Gold carries emotional, cultural, and financial value in Indian homes. With imitation and mixed-metal jewellery becoming common, knowing how to identify real gold at home is essential. Fortunately, several simple and safe methods can help you check your jewellery’s authenticity without professional equipment, allowing you to understand whether your gold is genuine confidently.

• Also Read: Live Gold Price Today

What Does 916 Mean in Gold

916 refers to the purity of 22K gold, meaning it contains 91.6 percent pure gold and the remaining portion is alloyed metals such as copper, silver or zinc. Since pure gold is soft and bends easily, jewellers use 22K or 18K gold to create strong, durable and long-lasting jewellery.

• You May Also Like: Difference Between Gold Karats: 24K vs 22K vs 18K vs 14K vs 10K Explained

Types of Gold Purity:

Purity	Karat	Composition	Common Use
24K	99.9 percent	Pure gold	Coins and bars
22K (916)	91.6 percent	Gold with few alloys	Most Indian jewellery
18K (750)	75 percent	Gold with more alloys	Stone and designer jewellery

These markings are usually stamped inside rings, on clasps, or on the inner side of bangles.

6 Simple Tests to Identify Real Gold at Home for 24K, 22K, and 18K

Below are the six most effective and easy methods you can use to identify real gold at home.

Visual Inspection

Visual inspection is the simplest way to begin checking gold authenticity at home. Real gold displays a rich, consistent yellow colour that does not fade, tarnish or peel. Fake or gold-plated jewellery often shows discoloration, uneven patches or worn areas. Genuine pieces usually carry purity markings such as 916, 750, 585 or BIS hallmark symbols.

How to Identify Real Gold with Visual Inspection

• Examine the jewellery in bright, clear light.
• Look for an even, smooth, bright yellow appearance.
• Check for marks like 916, 750, 585, BIS logo or HUID code.
• Inspect worn areas to ensure no different metal shows underneath.

Precautions

• Avoid scratching the item to check colour.
• Do not depend solely on visual appearance.
• Older jewellery may appear dull but should not reveal another metal.

Magnet Test

The magnet test helps identify whether jewellery contains magnetic metals that should not be present in real gold. Pure gold is completely non-magnetic, so it will not react when exposed to a strong magnet. If the jewellery sticks or moves noticeably, it likely contains other metals. This makes the magnet test a quick screening method.

How to Identify Real Gold with the Magnet Test

• Bring a strong magnet close to your jewellery.
• Observe whether the piece sticks, moves or stays still.
• Real gold will remain completely unaffected by magnetic pull.

Precautions

• Use a strong magnet for better accuracy.
• Minor movement may occur in alloyed items.
• Use this test along with others for reliable results.

Hallmark Verification

Hallmark verification is one of the most dependable ways to confirm gold authenticity at home. BIS-certified jewellery carries officially tested purity marks. These include the BIS logo, a purity stamp such as 916 or 750, and a unique HUID code. Clear, well-defined hallmark symbols strongly indicate that the gold is genuine and certified.

How to Identify Real Gold with Hallmark Verification

• Look for the BIS triangular logo.
• Check purity marks like 916, 750 or 585.
• Find the engraved HUID code.
• Ensure symbols are clear and not faded.

Precautions

• Be cautious with unclear or suspicious markings.
• Older jewellery may lack hallmarks.
• Fake hallmarks exist, so buy from trusted sources.

Water Test

The water test uses the natural density of gold to check authenticity. Real gold is heavy and sinks immediately when placed in water. Fake, hollow or lightweight metals may float or descend slowly. This method offers a simple initial check, especially for small pieces, but it does not determine exact gold purity.

How to Identify Real Gold with the Water Test

• Fill a transparent glass with clean water.
• Drop the jewellery gently into the glass.
• Real gold will sink straight to the bottom.
• Fake or lightweight items may float or fall slowly.

Precautions

• Dry jewellery immediately after testing.
• Hollow designs may give misleading results.
• Avoid testing pieces with stones or glued parts.

Vinegar Test

The vinegar test uses mild acidity to reveal whether jewellery contains fake or reactive metals. Real gold remains unchanged when a drop of vinegar touches it, while lower-quality metals may tarnish, fade or change colour. This test is simple to perform at home and provides a quick indication of authenticity.

How to Identify Real Gold with the Vinegar Test

• Place the jewellery on a clean surface.
• Apply one drop of white vinegar.
• Wait 30 to 60 seconds.
• Real gold will retain the same colour and shine.

Precautions

• Do not soak jewellery fully in vinegar.
• Avoid using on delicate, stone-studded items.
• Rinse and dry after the test.

Ceramic Scratch Test

The ceramic scratch test helps differentiate real gold from gold-plated metals by observing the streak produced when rubbed on unglazed ceramic. Pure gold leaves a yellow streak, while fake materials create dark lines. This method is effective but should be done carefully to avoid unnecessary surface scratches on the jewellery.

How to Identify Real Gold with the Ceramic Scratch Test

• Use an unglazed ceramic tile or plate.
• Gently rub a small part of the jewellery across the surface.
• Real gold will leave a bright yellow streak.
• Fake metals produce black or grey marks.

Precautions

• Rub lightly to avoid damaging the piece.
• Do not use glazed ceramic.
• Test only on durable areas of jewellery.

Difference Between Fake and Real Gold

Identifying fake and real gold is essential to protect your money, avoid fraud and ensure you are investing in genuine jewellery. Real gold retains its shine, does not tarnish and typically carries purity hallmarks such as 916, 750 or 585. Fake gold may fade, peel or react to magnets and often feels lighter. Basic checks like magnet testing, visual inspection and hallmark verification help distinguish between the two. For complete certainty, a certified jeweller or lab provides accurate testing and protects your investment.

