How to Tell If Your Gold Jewelry Is Authentic

When buying gold jewelry, you want to make sure that you’re getting the best quality. Whether you’re looking for a simple, dainty gold necklace or something more statement-making like this 14K Gold Hammered Graduated Ring, you can be confident in knowing that you’re getting real, solid gold.

If you’re concerned about the purity of your gold, there are several tests that can help determine if it’s authentic. Some of these tests are destructive while others don’t require any special equipment or tools. The easiest way to test if your jewelry is solid gold is to check the engraving or stamping. Rings will have their stamps on the inside of the band while bracelets and necklaces should have their initial stamps in a small print somewhere that won’t be seen when worn.

In addition to the karat marking, you should also look for a hallmark stamp. This will give you more information about the piece, such as where it was made and its purity. It’s important to know what you’re purchasing because some sellers will stamp a lower-than-accurate karat number on jewelry items in an attempt to sell them for more money. This is against the law because it misleads customers into thinking that they are purchasing a higher-purity item than is actually true.

Most modern jewelry items aren’t made of solid gold, but rather out of a gold alloy that is harder and more durable than pure gold. The alloy is usually mixed with other metals to create the desired color and texture of the jewelry. White gold is a popular choice that looks good on almost all skin tones, while rose gold is created by mixing gold with copper. Alloys are also used to reduce the price of gold jewelry while still providing a high-quality, beautiful piece that will stand up to daily wear and tear.

Another way to test the quality of your jewelry is to weigh it and then drop it into a graduated cylinder filled with water. The volume of the water in the cylinder will then be recorded in grams, and you can use this to calculate how much gold is in the piece. You may see a stamp that says GP or GEP on your jewelry, which means that it’s gold-plated. The more karats there are in the plating, the stronger and more durable it will be.

You can find a wide selection of gold jewelry at QVC, from everyday pieces like this 14K Gold Single Stud Motif Earring to elegant hoop earrings for special occasions. You can also shop for personalized pieces like this 10K Gold Mini Initial Necklace, perfect for gifting or wearing with your favorite jeans and a plain tee. Shop now to find the pieces that speak to you and add some sophisticated flair to your wardrobe. Whether it’s gold plated or solid, your gold jewelry will be treasured and valued for years to come. Just be sure to take care of it by regularly cleaning it and storing it in a safe place.