well kunnu,
1. Before purchasing the gold, check the label, if it has one. On rings the stamp will be on the inside and on bracelets and necklaces it will be in the clasp.
2. If the label does not say 10k, 14k, 18k, or 22k, then it is probably not real gold.
3. Ask the person who is selling it about how many karats are in the piece of jewelry.
4. Test the density of gold. It is about 19.3 grams/cm cubed, which is much higher than most other metals. Platinum, iridium, osmium, and neptunium are the only metals with density higher than 20 grams/cm cubed. To test its density, use a scale and a graduated cylinder. First weigh the gold, and then put some water in the graduated cylinder. It doesn't matter how much, but keep note of the amount. Then put the gold inside the water (this won't damage it) and note the water level. Get the difference between the two numbers for the volume of the gold. Density= mass/volume. If the answer is close to 19 grams/cm cubed, then it is real gold.
5. If you do not care if there is a small dent in the gold, bite into it. Because real gold is softer than fake, if it stays intact then it is fake.
6. Use the streak method. Take the gold and streak it across an unglazed piece of porcelain. If it is black, it is fool's gold, but if it is goldish-yellow, it is real.
7. Another test is the hardness test. According to Moh's scale, you should not be able to scratch glass with gold, but with fake gold, such as Pyrite, you should be able to.
8. Pyrite, which is fake gold, if magnified 10 times, is actually made out of tiny cubes.
9. When gold is hammered, it will not break, but might bend. However, if Pyrite is smashed, it will break into tiny little cubes.
10. You can take it into a shop where they can test if it is real gold. This is an inexpensive way and it takes only a short amount of time.
Answered by
Priyanka C
, an ibibo Master,
at
6:32 PM on January 09, 2009