Knowing how to tell if your gold-plated jewelry is authentic or fake can save you from getting scammed and ensure that you’re making a good investment.
Gold plated jewelry is a popular choice among jewelry enthusiasts because it looks beautiful and is often less expensive than solid gold. However, it’s important to know how to tell if your gold-plated jewelry is authentic or fake so that you can make an informed purchase and avoid getting scammed. In this blog, we’ll go over the key things to look out for when trying to determine the authenticity of your gold-plated jewelry. First, it’s important to understand what gold-plated jewelry is. Continue reading to know more.
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What is Gold Plated Jewelry?
Gold plated jewelry is made by layering a thin coating of gold over a base metal, such as copper or brass. The process involves electroplating, where an electric current is used to transfer the gold onto the base metal. The thickness of the gold layer can vary, but it is typically between 0.5 and 2.5 microns.
Now, let’s look at some ways to tell if your gold-plated jewelry is authentic or fake
Look for Hallmarks or Stamps
One of the easiest ways to tell if your gold-plated jewelry is authentic is to look for hallmarks or stamps. These marks indicate that the jewelry has been verified and stamped by a regulatory body, and that it meets certain quality standards. For example, gold plated jewelry may be stamped with “GP” or “GEP” (gold electroplated) to indicate that it’s genuine. You can also look for hallmarks that indicate the purity of the gold layer, such as “14K” or “18K”.
Check for Discoloration or Tarnishing
Gold plated jewelry that is fake or of low quality may discolour or tarnish quickly. Look for any signs of discoloration or wear on the jewelry, particularly around the edges or areas that come into contact with skin. If the jewelry has started to turn green, black, or brown, it’s likely not authentic.
Conduct a Scratch Test
One way to tell if your gold-plated jewelry is authentic is to conduct a scratch test. Take a small, sharp object like a needle or a pin and scratch the jewelry gently in an inconspicuous area. If the gold layer comes off easily, the jewelry is likely fake or of low quality.
Seek Professional Assistance
If you’re still unsure whether your gold-plated jewelry is authentic or fake, you can seek professional assistance from a jeweller or goldsmith. They will have the equipment and expertise needed to accurately test the purity of the gold layer.
Check for Wear and Tear
Gold plated jewelry that is fake or of low quality may show signs of wear and tear quickly. If the jewelry is scratched, dented, or bent easily, it’s likely not authentic. Real gold-plated jewelry should be able to withstand everyday wear without showing too many signs of damage.
Examine the Clasp
Another way to tell if your gold-plated jewelry is authentic is to examine the clasp. A genuine gold-plated jewelry piece will have a sturdy and well-made clasp that is often made of the same base metal as the jewelry itself. If the clasp looks flimsy or poorly made, it’s likely not authentic.
Consider the Weight
Real gold-plated jewelry will have a weight that feels substantial and solid. If the jewelry feels lightweight or flimsy, it may be fake or of low quality. Keep in mind, however, that the weight of the jewelry can vary depending on the thickness of the gold layer and the base metal used.
Do Your Research
Before making a purchase, do some research on the brand or seller of the gold-plated jewelry. Look for reviews, testimonials, and feedback from other customers. If the brand or seller has a reputation for selling fake or low-quality jewelry, it’s best to avoid them.
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