How to recognize gold: Complete guide


Introduction

When searching for valuable jewelry, it is essential to know how to distinguish authentic gold from fake gold. This guide provides a detailed overview of how to identify gold, offering valuable advice for buyers.

Characteristics of gold

Gold is a precious metal known for its luster and corrosion resistance. It has a distinctive bright yellow color and is commonly used in the production of jewelry and coins.

Gold title

The fineness of the precious metal par excellence, therefore gold, establishes the quantity of pure gold present for each gram which refers to two units of measurement which are different from each other but which in fact express the same meaning: the international market is expressed in Kt and the Italian one in thousandths. So we can say that:
1- 24 kt gold corresponds to 1000 thousandths gold in Italy, quantity of 100% pure gold
2- 18 kt gold corresponds to 750 thousandths gold in Italy, quantity of pure gold of 75%
3- 14 Kt gold corresponds to 585 thousandths gold in Italy, quantity of pure gold of 58.5%
4- 9 Kt gold corresponds to 375 thousandths gold in Italy, quantity of pure gold of 37.5%
Coloring
One of the distinguishing characteristics of gold is its characteristic color. Pure gold is bright yellow but can be slightly variable depending on its purity.

Purity

The purity of gold is measured in karat in the international market but in Italy it is expressed in thousandths. 24 karat gold is considered the purest, while 14 karat gold is a mixture of gold and other metals. It is important to know the purity or so-called fineness of the gold before purchasing it.

Branding

Authentic gold objects are often hallmarked with their karati content. Checking for official hallmarks can confirm the authenticity of the gold. In Italy the presence of the metal fineness mark and the trademark is mandatory.

Acidity test

A common method to verify the authenticity of gold is to perform an acidity test performed only by goldsmiths. This involves applying nitric acid to a small part of the object and observing any reactions. Real gold will not react with acid.

Specific weight

Another characteristic of authentic gold is its specific weight. Gold is denser than most other metals, so a genuine gold item will be heavier than a fake one of the same volume.

Conclusions

Recognizing authentic gold requires knowledge and attention to detail. Using the information provided in this guide, you can make informed and confident purchases of gold jewelry. Always remember to consult expert goldsmiths or qualified jewelers for further advice on purchasing gold.


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