As a bespoke jewellery company in the UK, we at Lords understand the importance of ensuring that our customers are purchasing authentic gold jewellery. With the market flooded with various options, including gold-plated, gold-filled, and even fake gold, it can be challenging to determine the authenticity of a piece. In this blog post, we will explore several methods to help you identify genuine gold and make informed decisions when buying gold jewellery, coins, or other precious metals.
The Hallmark System
In the UK, the hallmarking system is a reliable way to verify the purity of gold. Hallmarks are small stamps or marks on a piece of gold jewellery that indicate its purity and the assay office that tested and verified it. These marks are a legal requirement for any gold item weighing more than 1 gram sold in the UK.
The hallmark consists of three compulsory marks:
- The sponsor’s mark (identifies the manufacturer or importer)
- The fineness mark (indicates the purity of the gold)
- The assay office mark (identifies the office that tested and hallmarked the item)
Optional marks include the date letter (identifies the year of hallmarking) and the traditional fineness symbol (e.g., 18K for 18 karat gold).
By looking for these hallmarks, you can ensure that the gold jewellery you are purchasing is authentic and meets the UK’s strict quality standards. However, it is essential to note that not all genuine gold pieces will have a hallmark, especially if they are from outside the UK or weigh less than 1 gram.
The Karat System
Another way to determine the purity of gold is through the karat system. This system measures the purity of gold in 24 parts, with 24 karat (24K) being the purest form of gold. In the UK, the most common karats for gold jewellery are:
- 9 karat (9K): 37.5% pure gold
- 14 karat (14K): 58.3% pure gold
- 18 karat (18K): 75% pure gold
- 22 karat (22K): 91.6% pure gold
The higher the karat, the purer the gold content. However, it is important to note that pure gold (24K) is softer and more prone to scratches and dents, making it less suitable for everyday wear. Lower karat gold is more durable due to the addition of other metals, such as silver, copper, or palladium, which also affect the colour of the gold (e.g., rose gold, white gold).
The Millesimal Fineness System
In addition to the karat system, the UK also uses the millesimal fineness system to measure the purity of gold. This system expresses the purity in parts per thousand, with 1000 being the purest form of gold. The most common millesimal fineness marks for gold in the UK are:
- 375 (equivalent to 9K): 37.5% pure gold
- 585 (equivalent to 14K): 58.5% pure gold
- 750 (equivalent to 18K): 75% pure gold
- 916 (equivalent to 22K): 91.6% pure gold
By familiarising yourself with both the karat and millesimal fineness systems, you can better understand the purity of the gold jewellery you are considering.
Testing Gold at Home
While professional testing is the most reliable way to determine the authenticity of gold, there are a few simple tests you can perform at home to get a general idea of whether a piece is real or fake gold.
- The Magnet Test
Gold is a non-magnetic metal, so if a strong magnet is attracted to your gold piece, it is likely not genuine gold. However, keep in mind that some real gold jewellery may have a magnetic clasp or other small magnetic components, so this test is not always conclusive. - The Ceramic Plate Test
Gently scrape your gold piece against an unglazed ceramic plate. If the piece leaves a black streak, it is likely not real gold, as pure gold will leave a golden mark. This test works because the ceramic plate is harder than most other metals, so it will scrape off a thin layer of the plating or coating, revealing the base metal underneath. - The Vinegar Test
Place a few drops of white vinegar on your gold piece and observe the reaction. If the vinegar causes the metal to change color, it is likely, not pure gold. This test works because the acetic acid in vinegar can react with other metals, causing a colour change, but it does not affect pure gold.
It is important to note that these at-home tests are not foolproof and may not provide accurate results for all types of gold jewellery. For example, gold filled or gold plated items may pass the magnet test but are not considered pure gold. Always use caution when performing these tests, as they may slightly damage the piece.
Professional Gold Testing
For the most accurate results, it is best to have your gold jewellery, coins, or other precious metal items tested by a professional. Jewellers and pawnbrokers often use a combination of methods to determine the authenticity and purity of gold, including:
- X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry: This non-destructive method uses X-rays to determine the composition of a gold piece, providing accurate results without damaging the item.
- Acid testing: This method involves applying a small drop of acid solution to a scratch on the gold piece. The reaction of the acid with the metal can indicate the purity of the gold. However, this method is slightly destructive and should only be performed by a trained professional.
- Density testing: By measuring the weight and dimensions of a gold piece and comparing it to the known density of pure gold, a professional can determine the purity of the item. This method is non-destructive and can be particularly useful for testing gold coins or bars.
Buying from Reputable Sellers
One of the best ways to ensure you are purchasing authentic gold jewellery in the UK is to buy from reputable sellers, such as established jewellery stores, trusted online retailers, or directly from the manufacturer. Look for sellers who provide detailed information about the purity, weight, and hallmarks of their gold pieces and offer a certificate of authenticity or a warranty.
Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. They may be selling gold-plated, gold-filled, or even fake gold items. Always research the seller and read customer reviews before making a purchase.
Investing in Gold
In addition to gold jewellery, many people choose to invest in gold coins or bars to diversify their portfolios and protect their wealth. When buying gold for investment purposes, it is essential to purchase from reputable dealers and understand the purity and weight of the gold you are buying.
Bullion coins, such as the British Gold Britannia or the Gold Sovereign, are popular choices for investors as they are easily recognisable and have a guaranteed purity and weight. These coins are minted by government institutions, such as the Royal Mint, and are considered legal tender, making them exempt from capital gains tax in the UK.
When investing in gold, be sure to store your gold securely, either in a home safe or a bank safety deposit box, and keep records of your purchases and sales for tax purposes.
Shop Authentic Gold Jewellery At Lords
Ensuring that you are buying authentic gold jewellery in the UK requires a combination of knowledge, caution, and trust in reputable sellers. By understanding the hallmarking system, the karat and millesimal fineness systems, and the various testing methods, you can make informed decisions and protect yourself from purchasing fake or low-quality gold.
At Lords, we pride ourselves on offering our customers the finest bespoke gold jewellery crafted from authentic, high-quality materials. Our experienced artisans create stunning pieces that not only showcase the beauty of pure gold but also stand the test of time. When you purchase from Lords, you can have confidence in the authenticity and quality of your gold jewellery.