How to Spot Fake Gold & Counterfeit Jewellery

Fake gold ranges from gold-plated base metal to outright counterfeit hallmarks. A few checks catch most of it before you lose money.

Start with the hallmark. Genuine gold is stamped with its fineness — 999, 750, 585, or karat marks like 18K. Look for the stamp on rings (inside the band), necklaces (on the clasp) and bracelets. Absence of any mark is a warning sign. But be aware: hallmarks themselves can be faked, so treat the stamp as necessary, not sufficient.

The magnet test. Gold is not magnetic. If a strong magnet attracts the piece, it contains magnetic base metal and is not solid gold. This won't catch non-magnetic fakes (like tungsten cores) but it's a fast first filter that catches a lot of junk.

Weight and feel. Gold is dense and feels heavier than it looks. A piece that feels suspiciously light for its size is suspect. Experienced buyers notice this immediately; compare against a piece you know is genuine.

The ceramic / unglazed tile test. Drag the piece across unglazed ceramic. Real gold leaves a gold-coloured streak; fake (plated base metal) often leaves a black streak. Use cautiously — it can scratch the item.

Skin and acid. Cheap plated jewellery can discolour skin as the plating wears. For certainty, a jeweller's acid test or an electronic gold tester gives a definitive purity reading — worth it before any significant purchase.

The best protection is the source. Buy from established sellers with transparent purity and documentation — a recognised gold house or transparent bullion dealer — rather than chasing a too-good price from an unknown seller. A deal far below the gold value is the biggest red flag of all.

When in doubt, get an independent appraisal before you buy. Nothing here is financial advice.