How do you know if something is real gold?

[Anonymous]

I was given a few gold necklaces and bracelets. How do I know if any are real gold? I looked online at some tests you can do, but they seemed like the results wouldn't be 100% accurate.

[Anonymous]

Go to a local jewelry store, they'll tell you.

[Anonymous]

There should be a small stamp with either 12k, 14k, 18k or 22k. Generally you can just “tell” once you get used to gold.

[Anonymous]

I’m not used to gold unfortunately. I don’t see where there would be a stamp.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m not used to gold unfortunately. I don’t see where there would be a stamp.

It’s somewhere, even on a chain, usually near the clasp. Depends on the piece of jewelry you are asking about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m not used to gold unfortunately. I don’t see where there would be a stamp.

On bracelets or necklaces, the stamp is usually either on or near the clasp. If there isn't a stamp, it is very unlikely to be gold.

[Anonymous]

It has to be stamped OP

Like PP said look in those spots.

If not then not gold.

Something would have to be so old that the stamp rubbed off that is highly unlikely.

[Anonymous]

OP does it have anything that looks even remotely like this:

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It has to be stamped OP

Like PP said look in those spots.

If not then not gold.

Something would have to be so old that the stamp rubbed off that is highly unlikely.

Most (but not all) pieces are stamped. Conversely, some stamps are fake. I would go to a jeweler to check.

[Anonymous]

Theres a machine the jeweler uses to test the component metals.

[Anonymous]

Does it say 925 on it? That would mean it’s silver with plating

[Anonymous]

A word of caution about the absence of stamps. If it is a ring, it may be possible that it has been sized over the years and the stamp may have been cut out. (Or worn away.) It could very well be gold but not have a stamp.

I had a family heirloom ring and had to have it tested. No stamp on it anywhere. It was indeed gold.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There should be a small stamp with either 12k, 14k, 18k or 22k. Generally you can just “tell” once you get used to gold.

This. Look for the hallmark. It maybe very tiny. Usually on or near the clasp. Also real gold never ever discolors or discolors skin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A word of caution about the absence of stamps. If it is a ring, it may be possible that it has been sized over the years and the stamp may have been cut out. (Or worn away.) It could very well be gold but not have a stamp.

I had a family heirloom ring and had to have it tested. No stamp on it anywhere. It was indeed gold.

That is like 1% of cases.

[Anonymous]

If they’ve been used and still look good / aren’t discolored l would just assume they are real…could be anywhere from 10k to 18k for chains l think?

If you want to be sure, ya take to a jeweler.