• You May Also Like: How to Check the Purity of 20 Carat Gold

Key Differences Between Real and Fake Gold:

Feature	Real Gold	Fake Gold
Shine and Durability	Retains shine, does not tarnish	Discolours, fades, peels
Hallmark or Purity Mark	Present and clear	Absent, unclear or fake
Magnet Test	Not attracted to magnets	May react to magnets
Weight	Feels heavy and dense	Often lighter or hollow

What Not to Try at Home While Checking Gold

Some gold testing methods are unsafe and can damage jewellery or cause injuries, so avoid these risky techniques when checking gold at home.

• Using strong acids : Strong acids can burn skin, damage jewellery permanently and produce harmful fumes that make home testing extremely dangerous and unreliable.
• Fire or flame tests : Exposing jewellery to flames can discolor metal, weaken solder points and ruin precious pieces, making it unsafe for non-professionals.
• Scraping jewellery deeply : Scraping removes gold layers, damages finishing and may lower the value of your jewellery, offering no accurate purity confirmation.
• Bending or twisting items : Gold is soft and can get permanently deformed if bent, making this method harmful and completely unnecessary for testing.
• Using bleach or chemicals : Harsh chemicals can trigger reactions with alloys, causing discoloration, corrosion and potential harm to your skin during testing.
• Dropping heavy objects on jewellery : Impact testing may dent, crack or distort your gold, offering no meaningful information about purity or authenticity.
• Using rough surfaces : Rubbing jewellery on abrasive materials can scratch, thin or damage gold, especially delicate 22K and 24K items.
• Cheap online test kits : Many low-cost kits are inaccurate, poorly made and misleading, often providing false results that create unnecessary confusion.
• Using sharp metal tools : Sharp objects can create noticeable scratches, remove gold layers and permanently alter the appearance of your jewellery.
• Relying only on colour changes : Colour alone can be deceptive because fake gold may be highly polished to mimic real gold’s shine temporarily.

Top 10 Tips to Avoid Fake or Mixed Metal Gold

Following these essential tips helps you avoid fake jewellery, ensuring you purchase genuine, pure and certified gold every time without unnecessary risks.

• Buy from BIS-certified jewellers : Reputed BIS-certified shops guarantee genuine purity-tested gold, reducing chances of fraud or low-quality purchases significantly.
• Check hallmark and HUID code : Authentic jewellery includes BIS logo, purity value and HUID code, confirming certified testing and genuine metal composition.
• Ask for a detailed bill : A proper invoice clearly states purity, weight, charges and GST, ensuring transparency and future dispute protection.
• Verify using BIS Care app : The BIS app allows you to confirm hallmark details instantly, preventing counterfeit hallmark or false purity claims.
• Avoid unknown sellers : Unverified roadside shops or online sellers often sell low-quality gold with misleading claims, risking your money and safety.
• Compare with gold rate : Extremely low prices compared to market rates usually indicate fake gold or mixed metals, so always verify according to standards.
• Inspect for odd colour patches : Uneven shine, peeling or fading often signals gold-plated jewellery rather than genuine gold, so inspect carefully.
• Check jewellery weight : Real gold feels heavier and denser; suspiciously light pieces often indicate mixed metals or hollow constructions.
• Test second-hand jewellery : Always get pre-owned or inherited gold checked professionally before buying or reselling to avoid hidden impurities.
• Prefer hallmarked items : Choosing hallmarked jewellery ensures purity accuracy and protects your investment, especially for high-value ornaments and coins.

When to Go to a Professional or Lab To Identify Real Gold

Professional testing becomes necessary to identify real gold when home checks are unclear, jewellery appears suspicious or you require certified purity reports for transactions or insurance.

• No hallmark present : Jewellery without hallmarking needs expert verification to confirm purity and ensure you are not dealing with counterfeit gold.
• Confusing home test results : Mixed or unclear outcomes from home tests require professional analysis for accurate, reliable and damage-free purity assessment.
• Buying or selling high-value gold : Expensive transactions demand precise purity testing to avoid financial loss and ensure legitimate market valuation.
• Suspicious appearance : Unusual colour, patches or lightweight feel should be professionally tested for hidden alloys or gold plating.
• Second-hand or antique pieces : Older or inherited jewellery often lacks documentation, making lab testing essential for purity confirmation.
• Jewellery with stones attached : Settings and stones can affect home test accuracy, requiring expert tools for proper purity measurement.
• Need for official certification : Certification is required for insurance, resale and formal valuation, making professional testing mandatory.
• Suspected mixed metals : Professionals use machines that identify alloy composition instantly, detecting any plating or filler metals accurately.
• Trading or exchanging gold : Before exchanging old gold, testing ensures fair valuation and prevents disputes with jewellers.
• Preparing investment gold : Bar and coin purity should always be verified through labs to ensure genuine 24K or 999 purity levels.

Conclusion

We have covered a detailed guide on How to Identify Real Gold at Home, helping you stay informed, protect your investment and avoid counterfeit jewellery. While home tests provide useful initial clues, professional testing remains the most reliable way to confirm purity. With proper knowledge and trusted experts, you can confidently identify genuine gold and make smart financial decisions.

Sell Your Gold with Attica Gold Company

If you want a safe and transparent way to sell your old gold jewellery, Attica Gold Company is India’s most trusted gold buyer and offers the best value with honest pricing and a smooth process. Our team provides accurate evaluations, instant payouts and complete transparency at every step. Contact Attica Gold Company to sell your gold confidently and securely.

FAQs