How To Identify Gold

Learn how to identify gold by the stampings on your gold jewelry. It is a good way to validate whether your gold is real, as well as its level of purity. But be careful, you shouldn't solely rely on this article alone. In this article, I will reveal to you the markings you should look for and where they are located on your jewelry.

Supplies you will need:

• Jewelry loop (x ten) magnification

1. Look for karat markings on jewelry. Use a jewelry loop of at least x ten magnification to check for markings such as 10kt, 14kt or 18kt on your jewelry piece. On most gold chains, the markings will be on the clasp. If it is a pendant, the markings will be on the clasp or the back of the pendant itself. Gold rings will have these markings on the opposite side of the face of the ring on the inside band.
2. Check for its periodic symbol. The periodic table symbol for gold is "AU." This symbol is also stamped on gold jewelry and is a good way to identify gold pieces.
3. Percentage markings can be used to identify gold. You will see a percentage marking that will say .585--this means that the gold is 14kt. The .585 also means that the jewelry is 58.5 percent gold, which is exactly what 14kt gold is. (Note: Other gold karat,s like 10kt and 18kt, have percentage markings associated with them as well. 10kt is .417 and 18kt is .750)
4. See if it has a stamping from a major gold company. You may stampings on gold from a major dealer. The markings will usually have their company name abbreviated or shortened. This can give you a better idea on whether the gold you are analyzing is real or not.

Reference:

Is The Gold in My Jewelry Real?