Authenticating Wedding Bands: Real Gold?

Gold is a precious metal that has been valued as the supreme one of all. It has a lot of unique characteristics, including its gloss and shine, and the fact that it never corrodes. It is also one of the best electrical conductors, which is why it is used so heavily inside computers and other technological equipment.

There are several tests you can use to tell if a wedding band is made from real gold. Firstly, gold is not magnetic, so if a strong magnet sticks to the ring, it is probably not real gold. Secondly, gold is a dense metal, so if you drop it into a glass of water, it should sink. Fake gold will float or hover in the water. Thirdly, gold is extremely non-reactive, so if you hold a piece of gold jewellery between your hands for a couple of minutes, it should not leave any discolouration on your skin. Fake gold will turn your skin black, blue or green. Fourthly, gold has a density of 19.3 grams per millilitre, so you can perform a density test by weighing the ring and then placing it in water to measure its volume. Finally, you can look for a hallmark, which is a small stamp indicating the gold's karat weight. In the US, the hallmark number is a fraction of 24, while in Europe, it is a number between 0.000 and 1.000.

Water Test: Real gold is dense and will sink to the bottom of a jug of water

The water test is a simple and effective way to determine whether a wedding band is made of real gold. Real gold is a dense metal, so if you drop it into a jug of water, it will sink to the bottom. On the other hand, imitation gold is much lighter and will float. The water temperature doesn't matter for this test, so you can use lukewarm water.

In addition to the water test, there are other ways to check if a wedding band is made of real gold. One way is to look for a hallmark, which indicates the gold's karat weight. In the US, the hallmark number is a fraction of 24, so a hallmark of 12K means the jewellery is half gold. Pure gold is 24K. In Europe, the hallmark is a number between .0000 and 1.000, with 1.000 being 100% gold. Older jewellery may not have this stamp, as it only became mandatory relatively recently in some places. Additionally, the hallmark may have worn away over time if the item has been in constant contact with the skin.

Another way to check is to test the density of the gold. Gold has a density of approximately 19.3 grams per millilitre (g/mL). To find the density of your wedding band, weigh it in grams and then place it in a container of water to find out how many millilitres of water it displaces. Then, divide the weight of the band by the volume of water displaced. The result should be close to 19 g/mL if the band is made of real gold.

You can also try the magnet test, as gold is not magnetic. If you hold a strong magnet up to the band and it sticks, it is probably not real gold. However, this test is not foolproof, as counterfeit gold can be made with non-magnetic metals, and genuine gold items can be made with magnetic metals such as iron.

Finally, you can try the vinegar test. Place a few drops of vinegar on the band and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Real gold will not change colour, but fake gold will. However, this method may damage semi-precious stones on the band.

Magnet Test: Gold is not magnetic, so if it sticks to a magnet, it's not real gold

Gold is not magnetic, so if your wedding band is attracted to a magnet, it is not real gold. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform the magnet test:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need a strong magnet, such as a neodymium magnet, and your wedding band. You can also gather other metallic objects, such as paper clips or nails, to test the strength of your magnet.

Step 2: Prepare Your Magnet

Before testing your wedding band, you should test your magnet with the metallic objects you have gathered. This will ensure that your magnet is strong enough to detect magnetic metals in gold alloys.

Step 3: Clean Your Wedding Band

Make sure your wedding band is clean and free of any dirt, debris, or grime, as this can interfere with the accuracy of the test.

Step 4: Place Your Wedding Band on a Surface

Place your wedding band on a clean, wooden surface in front of you. The magnet should be the same size as your wedding band or larger. If your magnet is too small, it may not be strong enough to create a magnetic reaction with heavier gold items.

Step 5: Move the Magnet Towards the Wedding Band

Slowly move the magnet towards the wedding band, without making direct contact. If the wedding band is attracted to the magnet and pulls towards it, then it is not real gold.

Limitations of the Magnet Test

It is important to note that the magnet test has some limitations. Even if your wedding band is not attracted to a magnet, it may still not be authentic gold. Fake gold can sometimes consist of non-magnetic metals, such as copper and brass, that are not attracted to magnets. Additionally, some gold alloys may contain traces of magnetic metals, such as nickel and iron, that could make them magnetic and test as fake. Furthermore, some gold jewellery may have magnetic components, such as metal clasps or springs, that can be drawn to a magnet, leading to misleading results.

Skin Discoloration: If gold jewellery leaves black/green marks on your skin, it's not real gold

If you notice black or green marks on your skin after wearing a gold ring, it's likely that your jewellery isn't made from real gold. This is because pure gold (24K) rarely stains your skin. However, gold is often mixed with other metals to create an alloy, which can cause skin discolouration.

