Visual checking on marks.
Although it is not easy to discern substantial differences in gold pieces, taking a closer look can help you distinguish between fake and real gold. A careful person can identify which component is authentic or counterfeit.
- A piece of real gold-polished jewelry usually has markings on it, indicating its fineness or karat. Through a magnifying glass, you can observe the bracelet's fineness or karat rating. The ratings help to guide the buyer on then jewelry to know if it's genuine. However, some authentic old jewelry may lose their ratings through wear. But do not incline only on this criterion since many fake gold bracelets have imitating markings.
- Moreover, discoloration is another aspect you should consider when choosing the best seal. Discoloration marks, especially around the edges where there is higher friction, indicate that you have a piece of gold-coated jewelry that will lose its aesthetic value. A genuine piece of gold usually maintains its lusciousness and shiny color. Therefore, if you see a piece with discoloration, know that is another metal form coated in yellow-gold.
- Currently, fake jewelry has been designed through artistic expertise to make it look like real gold. The scratch test helps to differentiate real gold from gold-coated jewelry. If you scratch a gold-plated metal on a surface, its actual definition will show in a few minutes. Genuine gold jewelry holds its appearance if you rub it on the surface.
Bite Test
- Gold is a malleable metal. If you bite your jewelry and show some signs of teeth, then that is a real piece. However, you have to bite with caution because you may damage the entire item. Mostly, gold-coated jewelry is made of hard metals that cannot bend; you may end up damaging your teeth.
Magnet test
- The most straightforward test to ascertain if you have a real gold seal or not is by using a stronger magnet. We all know that gold is a non-magnetic metal; therefore, if you get the magnet closer, and the jewelry gets attracted, you have the wrong piece. However, if it does not get attracted, you should also be cautious since other non-magnetic metals are used in imitation jewelry.
Density test
- Gold is one of the known metals with the highest density. Here, one has to measure the density of his gold jewelry; 24k-rated has 19gml-1. If your seal density is more increased than 19gml-1, you have the purest gold bracelet.
Ceramic Plate test
- Drag a piece of jewelry across an unglazed ceramic plate. If you observe a black streak, then it’s fake gold, while a gold mark indicates the seal is genuine.
Nitric Acid Test
- Although this test comes with many risks, it presents one of the surest ways to distinguish fake and real gold. The real gold in concentrated nitric acid does not produce any reaction. Other metals react differently with the acid to have different colors; green (base metal), yellow-gold (gold-coated brass), and milky reaction (gold-plated sterling silver). However, protective gears are necessary to carry this test.
In conclusion, bracelets are part of the artistry ornaments, which has become very popular among men. However, there are many fake seals in the modern market, and you would not want to spend a lot on counterfeit things. The above techniques will help you choose the best quality jewelry.
