Whether you are holding an heirloom in your hands, inspecting a flea market find or are simply curious whether your favorite pieces are made of real precious metal - the question of whether jewelry is real often arises. Authenticity and quality are decisive factors for the value and longevity of jewelry. In this blog post, you will learn how to find out whether your jewelry is real using simple methods and a little knowledge.
1. Checking the jewelry stamps
Jewelry stamps, also known as hallmarks, are small markings that contain important information about the piece of jewelry. These stamps provide information about the material used, the fineness, and sometimes the manufacturer.
- Gold : Look for stamps such as 999 (24 carat), 916 (22 carat), 750 (18 carat), 585 (14 carat) or 375 (9 carat). These numbers indicate the percentage of pure gold in the piece of jewelry.
- Silver : Common stamps are 925 (sterling silver), 835 or 800.
- Platinum : Look for stamps such as 999, 950, 900 or 850.
A genuine piece of jewelry made of precious metal should always have such a stamp. If these stamps are missing, it could be fake jewelry.
2. Magnet test
Precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum are not magnetic, so you can perform a simple magnet test. Hold a strong magnet to the piece of jewelry. If it is attracted, it is probably made of a base metal or alloy with magnetic properties. However, keep in mind that some fake jewelry may have a thin layer of precious metal that will pass the magnet test.
3. Density test
Precious metals have a higher density than base metals. You can test the density of your piece of jewelry by weighing it and then determining the volume. The volume can be determined by water displacement: Fill a measuring cup with water and note the level. Immerse the piece of jewelry completely and read the new water level. The difference is the volume of the piece of jewelry. You can use weight and volume to calculate the density and compare it with the typical densities of precious metals (e.g. gold approx. 19.3 g/cm³, silver approx. 10.5 g/cm³).
4. Acid test
The acid test is a common method for checking the authenticity of precious metals. A small amount of acid is applied to the piece of jewelry to observe its reaction. Precious metals such as gold and silver react differently to different acids:
- Gold : Gold testing acids in various concentrations are used to test for gold. The acid only reacts with base metals, while real gold remains unchanged.
- Silver : Silver testing acid (e.g. nitric acid) turns green when it comes into contact with base metals, while real silver takes on a milky color.
Be careful when performing the acid test and wear protective gloves and goggles. Test kits are available online and include detailed instructions.
5. Visual inspection
A careful visual inspection can often provide clues as to the authenticity of a piece of jewelry. Look for the following features:
- Discoloration : Real metals do not normally discolor. Greenish discoloration often indicates base metals.
- Scratches : Gold and silver are soft metals and can scratch easily. Check to see if there is another metal visible beneath the surface.
- Welds and joints : Real gold or silver jewelry should be well crafted and free of imperfect welds.
6. Expert opinion
If you are still unsure, have your jewelry appraised by an expert. A jeweler or jewelry expert can determine the authenticity and value of the piece of jewelry through special tests such as X-ray fluorescence analysis or spectral analysis.
7. Compare weight and size
Precious metals have a specific weight. If you have a piece of jewelry that is particularly light or heavy compared to similar pieces, this could be an indication of a fake or an alloy.
8. Thermal conductivity
Precious metals conduct heat very well. You can test how quickly a piece of jewelry heats up or cools down to get an indication of the material used. Real gold jewelry heats up more quickly than fakes.
Conclusion
Determining the authenticity of jewelry is a mixture of science and art. By combining the methods above, you can make an informed assessment. Look for stamps, perform simple tests such as the magnet and density test, and don't be afraid to call in an expert. With this knowledge, you will be well equipped to determine the authenticity of your jewelry and make smart decisions when buying or selling.
Happy jewelry shopping and stay shiny!