1. Definitions
Karats
Gold of the 24-karat variety represents 100 percent gold;18 karat gold is 75 percent pure; and 14 karat is 58 percent pure. When comparing gold jewelry, the higher the number of karats, the more expensive the gold. The most pure gold is not necessarily the most suitable, as pure gold is very malleable, and therefore more prone to denting and scratching.
Jewellery
Due to its lack of durability, 24-karat gold is rarely used in jewelry. Occasionally, 21-karat gold is used for jewelry in the United States, but it is commonly used in parts of Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. A 18-karat gold is popular in high-end jewelry; whereas, 14-karat gold is the most sought-after purity for jewelry gold, as it represents a nice balance between gold content, affordability and durability. A 10-karat gold is the lowest content of gold that can be marked and sold as jewelry in the United States.
Alloying
By alloying gold with another metal, you can change its color. Gold is naturally yellow; however, even yellow gold is alloyed with copper and silver to strengthen it. The brightness of yellow gold depends on its purity. Generally, 14-karat gold has a brighter yellow than 10-karat gold and so on. White gold is alloyed with nickel, palladium, zinc and copper to give it its characteristic silver color. Rose gold is created by alloying just copper with yellow gold. Green gold is created by mixing silver, copper and zinc to yellow gold.
Authenticity
When buying gold jewelry, always look for the karat mark. According to U.S. law, all gold jewelry must have a stamp. In addition to the karat, the stamp should also indicate the manufacturer's trademark. Some stamps may also indicate the country of origin. The stamp provides assurance that you are buying genuine gold jewelry.
Bullion
Gold bullion is investment-grade gold. It is usually purchased in the shape of coins or bars. Coins and bars can be purchased in different weights. The purity of gold bullion ranges from 22 karats to 24 karats. Like jewelry, to guarantee authenticity gold bullion must have a stamp that clearly indicates the manufacturer and the purity.
1. How to Determine Quality
Gold quality is measured in karats.Pure gold, or 24 karat gold, is soft and yellow. For example,
18 karat gold is 75 percent gold
14 karat gold is 60 percent gold
12 karat gold is 50 percent gold
10 karat gold is 40 percent gold.
The best way to determine the quality of gold is to purchase an acid gold test, which contains a black testing stone, scratch test needles and acids for 10, 14 and 18 karat gold.
• Scratch the gold item over the black testing stone that comes with the kit. Scratch the stone until a solid line appears.
• Create a second scratch with one of the gold scratch needles provided with the kit on the test stone.
• Put a drop from the 10 karat gold acid test onto the scratch from the gold material. Put another drop on the scratch from the gold scratch needle for comparison. Watch carefully. If the acid dissolves the scratch from the gold material, it is less than 10 karat gold.
• Repeat steps 1 and 2. Then use the 14 karat gold acid to test the scratch. If it dissolves, it is less than 14 karat gold. However, if it dissolves slowly and leaves some color on the test stone, it is most likely in the 12 karat gold range.
• Repeat steps 1 and 2 and use the 18 karat gold acid to test. Once again, if the scratch does not dissolve quickly and some color is left on the stone, it is probably approximately two karats below the test
2. How to Check Quality
• Locate the gold stamp on the piece of jewelry in question. The stamp should indicate the karatage and then the metal type, e.g., 14kt gold. For rings, the stamp is usually inside the band. Necklaces and bracelets are usually stamped on or near the clasp. Earrings will have the stamp on the earring closure or inside the hoop.
• Examine the stamp using your magnifying glass, if necessary, and notate the gold quality indication. This is best done in a well-lit area.
• Determine the quality of the gold. According to the FCC, anything marked "Gold" without any indication of a specific karatage is by definition pure or 24kt gold. The remaining quality indications are 22kt gold, 18kt gold, 14kt gold and 10kt gold. In the United States, 10kt gold is the lowest karatage legally available for sale.
3. How To Determine the Authenticity of a Gold Coin?
Weigh the coin. Gold coins are generally heavy, due to gold's density. Base metals, or those low-value metals that counterfeiters often use, are not as dense, so a counterfeit coin is more likely to be underweight. A good digital scale that goes to two decimal places (hundredths) will be sufficient for most basic detection purposes.
• Compare the actual weight to the proper weight. The U.S. Mint used tight tolerances in its production of gold coins. If your coin is underweight by more than a gram, it is likely counterfeit.
• Check out the edge of the edge of the coin to make sure that it is the same edge as expected. For example, some gold coins always have reeded edges while some have plain edges.
• Seek guidance if the coin is of the proper weight, but you're still not sure of its authenticity. If you purchase a coin that is certified by a major grading service--such as Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), Numismatic Guaranty Corp. (NGC), Independent Coin Grading (ICG) or ANACS--the service guarantees the authenticity of the coins in its holders. Also, many dealers guarantee the coins they sell as long as the coins stay in their original holders.
4. How to Authenticate Gold Coins & Bullion
• Measure the gold coin or gold bullion. All gold coins and bullion are made to exact size specifications. If it is off by even a millimeter then it is probably a fake.
• Weigh the gold coin or gold bullion. All gold coins and bullion are made to equal precise weight. If it is even slightly off, then it is probably a fake.
• Examine the surfaces of the gold coin or gold bullion. Fake coins are often dull or overly shiny. Their color can be more yellowish than gold. Designs of fake coins often lack detail. This is because they are often cast from molds made from real coins. Compare the gold coin or gold bullion to an item you know to be authentic. If it appears different from the authentic coin, it is probably a fake.
• Listen to the sound the gold coin or gold bullion makes when you drop it on a hard surface. A real coin will make a ringing sound; a fake coin will thud. Only perform this test if maintaining the quality of the coin's design is not an issue. Dropping a brilliant uncirculated coin will damage it and reduce its value.
• Feel the gold coin or gold bullion. Fakes will often feel slippery, too smooth or have sharp edges. Close your eyes and feel a coin you know is real in one hand and the suspect coin in the other. If they feel different, then one is a fake.
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