always check the gold jewellery because it often has their marks or hallmarks to represent the gold amount in the jewellery. These marks are normally on the inside of the rings, clasps of necklaces, or on gold bars or coins. If your jewellery piece has no mark, then you should have further tests to find out if it's real gold.
How To Spot Fake Gold By Appearance
To test the gold from its appearance, you need to follow the guidelines mentioned below:
● Stain or fading:
If you are noticing that your jewellery piece is fading, it means your gold is not real. Because the real gold maintains a consistent and rich gold colour. It shows that your gold is mixed with other metals or just plated with gold.
● Rust spots:
Gold doesn't rust. If there are any rust spots on your jewellery, it means your jewellery is gold plated or highly mixed with other metals.
● Damaged on edges:
If your gold is damaged or peeling from edges and corners. This can be the sign that your gold is not real. Because the real gold is durable and doesn't damage easily.
Performing Magnetic Test
Magnetic test is the most easier method to check the purity of gold. Gold is not magnetic, so it will not stick on a magnet. If your jewellery is sticking on the magnet, it has the presence of iron, nickel, or other magnetic metal. This shows that the item is fake or gold-plated.
Perform the magnetic test
● For this, take a strong magnet.
● Now, bring your jewellery piece closer to the magnet.
● Check if it's pulling towards it.
● If the item sticks, it can be gold-plated, if it does not, then this is authentic gold.
Be careful that while performing the test, do not scratch or damage your gold item. You can check the genuineness with this test. If you want to know the exact amount of gold, then perform other tests for accurate results.
Weighing And Measuring Gold
The best way to check the genuineness of the gold is by measuring and weighing your gold item. Gold has specific weight and density. So you can easily compare the mentioned weight and density with the typical dimensions to get the accurate purity of your gold. The weight and density of the gold can be measured with the machine called Karatmeater. In Australia, Sardar Jewellers is the Indian jewellery shop in Melbourne, having the Karat meter to check the exact authenticity of the gold item.
Here are the different weights and sizes for common gold items:
1. Gold coins:
A standers gold coins weigh approx 31.1 grams and has specific dimensions.
2. Gold bars:
Gold bars come with various signs, but the common gold bar weighs 1 ounce or 10 ounce. As the 1 ounce will be equal to 31.1 grams.
3. Gold jewellery:
The weight of gold jewellery varies with the size of the gold item. But the weight of the gold piece should have more weight than other metal pieces. For example, a gold ring will weigh more than a silver or brass ring.
Getting A Professional Opinion
Before heading to sell your gold item, it's important to seek a expert advice which can direct you accurately. Understand why you need professional help:
1. Expert assessment:
Certified jewellers use some special tools that can easily check the weight, density, and genuineness of your gold. They have a complete setup to perform different tests like acid test, X-ray test, Ultrasonic analysis, etc.
2. Accurate valuation:
Professionals can give you the accurate value, authenticity, density, weight, etc. of your gold. This will help you to know how much your gold is worth.
3. Avoid scams:
sometimes, fake gold cannot be spotted with any other method for a unknown person. At that case, it is better to talk to a professional jeweller to know the real value of your item. It will help you to fall in any scam.
Conclusion
On the whole, you will be able to spot the fake jewellery by these tests. If you find it difficult to notice the difference in real or fake gold, take a professional opinion. It will help you to get the exact worth of your gold and prevent you from scams or getting a low value of your gold.
If you want to sell your gold with 100% trust and get a real value for your jewellery piece, then Sardar Jewellers is the top choice. They commit you to give the best price without any hidden fees. Their years of experience and quality of unmatched customer services, 100% exchange, and buyback guarantee sets them apart. If you are seeking to buy or sell gold jewellery in Melbourne, freely visit them.