Hey there!
We know that sinking feeling when you stumble upon a stunning piece of jewellery only to wonder, “Is this real gold?” Well, not everything that glitters is gold. In a world where you get loads of fake gold jewellery, it is crucial to learn how to separate the real deal from the wannabes- especially when shopping for pre-owned gold jewellery.
You might want to believe that your beloved vintage treasure is pure gold, but it can be gold-plated, or even worse, fake. While gold-plated jewellery pieces still have real gold plating on them, they are not as valuable as pure gold.
At Retrogold, we take pride in offering unique vintage pure gold jewellery pieces that have a rich heritage and guarantee of authenticity. Let’s make you a pro in spotting the real gold and segregating it from the fake ones.
How to Identify Fake Gold Jewellery?
1. The Magnet Test: Easy Peasy
This has to be the quickest and easiest way to test your gold or pre-owned golden pieces. Real gold will not get attracted to a magnet, so if that piece you are eyeing is getting attracted to a magnet, it is most likely not real.
Here’s how to do a magnet test:
Grab a small magnet (even a fridge magnet would do!) and hover it close to your jewellery. You know by now, if it sticks, that piece might be made from a metal mix that includes iron or it might even be gold plated.
At Retrogold, every piece in our collection, just like this stunning 18ct pre-owned gold bracelet, will pass the magnet test easily- because it’s the real deal!
2. Look for the Hallmark: The Ultimate Standard for Gold
All genuine gold jewellery will have a hallmark which is usually stamped in a discreet spot such as the inside of a ring band or the clasp of a necklace. This tiny engraving is a tell-tale sign of the purity of the gold and often includes the maker’s mark as well.
You can also check for numbers such as 375 (9ct gold), 750 (18ct gold), or even 916 (22ct gold) to assess the purity of your new or second-hand golden bling. Can’t find the hallmark? It might be time to ask some questions from the seller!
One of our favourites at Retrogold is this beautiful 9ct yellow gold ring with diamonds and blue stone, which is not just beautiful, but also stamped with its purity, making it a perfect blend of style and authenticity.
3. The Float Test: Sink or Swim
If you are still not sure, here is a quick and easy water test. Gold is a dense metal that will sink immediately when dropped into water. If a piece doesn’t, it is most likely not pure gold.
Just fill a glass with water, and gently place your jewellery in it, and you will get your answer.
But don’t worry about this test with any of our pieces, like this elegant 22ct yellow gold drop earrings.
Why Trust Retrogold?
At Retrogold, we are all about transparency and quality. We carefully inspect and verify each piece to ensure you are getting only authentic pre-owned gold jewellery. Whether you are looking for a classic vintage gold bracelet or a pre-loved gold necklace, you can trust that every piece you buy from us has been vetted and is ready to add a touch of retro charm to your collection.
When it comes to gold, it is always better to be safe than sorry! Explore our collection of pre-owned gold jewellery and shop with confidence.