Start with the hallmark and karat stamp
The first and best check is the hallmark. This is a tiny mark stamped on the gold. It tells you the purity. Look on the inside of a ring, the clasp of a chain, or the back of a pendant. You may need a small magnifying glass.
Gold purity is shown as karat (K) or as a three-digit number. Both mean the same thing. Here is a quick guide:
| Karat stamp | Number stamp | Gold purity |
|---|---|---|
| 24K | 999 | 99.9% |
| 22K | 916 | 91.6% |
| 21K | 875 | 87.5% |
| 18K | 750 | 75% |
In many countries a hallmark also carries other marks. In India, for example, BIS hallmarked gold shows the BIS logo, the purity, and a unique ID. Gulf and other markets have their own official marks. If a piece has no stamp at all, be careful. It does not always mean fake, but it means you need more proof.
Buy from a certified jeweller
The simplest way to stay safe is to buy from a trusted, certified shop. A good jeweller gives you a proper bill. The bill should list the weight, the karat, the rate per gram or per tola, and any making charge.
- Ask for the hallmark and check it yourself.
- Keep the receipt. You will need it to sell or exchange later.
- Ask about buy-back terms before you pay.
- Compare the price against the live market rate for that karat.
A fair shop will not mind these questions. If a seller rushes you or refuses a bill, walk away.
Check the weight and the price
Real gold is heavy and dense. Fakes often feel too light. Ask the jeweller to weigh the item in front of you on a proper scale.
Weight also helps you check the price. Gold is sold by weight in different units. It helps to know them:
- 1 troy ounce = 31.1035 grams.
- 1 tola = 11.6638 grams.
- The spot price is quoted in US dollars per troy ounce.
You can do simple math to see if a price makes sense. For example, if pure gold is $2,000 per troy ounce, then one gram of pure gold is about $64 ($2,000 ÷ 31.1035). A 22K piece is 91.6% pure, so its gold value per gram is about $59. Making charges are added on top. If a price is far below the market value, that is a warning sign. This is general information, not financial advice.
Simple at-home checks (and their limits)
These quick tests can catch obvious fakes. But none of them are proof on their own. Use them as clues, not final answers.
The magnet test
Gold is not magnetic. Hold a strong magnet near the item. If it pulls or sticks, there is magnetic metal inside, so it is not pure gold. But this test has a big limit: many fake pieces use non-magnetic metals too. So passing the magnet test does not prove the gold is real.
Look and smell
Check for wear. If the gold colour is rubbing off at the edges and a different metal shows through, it is likely plated, not solid gold. Real gold also has no smell. A coin-like or metallic smell can point to other metals.
The float test
Drop the item gently into a glass of water. Real gold is dense and sinks fast. Many fakes float or sink slowly. This is a rough guide only, and it cannot tell karat.
Tests to avoid at home
- Acid tests: these can damage your gold and are best left to professionals.
- The bite test: biting gold can harm your teeth and proves very little.
- The scratch test: this can leave permanent marks on the piece.
The honest truth: home checks can spot a clear fake, but they cannot confirm exact purity. For that, you need a real test.
Get a proper assay when it matters
An assay is a professional purity test. If you are buying a large amount, an old piece with no clear stamp, or gold for investment, get one. It gives you the true karat and peace of mind.
- Electronic tester: many jewellers use a small machine that reads purity fast, without damage.
- XRF machine: this scans the metal and shows its full make-up. It is quick and does not harm the item.
- Assay office or lab: for the most exact result, a certified lab can test the gold and give a report.
Ask a shop if they offer testing. Some do it free for their own customers. An independent test, done by someone who is not selling you the gold, is the most trustworthy.
Quick buyer checklist
- Find and read the hallmark or karat stamp.
- Buy from a certified jeweller and get a full bill.
- Weigh the item and check the price against the live rate.
- Run a magnet and float check as a first clue.
- For big or unclear buys, get an assay or electronic test.
Take your time, ask questions, and keep your receipts. A few minutes of checking protects your money for years.