When purchasing gold, you need to be careful. Like anything that is beautiful and valuable it is subject to fraudulence. There are people who will attempt to sell fake gold or plated gold as a solid gold product.
But how do you tell if something is real gold? In this article we will help you understand the differences between plated and solid gold. While also helping you learn how to identify fake gold. See our tips below before buying gold from private sellers.
How to Spot Real Gold
Buying gold can be intimidating. It can also be stressful if you aren’t sure what to look for. These quick tips will help you know how to tell real gold from fake gold.
- It is not magnetic – try using a powerful magnet (not a basic fridge magnet) on your gold item. There should be no reaction to the magnet as gold is not magnetic.
- Bite it – just like an Olympic gold medalist would. Gold is soft and should show teeth indents if bitten.
- Drag it over ceramic – if you’re ok with scratching your gold item you could run it over unglazed ceramic.
It should be noted that none of these tests will give you a definitive answer. There are many ways that a criminal could attempt to counter these tests. Lead is softer than gold and could be plated with real gold. Plated gold could also be used with a non-magnetic material.
What is Plated Gold?
It is important to understand that plated gold is not fake gold. Instead it is simply real gold that has been used to cover a second metal. Though plated gold is not fake it should be noted that it is not as valuable as solid gold.
There are many uses for plated gold including in electronics and jewelry. You should be aware of this distinction when buying gold as some sellers may not be transparent about what this means. If you are curious as to if your gold items are plated gold or solid gold, it is best to ask a professional.
How Can I Spot Fake Gold?
Spotting fake gold is not always easy. Though the tests above give you some indication of whether or not your gold is fake it is best to leave it to the professionals. An expert jeweller or gold buyer such as Pinto Cash For Gold will be able to give you a concrete answer.
Where Can I Sell My Gold?
Whether you are looking to sell your gold or secure a loan with it we can help. We accept nearly all gold items including coins, jewelry, watches and even dental fillings. We even accept other items of value such as silver, platinum, diamonds and Hermes handbags.
There are a variety of reasons why you may want to sell your gold. Let Pinto Cash For Gold Help you get the best value for your treasured gold or precious metal items.
