Buying gold jewelry should feel safe. But how do you know if a necklace or bracelet is real gold? Here are 4 easy ways to check it.

Determining whether a piece of real gold jewelry is truly authentic is more important than many people think. Whether you’re looking at a gold necklace or a gold bracelet, there are several clear signs that reveal the quality.

What does ‘real gold’ actually mean?

Real gold jewelry contains a certain percentage of pure gold, which is measured in carats. The higher the carat, the higher the gold content, but also the softer the material.

In Sweden, these are most common:

  • 18 carat (18K / 750)
  • 14 carat (14K / 585)

This is why most gold necklaces and bracelets are made in these levels as they last better in everyday life while retaining their value. You can learn more about karats here!

1. check the stamp (most important)

The most important step in determining whether a piece of gold jewelry is genuine or not is to check the hallmark.

A correctly gold stamped 18k/14k clearly shows how much gold the jewelry contains. You can usually find it at the clasp or on the inside of the piece.

But here’s an important detail many people miss: a stamp is not always enough proof.

Counterfeits do occur, which means you should always combine this with more checks. If a piece of jewelry is missing a stamp altogether, or if it looks worn and unclear, there is reason to be cautious.

2. Feel the weight and quality

Real gold jewelry almost always feels heavier than you expect. When you hold a gold bracelet or necklace, it should feel solid and solid, not light or hollow. Many fakes look good on the surface, but reveal themselves right away if you know what real gold jewelry should feel like.

This is not an exact test, but it is often one of the first signs that reveal the difference between real gold and imitation.

3. test with magnet

A simple trick to understand how to tell if the gold is real is to use a magnet.

Real gold is not magnetic. If the jewelry is drawn to a magnet, it contains other metals, which means it is not real gold jewelry.

At the same time, this is only a complementary test. A piece of jewelry that doesn’t react to the magnet can still be gilded, so it’s important to see the big picture. Read more about gold vermeil here!

4. Look at the color over time

Real gold jewelry keeps its color over time. It does not rust or change color in the same way as other metals.

However, if you notice that a gold necklace or bracelet is starting to get dark spots, fade or show a different metal under the surface, it is often a sign that it is not real gold but just a thin gold coating.

This is particularly common on cheaper jewelry.

Executive summary

If you want to be sure that you have a genuine piece of gold jewelry, a single test is rarely enough. It’s about seeing the whole picture.

  • Always check the stamp (18K / 14K)
  • Feel the weight and quality
  • Test with a magnet
  • Reviewing paint and wear and tear

When several of these match, the likelihood that your jewelry is genuine increases greatly. At Smyckesguld we only buy and sell genuine gold jewelry.