How to Spot Real Gold Jewelry Before You Sell: 5 Easy Checks You Can Do at Home

Thinking about selling your gold jewelry but not sure if it’s real? Here’s a quick, fun guide to help you check your pieces at home—so you walk into Garner Wallace and Keller Go Gold & Silver Buyers with confidence!

1. Look for Hallmarks

Check your jewelry for tiny stamps like “10K,” “14K,” “18K,” or “24K.” You might also see “GF” (gold-filled) or “GP” (gold-plated). Real gold jewelry is always marked with its karat weight.

Tip: Bring a magnifying glass for those hard-to-see marks!

2. The Magnet Test

Grab a strong magnet (like one from your fridge). Real gold isn’t magnetic, so if your jewelry sticks, it’s likely not solid gold.

Note: Some clasps may contain metal springs, so test the main body of the piece.

3. Check for Discoloration

Look closely at areas that get a lot of wear—edges, clasps, or the inside of rings. If you see another metal peeking through, it could be gold-plated.

4. The Float Test

Fill a cup with water and gently drop your jewelry in. Real gold is dense and will sink right away. If it floats, it’s probably not real gold.

5. Ask the Experts!

The best way to know for sure? Bring your jewelry to Garner Wallace and Keller Go Gold & Silver Buyers. Our team will test and evaluate your pieces for free, right in front of you—no pressure, no obligation.

Contact Us Today!