Plated jewelry can look every bit as good as solid gold. Before you sell — or buy — here are the quick checks that separate the real thing from a gold-colored shell.
Start with the hallmark
Most genuine gold carries a tiny stamp. Numbers like 10K, 14K, 585, or 750 indicate solid gold and its purity. Marks like GP (gold plated), GF (gold filled), or HGE (heavy gold electroplate) tell you the gold is only a surface layer.
Try the magnet test
Gold is not magnetic. If a piece is strongly pulled to a magnet, there is a non-gold metal doing the work underneath. It is not a perfect test — some non-magnetic metals fake gold too — but it is a fast first filter.
Watch the skin and the wear
- Plated pieces often wear through at edges and clasps, showing a different metal beneath
- Gold itself will not turn your skin green; the base metal under plating sometimes will
- Solid gold resists tarnish and discoloration over time
When in doubt, get it tested
Home checks are a starting point, not a verdict. We use non-destructive testing to confirm purity without harming your piece, and we will always give you an honest read — even if that means telling you it is plated.