Whether you have inherited jewellery or found an old chain in a drawer, it helps to know whether it is real gold before you try to sell it. Some home checks are useful, some are misleading, and one or two can damage your jewellery. Here is what actually works.
1. Look for a hallmark
Use a magnifying glass to check the inside of rings, the clasp of chains and the back of pendants. Common gold hallmarks include:
| Stamp | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 375 or 9ct | 9 carat gold (37.5% gold) |
| 585 or 14ct | 14 carat gold (58.5% gold) |
| 750 or 18ct | 18 carat gold (75% gold) |
| 916 or 22ct | 22 carat gold (91.6% gold) |
| 999 or 24ct | Fine gold (99.9% gold) |
Marks such as GP (gold plated), GF (gold filled), RGP (rolled gold plate) or HGE (hard gold electroplate) mean the piece has only a thin layer of gold over another metal. The Assay Office London explains how official hallmarking works. A hallmark is a good sign, but stamps can be worn, missing, or occasionally wrong, so it is not proof on its own.
2. The magnet test
Gold is not magnetic. If a strong magnet pulls the piece firmly, it is not solid gold, or it has a steel core or steel parts. But passing the magnet test does not prove it is gold, because many other metals are not magnetic either. Clasps and springs can contain steel even on real gold jewellery.
3. Look for wear and discolouration
On plated jewellery, the gold layer often wears off at edges, clasps and the inside of rings, showing a different-coloured metal underneath. Green or black marks on your skin can also suggest a base metal, although some lower-carat alloys can mark skin too.
Home tests to avoid
- Biting, scratching or filing. These damage your jewellery and do not give a reliable answer.
- Home acid kits. These involve corrosive chemicals and can mark your piece. Results are easy to misread without experience.
- Vinegar, float and “ceramic streak” tests. Results are unreliable and can be misleading.
The reliable way: professional testing
A reliable way to check gold without damaging it is an XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analyser, which reads the metal content of the piece in seconds. Combined with the hallmark, weight and an experienced eye, it gives a clear answer. At Zeek Gold we test every item with an XRF analyser and weigh it on a calibrated scale in front of you. Testing is free, and we do not deduct any commission or evaluation fees if you decide to sell.
Once you know the carat and weight, you can work out the market value with our live gold price per gram calculator, or read how much is my gold worth.
Get your gold tested
Walk in at our Alberton or Springs branch (9am to 5pm daily), book an appointment at Sandton or Cape Town, or send your items by insured courier.
Frequently asked questions
What hallmark is on real gold?
Common gold hallmarks are 375 (9ct), 585 (14ct), 750 (18ct), 916 (22ct) and 999 (24ct). Marks such as GP, GF, RGP or HGE indicate plated or gold-filled jewellery.
Does a magnet test prove gold is real?
No. Gold is not magnetic, so a strong pull means the piece is not solid gold. But many other metals are also non-magnetic, so passing the test does not prove it is gold.
What is the most reliable way to test gold?
Professional testing with an XRF analyser, which reads the metal content without damaging the jewellery. Zeek Gold tests every item this way, free of charge.
