Today the world of gold is a tricky business. There are more than thousands of companies online that sell gold. Hence, with the busy millennial purchasing most of their expensive jewellery online, the amount of ‘fake gold’ fraud has increased multi-fold. However, that should not be a barrier when it comes to purchasing gold. Being the symbolic value of wealth metaphorically and literally, buying gold for a loved one holds special sentiments. However, the concern is not to get fooled whole purchasing gold. Hence, let’s say you recently purchased a new gold ring online. Then how would you know if the gold is pure or not?

Well, this article will teach you how!

Tricks to find out whether gold is authentic or not

Check out markings: Any authentic gold jewellery will have a certain level of markings in them. So, if you’re in possession of a new gold ring then check for markings. The markings will either be in decimal or karat indicating the authenticity of gold. For example, 585 (18 karats) or 999 (24 karats).

Signs of discolouration: Any shop that promises pure gold will not offer rings which show signs of discolouration. Therefore, if your ring shows sing fading or discolouration it means there is an underlying metal beneath it.

Bite test: Another evident way to test out gold is using the bite test. Often, athletes are seen biting down on gold medals. Well, the trick is when you bite on pure gold there will be a slight dent on the gold. Now, anything coated with metal will not create a dent easily.

Density test: If your gold ring price below 6000, then one way to ensure if your ring is pure or not is the density test. Pure gold has a density of 19.3g/ml. So, in the density tester the higher the density of the gold ring, the purer it is.

Use a ceramic plate: A ceramic plate is an easy way to detect whether the jewellery you bought is pure gold or not. However, note that the ceramic will be scratched so use an old plate if necessary. Take your gold ring and drag it across the ceramic plate. If the scratch produced is gold your item is authentic. However, if it isn’t then your gold is most probably not genuine.

The nitric acid test: Do you know anyone from the chemist department? If so, then the nitric acid test is the most suited test for you to find out authentic gold. Take a small stainless steel utensil and place your gold above it. Now, put a drop of nitric acid on top of it. If there is no reaction it means the gold is pure.

However, if there is a green reaction, it means your ring is gold plated. If the reaction is gold, then the item is gold-brass coated; and, if the item eludes a milk coloured reaction then it’s sterling silver on gold.

Well, with these 6 tests, hopefully now you can buy authentic gold without getting conned.