A couple of few back it was revealed that more than half of the 22 jewellery stores around the US were selling fake, or ‘fool’s gold’ and passing it off to unwitting customers as the real thing. If you are looking to receive gold for cash, you may want to make sure it is real first. The best and most reliable way to find out is to take it to a jeweller and have it professionally tested. But this is not usually a free service. If you prefer, they are certain home tests you can perform to ensure that you get the right amount of cash for your gold.
1. Inspect high friction areas for discoloration
Many jewellery pieces are plated with gold only. If you suspect this of your piece, check areas of high friction as this is where the plating will likely begin to rub off. But while discoloration proves that the gold is definitely fake, the absence of discoloration does not prove the gold is real either.
2. Hold a magnet up to the item
Gold is not magnetic, so if your gold piece sticks to the magnet, it is definitely fake. But like the discoloration theory, just because it does not attract the magnet, does not mean it cannot still be fake – it could just be made from another non-magnetic material.
3. Test the density
The density of gold is about 19.3 grams/mL. This is much higher than most other metals. Take your gold pieces and weigh it in order to get the most cash for gold. Submerge your pieces in a graduated vial of water and note the variation in volume. Now divide the weight per volume variation. Any amount close to 19.3 grams/mL with usually show the correct density. This method can be tricky though, as you would need a precise scale and vial.
4. Use the classic ‘plate’
A quick and easy way to test your gold is to use a piece of unglazed ceramic material. Rub the gold against the materials. Fake gold will leave a black streak, while real gold will leave a golden streak.
5. Use Nitric Acid
You can also apply nitric acid to the item to test whether it is real gold or not. Nitric acid, however, is hard to come by, so it would be safer, wiser and easier to simply have a jeweller do it for you. Gold is insoluble in nitric acid, unlike silver and base metals. Nitric acid has for a long time been used to test the presence of gold in items.
6. Make a comparison
A really quick way to test whether gold is real is to compare it with an item you know is real gold, of the same size. They should feel equally heavy. If the item you want to receive cash for gold is significantly lighter, it may well be fake.
Author bio:
The Gold Company wrote this article about the importance of buying gold in the Indian communities.