How can you tell if a piece of jewelry is made of real gold?

Can a piece of jewelry truly have value without you knowing it?

Have you found a forgotten ring, received an inherited piece of jewelry, or bought an antique chain? At first glance, it shines… but is that enough to say it's gold?
With so many imitations on the market, it's essential to know how to distinguish genuine gold from plated or fake metal. Here are reliable methods to tell the difference.

1. The hallmark, your first clue

In France, all gold jewelry weighing more than 3 grams must bear an official hallmark. It is usually discreet and located inside the ring or near the clasp.

• 750 corresponds to 18-carat gold (i.e., 75% pure gold),

• 585 for 14 carats,

• 375 for 9 carats.

You might also find symbols like the eagle's head (18-karat gold), or maker's marks. If your piece of jewelry has no hallmarks, it doesn't necessarily mean it's fake, but it's still something to check.

🔗 You can explore this topic further in our article How to assess the value of your antique jewelry .

2. The magnet test: quick but not foolproof

Gold is not magnetic . If your jewelry is attracted to a magnet, it likely contains other metals or is not gold at all. However, some gold alloys may include a small proportion of magnetic metals, so this test is only indicative.

3. Observe the signs of wear.

Gold-plated jewelry tends to develop a different layer (often silver or copper) where it rubs. Genuine gold jewelry, on the other hand, retains its uniform color, even after many years.

📊 According to a study of the French market, more than 40% of second-hand jewelry sold is gold plated, often without mentioning it.

🔗 Read our article Top 5 mistakes to avoid when buying second-hand jewelry to better protect yourself from unpleasant surprises.

4. The acid test: accurate, but must be handled with care

Acid testing kits are available in stores or online. Each acid is designed to react with a specific gold content. If no reaction occurs, the piece of jewelry is likely pure gold or one carat higher.

⚠️ This test can slightly damage the jewelry if performed incorrectly. It is recommended to have it done by a jeweler.

5. Have your jewelry appraised by a professional

A free appraisal can help you understand the nature and true value of your jewelry. At La Joaillerie Rive Gauche , our experts welcome you to examine your pieces, with or without a certificate.

🔗 Want to learn more before reselling? Check out How to resell your jewelry at the best price in 2025 .

🔗 Or, if you are hesitant to sell an antique piece, the article Vintage jewelry: why is it increasingly popular? might shed some light on this.

📊 An authenticated 18-carat gold piece of jewelry can be worth up to 4 to 5 times more than a gold-plated piece.

Conclusion: appearance is not enough

Genuine gold is a precious metal, but difficult to identify with the naked eye. To avoid scams or simply to know the true value of a piece of jewelry, it is essential to verify its authenticity using reliable methods.

And you, have you ever discovered that a piece of jewelry you thought was precious wasn't?