Gold-filled and gold-plated jewelry use different amounts and constructions of gold over a base metal. Learn how to recognize the differences and interpret their value.
Gold Filled vs. Gold Plated: Which Has More Gold? Read More »
Gold-filled and solid-gold jewelry can look almost identical, but their gold content and value are very different. Learn how to identify each one.
Gold Filled vs. Solid Gold: What’s the Difference? Read More »
A density test can provide a clue about gold authenticity, but jewelry construction and mixed materials complicate the result. Learn the method and its limitations.
How to Test Gold With a Density Test Read More »
Gold acid testing is one of the oldest ways to determine whether jewelry is real gold and estimate its karat. Here is how the test works, what the results mean, and where it can go wrong.
How Gold Acid Testing Works Read More »
A magnet can help identify some fake gold, but it cannot prove that an item is real gold. Learn how the magnet test works, what the results mean, and when professional gold testing is the better choice.
Does the Magnet Test Really Work on Gold? Read More »
An XRF gold tester can identify the metals in a piece of jewelry in seconds without damaging it. Here is how XRF testing works and what the results can tell you about your gold.
How Does an XRF Gold Tester Work? Read More »
Does real gold have to be stamped?
No. Real gold does not always have to be stamped. Genuine jewelry may be unmarked because the stamp wore away, the item was resized or repaired, or it was never visibly marked. A stamp such as 10K, 14K, 585 or 750 is helpful, but professional testing is the best way to confirm gold purity.
Does Real Gold Have to Be Stamped? Read More »
A 999 stamp on gold means the item is 99.9% pure gold. Learn how 999 compares with 24K, 999.9 fine gold and other common gold purity markings.
What Does 999 Mean on Gold? 24K & Fine Gold Explained Read More »
A 916 mark generally identifies 22K gold. Learn what the stamp means, how it relates to purity and why testing still matters when estimating value.
What Does 916 Mean on Gold? 22K Gold Explained Read More »
A 750 stamp generally indicates 18K gold, or 75% gold content. Learn where the mark appears and how purity, weight and testing affect jewelry value.
What Does 750 Mean on Gold? 18K Gold Explained Read More »
