HOW TO RECOGNIZE A GOLD JEWELRY?
CHECK FOR THE PRESENCE OF A PUNCH
The hallmark is an official mark affixed by jewelers or customs, which makes it possible to identify both the origin and the purity of a piece of gold, silver or platinum jewelry.
For gold jewelry, the most common hallmark is the eagle's head which symbolizes 750/1000 or 18 carat gold while on silver jewelry, it is the Minerva which symbolizes 925/925 silver. 1000. Finally, jewelry made of platinum is most often marked with a dog's head hallmark which indicates a pure metal at 850/1000.
USE A MAGNET
Gold is not a magnetic metal. If you bring your jewelry near a relatively powerful magnet like the one in your handbag or a model purchased in a DIY supermarket, it should not be attracted.
If, on the contrary, it moves and gets closer, your jewelry is not made of gold.
WEAR THE JEWELRY PERMANENTLY
To be sure you own a piece of gold jewelry, wear it. If the metal does not discolor and leaves no marks on your skin, it is real gold.
If, on the contrary, you see another color appear under the golden surface or if your skin sometimes displays a greenish mark, you are set. Your jewel, however pretty it may be, is not made of gold.
THE NITRIC ACID TEST
In a stainless steel container, you must place your gold jewelry and then wait for the chemical reactions that will occur after adding a few drops of this solution to your gold piece. If the reaction is green then your jewelry is gold plated. It is the same conclusion if the reaction is white in color. But if there is no reaction then your article is pure gold. Given certain risks associated with its handling, this method is generally implemented by professionals such as jewelers. Be very careful to avoid unpleasant surprises.
RUB JEWELRY ON CERAMIC
Ceramic is one of the most friction-resistant materials. Also, to ensure the nature of your jewelry, obtain an unglazed ceramic plate and scratch your ring or bracelet on its surface.
If a black mark appears, your jewelry is made of an undetermined alloy. Conversely, if the friction leaves behind a golden mark, your jewelry is indeed gold. Be careful, however, when you carry out this test, it weakens the jewelry.