How to Verify the Quality of Pre-Owned Gold Jewellery?

Looking to buy pre-owned gold jewellery? It is very important to ensure authenticity and quality when it comes to buying pre-loved gold treasures.


There are numerous pieces on the market, so it becomes essential to know how to differentiate between genuine gold and counterfeit or lower-quality alternatives. Not sure how to do that?


We, at Retrogold are here to help. This guide offers practical tips to verify the authenticity of pre-owned gold jewellery, including hallmarks, gold testing methods, and choosing trusted jewellers or online jewellery stores.


For those shopping at Retrogold, this post will help you make informed decisions and invest confidently in our curated collection of vintage jewellery.


3 Ways to Identify the Authenticity of Pre-Owned Gold Jewellery 


1. Understanding Hallmark Stamps
We all have heard the term Hallmark, but what is it? Hallmark stamps are official marks or stamps made on gold jewellery to indicate purity and authenticity. Assay Offices regulate hallmarking in the UK to ensure that gold pieces are meeting the legal standards for precious metals.


Key hallmark stamps to look for:

  • Purity Marks: These are the indicators of gold content in the jewellery. For instance, “375” represents 9ct gold, “585” represents 14ct gold, and 18ct gold is represented by “750”.
  • Assay Office Marks: These are symbols and letters that represent the Assay Office, the body which testifies and certifies gold jewellery.
  • Date Letters: Some hallmarks include letters indicating the year the jewellery was assayed.
  • Maker’s Marks: These are unique symbols or initials that represent the maker of the jewellery.

How to verify hallmarks?
Examine your jewellery piece carefully and closely to find these stamps. These stamps are usually present on the inner side of rings or clasps of necklaces. Verify the marks with the relevant Assay Office’s online database or consult a professional jewellery if unsure.


2. Testing Gold Purity
There are different ways to test the purity of gold in a piece of jewellery. Mentioned below are 4 methods to test the purity of gold:

a. Acid Test: Don’t worry, it’s a fool-proof method of testing gold’s purity. Apply a small drop of acid to a scratch made on the fold surface. The reaction with the acid helps determine its purity. There are different types of acids used for different carats of gold.
b. Electronic Tester: If you’re frightened by the thought of using acid on your vintage bling, this is a safe, yet effective method to test the purity of new and pre-loved gold. A portable electronic device such as an XRF analyser gun measures the gold’s purity. It is a non-destructive method of testing and offers quick results.
Take a look at this stunning piece of pre-owned gold drop earrings. 
These are made from 22ct yellow gold and are hallmarked. In addition to hallmarking, these have also been tested for purity using an XRF analyser gun, just like our other jewellery pieces.
c. Magnet Test: Gold is not a magnetic metal, so ideally it should not get attracted to a magnet. If it does, it is generally not pure gold. However, this method of testing the purity of gold is not fool-proof, as other metals can also have non-magnetic properties.
d. Professional Testing: Don’t want to go through all these hassles? Consider taking your pre-owned gold jewellery to a professional jeweller or gemmologist for testing the purity. They use advanced tools and techniques to verify the authenticity of gold.

3. Choosing Trusted Jewellers/Sellers
The best way to ensure your adored piece of vintage jewellery is authentic is to buy pre-loved gold jewellery from reputable sellers such as Retrogold. This ensures you are buying high-quality, authentic vintage jewellery. Reputed sources are transparent about their sourcing and authentication processes.

So, when you are planning to invest your money in a unique and classic vintage piece such as this 18ct yellow gold necklace, you can rest assured of the genuineness of the gold. 

Retrogold’s Commitment:
At Retrogold, we take pride in selling authentic pre-loved golden treasures. Our pre-owned gold jewellery is meticulously curated and authenticated to ensure you receive high-quality pieces. Every single piece of jewellery we offer is hallmarked and checked for purity, backed by our commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction.

Verifying the authenticity and quality of vintage golden pieces is essential to make a wise investment. Explore the range of pre-loved gold pieces at Retrogold and enjoy the elegance and value of timeless treasures with the assurance of authenticity.

 

Back to blog