Not sure if that ring or chain is real gold? Here's what to look for at home, and when it's worth bringing it in.
1. Look for a karat stamp
Real gold jewelry is usually stamped with its purity, often inside a ring band or near a chain's clasp. A magnifying glass helps.
| Stamp | Also marked | Gold content |
|---|---|---|
| 10K | 417 | 41.7% |
| 14K | 585 | 58.5% |
| 18K | 750 | 75% |
| 22K | 916 | 91.6% |
| 24K | 999 | 99.9% |
Jewelry made outside the US often shows the number (like 585) instead of the karat.
2. Watch for plating marks
Some stamps mean the piece is only coated in gold:
- GP or GEP: gold plated or gold electroplated
- HGE or HGP: heavy gold electroplate
- RGP: rolled gold plate
- GF: gold filled, a thicker gold layer bonded to another metal
- Vermeil: gold over sterling silver
Plated and filled pieces contain far less gold than solid gold jewelry.
3. Simple checks at home
- Magnet: gold isn't magnetic. If a strong magnet grabs the piece, it isn't solid gold. If it doesn't, that's a good sign but not proof, because many other metals aren't magnetic either.
- Wear: check edges and clasps. If a different color metal shows through where it rubs, the piece is plated.
- Skin marks: jewelry that turns your skin green is usually plated or low in gold.
4. What about silver and platinum?
- Sterling silver is usually stamped 925, .925, or Sterling.
- Platinum is usually stamped PT950, PT900, or PLAT.
The sure answer: have it tested
Stamps can be missing, worn off, or fake, and home checks only go so far. The reliable way to know is to have the piece tested. Bring it to our counter in Brea and we'll check it. No appointment needed.
We buy gold, silver, and platinum jewelry in any condition, including broken and scrap pieces. How selling gold works.