How to Test Gold at Home - Tips from the Experts at wikiHow

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Gold is a precious metal available in various shades of color and different levels of fineness.The value of the jewel or other object will largely depend on its purity or the presence of plating.To identify the quality of a metal object, start by carefully observing its surface.If you're still not satisfied, move on to more specific tests, such as using vinegar.As a final option you could apply some acid to the metal and observe the reaction.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Inspect the Surface

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  1. Step 1 Cerca un marchio.
    A gold item will usually have a hallmark indicating its type.A “GF” or “HGP” mark indicates that it has gold plating (so it is not pure).A pure gold jewel could instead display a “24K” mark or other hallmark that indicates its fineness.Usually the mark can be found within the band of a ring or near the clasp of a necklace.[1]
    • However, be aware that some brands may be counterfeit.For this reason you should not only consider the brand as an indicator of authenticity.
    • The mark may be very small.You may need a magnifying glass to see it clearly.
  2. Step 2 Cerca eventuali scoloriture sui bordi dell'oggetto.
    Turn on a rather powerful lamp and observe the object carefully near its light.Turn it over in your hands, so you can examine all sides.If you see that the gold appears discolored or missing on the edges, then the item is probably just plated, meaning the piece is not pure gold.[2]
  3. Step 3 Cerca piccole macchie sulla superficie dell'oggetto.
    Holding the piece under a bright light, do you notice white or red specks scattered across its surface?These spots may be very small and difficult to detect, so the help of a powerful light and perhaps even a magnifying glass is important.These signs indicate that the gold plating is wearing away, revealing the metal underneath.[3]
  4. Step 4 Avvicina una calamita al potenziale oggetto in oro.
    Hold the magnet directly above the piece and lower it until it almost touches the surface.If you feel the magnet being pulled downwards, then the piece is not pure.Other metals in the object, such as nickel, are responding to the magnet.A piece of pure gold jewelry would not attract the magnet, as gold is not ferrous.[4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Conduct More In-Depth Testing

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  1. Step 1 Applica dell'aceto sulla superficie e guarda se il colore cambia.
    Take a dropper and fill it with white vinegar.Hold the piece firmly in your hand or place it on a table, then drop a few drops of vinegar on it:if they change the color of the metal, then it is not pure gold.If the color remains the same, then it is pure gold.[5]
  2. Step 2 Strofina il tuo oggetto di oro contro una pietra paragone.
    Place a black touchstone on a table.Hold the piece of gold firmly in your hand and rub it firmly on the stone, so as to leave a mark;if this sign is compact and golden in color, then the object is pure;if however it is slight or even absent, then the piece is probably plated or there is no trace of gold.[6]
    • Be careful with this method, as you may damage your jewelry.You will also need to use the right stone, otherwise the markings will not be clear.You can find a touchstone at an online jewelry store or you could ask a local jeweler.
  3. Step 3 Strofina il tuo oro su un piatto in ceramica.
    Place an unglazed ceramic plate on a countertop or table.Take your gold object in your hand and rub it against the plate.Check if you see a streak or mark of any kind:a black line indicates that the piece is not gold or plated.[7]
  4. Step 4 Testa il tuo oro con del fondotinta liquido.
    Spread a thin layer of liquid foundation on the back of your hand and wait until it is completely dry.Rub the metal object on the foundation layer:authentic pure gold will leave a line on the cosmetic.If you don't see any marks, then the piece is plated or made of another metal.[8]
  5. Step 5 Usa un tester elettronico per l'oro.
    This is a portable device with a probe pen that you can purchase online or in a jewelry store.To test the piece, apply a conductive gel to its surface (the gel is usually available with the tester).After applying the gel, rub the pen against the object.The response of the metal to the electrical impulse will indicate whether the metal is pure or not.[9]
    • Read the instructions included with the tester to determine the exact result.Gold is a conductive metal, so a pure gold item will have a higher reading than a plated one.
  6. Step 6 Inserisci il tuo oro in uno spettrometro XRF.
    This is a device used by many jewelers to instantly determine the quality of a sample.This method is a bit expensive, so it's not recommended for home use unless you plan to use it regularly.To use the spectrometer, place the object inside it, turn on the device and wait for the result to be read.[10]
  7. Step 7 Fai analizzare il tuo oro da un saggiatore.
    If you continue to have unclear results, or if you want to verify your result, speak to your trusted jeweler for another professional opinion.An assayer will conduct in-depth analyzes of the metal content.This option may be expensive, so only use it if you think it's worth it.[11]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Perform Acid Tests

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  1. Step 1 Acquista un kit di acidi per test per una stima più precisa della purezza dell'oro.
    You can purchase one of these kits from a jewelry tool supplier.The kit will contain everything you need and instructions for correct use.Before starting, read these instructions carefully and check that all the components are there.[12]
    • These kits could be quite affordable, if purchased online.The price should be around 27 euros.
  2. Step 2 Controlla le etichette con la valutazione dei carati che troverai sugli aghi.
    In the kit there will be various needles for testing different types of gold.Look at the karat mark on the side of the needle;each needle will also have an example of gold plating on the tip.Use the yellow one for yellow gold and the white needle for white gold.[13]
  3. Step 3 Fai una tacca con uno strumento per incisione.
    Find a hidden spot on the piece.Make a light incision on the metal.The aim will be to expose its deepest layers.[14]
  4. Step 4 Indossa guanti e occhiali protettivi.
    It's important to wear thick but tight-fitting gloves, because you're handling acid.For greater safety it would also be a good idea to protect your eyes.Avoid touching your face and eyes while working.[15]
  5. Step 5 Metti una goccia di acido nell'incisione.
    Choose the right needle for the type of gold, then direct the tip of the needle directly over the engraving.Push the needle plunger until a single drop of acid falls into the incision.[16]
  6. Step 6 Leggi il risultato.
    Look carefully at the incision where you just applied the acid.The metal, reacting, should generate a color change.Usually if the acid turns green, the result indicates that it is not pure metal, but plated gold or even some other material.These kits have different color indications, so read the guide carefully to correctly interpret the test result.[17]
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Advice

  • Clean the gold well between tests.
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Warnings

  • Be especially careful when working with acid, as contact with skin could cause serious damage.
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