How to recognize gold with the naked eye ?

Real gold, beyond its physical characteristics, has a particularity: it has a hallmark, which allows it to be recognized with the naked eye. The hallmark is a small mark affixed to the jewelry or object, in an inconspicuous place. So sometimes you have to look carefully for it, but it guarantees the authenticity of the precious metal. 

• number 417 for 10 carat gold;
• number 583 or scallop symbol for 14 karat gold;
• number 750 or eagle head engraving for 18 carat gold;
• engraving 916, eagle's head or representation of an owl for 22 carat gold;
• number 100 or seahorse for 24 carat gold, that is to say 99.99% pure gold.

If you see one of these numbers or animals engraved on your metal object, you know if it is really gold and what part it represents in the alloy.

You must be particularly attentive to the type of hallmark, because some relate to gold-plated metals, and not real gold. This means that they are coated with a thin layer of gold through electrolysis, but the main metal is different (copper, bronze, lead, etc.). How to recognize gold plated ? The most common marking is a square, in which the initials of the manufacturer of the gold plated metal object are sometimes written.

You don't see any hallmarks on the jewelry, coins or other objects that you would like to appraise, but you think that it could still be gold ? Fortunately, a few easy tests carried out at home can give you a more precise idea of ​​the composition of the metal in front of you.

Visual examination to recognize gold with the naked eye

Your jewelry is rusty ? Blackened ? Discolored ? Leaves marks on your skin ? So, you are undoubtedly dealing with a metal other than gold. Indeed, gold is a precious metal which does not oxidize on contact with water, which does not burn and which retains its color, even after decades, even centuries. This exceptional quality makes it easy to recognize gold with the naked eye.

The flotation test to identify gold

The other particularity of gold is its density. In other words, its weight per cm³ is particularly high, more than copper, silver and even lead. If you place your gold object in a container filled with water, it will sink immediately. If it remains on the surface, then you are sure that the material is not gold, or that it only contains a very small part of it. However, this test remains inconclusive because the density of most metals is greater than that of water. Still, if the metal comes out of the water with rust spots or is altered in any way, it is not gold.

The magnet test to distinguish gold

Precious metals are not ferromagnetic. Thus, they are not attracted by the magnetic field of a magnet, as iron, cobalt or nickel would be for example. To find out if you are looking at a gold object, place a magnet near the metal object you want to test: if it sticks to the magnet, then it is not real gold. But again, this test may be misleading, as gold-plated silver coins or stainless steel jewelry will not be attracted to the magnet either.

The nitric acid test

Another method consists of having a touchstone, or touchau, used by professionals who work with gold. How to proceed ? Simply rub the piece, ring or any other object on the surface of the stone, then place a few drops of nitric acid (available in several carats) on it. If no reaction occurs, the metal is gold, containing the same number of carats as the acid. If a red trace appears, then the object contains gold, but with a lower carat number than nitric acid. And if the trace disappears, you are then faced with a piece of jewelry or a gold-plated object.

The experience of scraping ceramics

You have not succeeded in recognizing gold with the naked eye with the previous tests ? You can carry out another test, using a ceramic object unglazed. Then scrape your object on the ceramic plate, without pressing too hard so as not to damage it. If a trace of gold color appears, it is gold. Otherwise, for example if it makes a black mark, your object is made from another pure metal or an alloy, for example composed of copper, steel, nickel, etc.

When it is too difficult to recognize gold with the naked eye, the most reliable solution remains gold estimation by an expert. Take your jewelry, coins or other accessories to a professional specializing in precious metals: they will be able to recognize the hallmarks and other characteristics specific to gold. He will also be able to tell you more about the number of carats of the object and its value, and thus offer you a buyback offer at the market price.

Now that you know how to recognize gold with the naked eye or with the help of an expert, all you have to do is look for the gold objects you have at home and resell them. 

Gold Union, an experienced professional in the purchase of gold and its sale, can offer you a purchase of these gold objects at the best price. And if you are looking to get gold coins, gold bars and silver bars, then you will also find what you are looking for at Gold Union, whether either with a collection perspective…or an investment!