How to Test Gold at Home — Is My Gold Real?
You can do simple checks at home to get an idea whether a piece is real gold or not. None of these are 100% accurate on their own, but together they help. For a final answer — especially before selling or insuring — a jeweler or assay test is best.
1. Look for Hallmarks and Stamps
The first step is to look for a purity mark: 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K, or 417, 585, 750, 916, 999. These are usually inside rings, near clasps, or on the back of pendants. Real gold jewelry is often stamped; fake or plated pieces may have no stamp, or a misleading one. Stamps can be faked, so use this as one clue, not proof. For a full list of marks, see our gold hallmarks guide.
2. Magnet Test
Gold is not magnetic. If a strong magnet pulls the piece, it's not solid gold — it may be plated, gold-filled with a magnetic base, or another metal. If the magnet doesn't attract it, that's consistent with gold but not proof: some non-gold alloys are also non-magnetic. So: magnetic = likely not solid gold; non-magnetic = possible gold, need more checks.
3. Vinegar or Acid Test (Use With Care)
Real gold doesn't react with vinegar or mild acids; many base metals do. A drop of vinegar on an inconspicuous spot that doesn't change color is a weak sign of gold. Strong acid test kits (nitric acid, etc.) can give a better idea of karat but can damage the piece and are hazardous if misused. We don't recommend home acid testing unless you know what you're doing. When in doubt, skip this and use a professional.
4. Density Test (Weigh and Measure Volume)
Gold is dense. You can estimate density by weighing the piece in grams and measuring its volume (e.g. by water displacement in a graduated container). Density = mass ÷ volume. Pure gold is about 19.3 g/cm³; 14K is around 13 g/cm³. If the result is way lower, the piece may be hollow, plated, or not gold. This test is more involved and works best for simple shapes; accuracy at home is limited.
5. Skin Discoloration — Not Reliable
You may have heard that real gold doesn't turn your skin green. Some base metals in alloys can cause green marks; pure gold and high-karat gold usually don't. But skin chemistry and other factors also affect this, and plated items can sometimes pass this "test" for a while. Don't rely on skin discoloration alone to tell if gold is real.
When to Get Professional Testing
If you need a definite answer — for selling, insurance, or a big purchase — take the piece to a jeweler or a gold buyer who does testing. They can use electronic testers or acid tests safely and give you a karat reading. Assay offices can provide a formal assay for high-value or disputed items. Home tests are for rough checks only; they don't replace professional verification when it matters.