Gold has long been considered a valuable asset, prized for its beauty, rarity, and enduring worth. However, when calculating the exact value of any item, gold purity is what determines the price of a piece. Being able to spot the purity can help people avoid undervaluing their belongings. 

Approaching a gold buyer with confidence, as if they are well-informed, makes it much simpler to make the right decisions, compare different offers, and stay clear of the potential pitfalls when you sell gold. In this guide, we’ll give you the breakdown on how to determine gold purity, giving you a strong starting point to work from before letting go of your treasured items. 

Understanding Karats and Gold Composition

Gold is measured in karats, which is the global standard of measuring the amount of pure gold in an item, with pure gold being 24 karats (24K), meaning it contains no other alloys. Most jewelry in the States is 10K to 18K, made stronger by combining gold with metals such as copper, nickel, or silver, as pure gold is extremely soft and easily damaged. 

Checking Gold Hallmarks and Stamps

Hallmarks are usually found on high-end gold items like fine jewelry, and are proof of the gold’s purity. They can be found inside a ring band, at the clasp of a necklace, and other places. Real gold should contain stamps of 10K, 14K, 18K, or 24K.  

While hallmarks are generally reliable, they can sometimes be worn down over time or, in rare cases, fraudulent. Still, locating and understanding these markings provides a strong starting point for determining purity before you sell gold.

Using Magnet and Weight Tests

One of the best tests to verify gold is the magnet test. Gold is non-magnetic and if a piece is drawn to a magnet it’s probably composed of a high percentage of non-gold. But while the magnet test can’t tell you the purity of the gold, it can identify and eliminate any pieces that aren’t gold at all. The weight of a gold item is also a good indicator, as real gold is much denser than imitation metals. 

Acid, Electronic, and Professional Testing

Acid testing, electronic testing and expert analysis can be used to get a very accurate picture of a gold item’s purity. Acid testing involves placing a tiny drop of acid on the surface of the gold, as different acids react to different karat levels. Electronic gold testers offer another non-invasive way to analyze purity with digital accuracy. If you don’t feel confident in your own ability to test the purity of your gold, a professional appraisal is the way to go. 

Knowledge Protects Value When You Sell Gold

When selling gold, understanding the purity of the item is key to the whole process. Knowing the karat level, checking hallmarks and doing some basic tests gives you a very clear idea of the true value of the gold you posses. Armed with this knowledge, gold sellers can walk into the market, feel confident that they can get a fair price for their items, compare the offers they receive and sidestep the pitfalls that are all too common. 

Coming to the selling table without knowing the purity of the gold is not just a lack of info, it’s actually putting your hard-earned money at risk and will probably result in less of a return.