Copper, nickel, and silver are commonly used to alter the colour of gold. For example, a combination of copper and yellow gold creates rose gold, and a combination of nickel or silver with yellow gold creates white gold. These metals can stain your skin. Copper is the main culprit when it comes to skin discolouration. When the acids in your skin combine with copper in gold jewellery, it causes the copper to rust and produce copper salts, which often appear blue or green.

It's worth noting that some people may have an allergy to certain metals, which can also cause skin discolouration. If your skin becomes red or itchy when wearing jewellery, it's best to stop wearing the piece that's causing the irritation.

To prevent skin discolouration, it's recommended to keep your skin dry when wearing jewellery and to avoid wearing jewellery when exercising or swimming. You can also try coating the gold or jewellery containing copper with clear nail polish, creating a barrier between the skin and the jewellery.

Ceramic Scratch Test: Scratching gold on an unglazed ceramic plate will leave a gold streak, whereas fake gold will leave a black mark

The ceramic scratch test is a simple and effective way to determine whether your wedding band is made of real gold. Here's a step-by-step guide to performing the ceramic scratch test:

Prepare an Unglazed Ceramic Plate:

Get an unglazed ceramic plate or tile. An unglazed ceramic surface is essential, as glazed ceramic may not show the colour of the streak clearly. You can purchase an unglazed ceramic plate or tile from a home improvement store if you don't have one readily available.

Scratch the Gold Item on the Plate:

Gently drag your gold wedding band across the unglazed ceramic surface. Apply enough pressure to leave a mark, but be careful not to scratch or damage your jewellery. A light touch is recommended to avoid causing any potential harm to your ring.

Observe the Colour of the Streak:

If the gold is real, you will see a yellowish or gold-coloured streak on the ceramic plate. This is because gold is a very soft metal, and when scratched on a hard surface like ceramic, it will leave a mark that matches its colour.

On the other hand, if the gold is fake, it will leave a dark or black streak. This is because fake gold is often made of metals with a darker colour, such as copper or brass.

Compare with Known Gold:

For added confirmation, you can compare the streak with that of a piece of gold whose purity is known. This can be done by rubbing a touchstone or touchneedle (a verified piece of gold with known purity) next to the streak and observing any colour differences.

Clean the Ceramic Plate:

After performing the test, you can clean the ceramic plate by washing it with water and a piece of wet or dry sandpaper. This will remove any streaks or powdered mineral residue from the surface.

It is important to note that while the ceramic scratch test is a useful indicator, it may not always be 100% accurate. For a more definitive conclusion, consider combining this test with other methods of gold testing, such as the float test, skin test, or using a gold testing machine. Alternatively, you can consult a certified jeweller or pawn shop for a professional assessment.

Hallmarks: Real gold will have a hallmark indicating its percentage of gold

Hallmarks are an important way to verify the authenticity of gold jewellery. They are a form of gold jewellery hallmarking, which is considered the earliest form of consumer protection, dating back to the 1200s.

A hallmark is a small stamp or engraving that verifies the percentage of precious metal present in a piece of jewellery. In many countries, it is a legal requirement. In the UK, for example, all gold products sold on the home market must be hallmarked at one of the four assay offices in London, Birmingham, Sheffield, and Edinburgh, with the exception of articles weighing less than one gram.

The hallmark will indicate the type of gold used in the jewellery, ranging from 10 karat to 24 karat gold. The marking will either be an obvious indication, such as "14k" for 14 karat gold, or a three-digit number that corresponds to a common standards chart. For example, "999" or "999.9" indicates 24 karat gold, while "585" or "583" indicates 14 karat gold.

In addition to the purity grade, hallmarks may also include the manufacturer's mark, the assay office involved in evaluating the item, and the date of testing. These marks help protect consumers by ensuring they are getting what they pay for and avoiding lower-quality items.

When checking the hallmark on gold jewellery, it is important to understand the marking system used in your country. For example, in the US, an item's karatage may be identified by signage or verbal information near the jewellery, and it does not have to be marked on the piece itself. In contrast, the UK requires gold products to be physically hallmarked.

It is worth noting that hallmarks can be faked, but selling fraudulent jewellery with fake marks is illegal and can result in serious penalties. Therefore, it is always a good idea to verify the authenticity of gold jewellery through other means as well, such as by using a gold-testing kit or seeking the help of a professional jeweller.

Frequently asked questions