Visual checking on marks.
Although it is challenging to discern substantial differences in gold pieces, a closer look can help you distinguish between fake and real gold. A careful person can identify which component is authentic or counterfeit.
- A piece of authentic gold-polished jewelry usually has markings, indicating its fineness or karat. You can observe the bracelet's fineness or karat rating through a magnifying glass. The ratings help to guide the buyer on the jewelry and let them know if it's genuine. However, some authentic old jewelry may lose their ratings through wear. However, do not confine to this criterion since many fake gold bracelets have imitating markings.
Discoloration is another aspect you should consider when choosing the best seal. Discoloration marks, especially around the edges with higher friction, indicate that you have a piece of gold-coated jewelry that will lose its aesthetic value. A genuine piece of gold usually maintains its lusciousness and shiny color. Therefore, if you see a piece with discoloration, know that it is another metal form coated in yellow gold.
Fake jewelry has been designed with artistic expertise to look like real gold. The scratch test helps to differentiate real gold from gold-coated jewelry. If you scratch a gold-plated metal on a surface, its definition will show in a few minutes. Genuine gold jewelry holds its appearance if you rub it on the surface.
Bite Test
- Gold is a malleable metal. If you bite your jewelry and show some signs of teeth, then that is a real piece. However, you must bite cautiously because you may damage the entire item. Mostly, gold-coated jewelry is made of hard metals that cannot bend; you may end up damaging your teeth.
Magnet test
The most straightforward test to ascertain if you have a real gold seal is to use a stronger magnet. We all know that gold is a non-magnetic metal; therefore, if you get the magnet closer and the jewelry attracts it, you have the wrong piece. However, if it does not attract it, you should also be cautious since other non-magnetic metals are used in imitation jewelry.
Density test
- Gold is one of the known metals with the highest density. Here, one has to measure the thickness of his gold jewelry; 24k-rated has 19gml-1. If your seal density is more increased than 19gml-1, you have the purest gold bracelet.
Ceramic Plate test
- Drag a piece of jewelry across an unglazed ceramic plate. If you observe a black streak, it's fake gold, while a gold mark indicates the seal is genuine.
Nitric Acid Test
Although this test comes with many risks, it presents one of the surest ways to distinguish fake and real gold. The real gold in concentrated nitric acid does not produce any reaction. Other metals react differently with the acid to have different colors: green (base metal), yellow-gold (gold-coated brass), and a milky reaction (gold-plated sterling silver). However, protective gear is necessary to carry out this test.
In conclusion, bracelets are part of the artistry of ornaments, which have become very popular among men. However, there are many fake seals in the modern market, and you would not want to spend much less on counterfeit things. The above techniques will help you choose the best quality jewelry.
