Worried about buying fake jewellery?

Learn how to identify counterfeit gold, silver, diamonds, and other precious gems with simple yet effective tests. This guide will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure you’re getting what you pay for.

Jewellery is more than just an accessory—it’s an investment. Whether it’s a gold ring, a silver necklace, or a diamond bracelet, knowing whether your jewellery is genuine is crucial. Unfortunately, counterfeit jewellery is everywhere, and many people unknowingly pay premium prices for fake pieces.

So how can you tell if your jewellery is real? Thankfully, there are several simple tests you can do at home or in-store to verify authenticity. From hallmarking to magnet tests, this guide will show you how to separate real jewellery from fakes, saving you money and disappointment.

Ways to Identify Fake Jewellery

1. Check for Hallmarks or Manufacturer’s Trademarks

One of the easiest ways to verify authenticity is by looking for hallmarks—a small engraved mark indicating the purity of the metal. In most European countries, hallmarking is regulated by the government, while in the US, manufacturers use trademarks instead.

Here are some typical hallmarks for different metals:

• Gold: 375, 500, 583, 585, 750, 916, 958, 999
• Silver: 800, 875, 925, 960, 999
• Platinum: 850, 900, 950, 999

If a piece of jewellery claims to be 24K gold but lacks a hallmark, it’s a red flag. Counterfeiters often fake engravings, so make sure the numbers are clear and not worn out.

2. The Magnet Test

A simple magnet can help you identify fake jewellery. Gold, silver, and platinum are non-magnetic, so if your jewellery sticks to a magnet, it likely contains iron or other non-precious metals. This test works well for gold chains, bracelets, and rings.

3. The Colour and Wear Test

Fake gold and silver often reveal their true nature over time. Signs of fake jewellery include:

• Black or green tarnishing (especially on your skin)
• Uneven colour fading
• Flaking or chipping

Genuine gold does not tarnish and will maintain its shine, while real silver may develop a blackish patina over time, which can be polished off.

4. The Ceramic Tile Test for Gold

A quick way to check gold at home is by using an unglazed ceramic tile:

1. Drag the jewellery across the tile’s surface.
2. Real gold will leave a golden streak, while fake gold will leave a black or grey mark.

This is an easy method, but it should be done carefully to avoid scratching the jewellery.

5. The Chalk Test for Silver

Silver reacts with chalk, darkening when rubbed against it. If you suspect your silver jewellery is fake, try this test:

1. Rub a piece of chalk against your silver jewellery.
2. If it darkens, it’s real silver. If not, it’s likely a fake.

6. The Vinegar Test for Gold

Gold is resistant to acidic substances, making vinegar an easy authenticity test:

1. Pour a small amount of vinegar into a glass.
2. Place the gold item inside for about 5 minutes.
3. Fake gold will darken quickly, while real gold remains unaffected.

If you’re testing jewellery in-store, you probably don’t want to pour vinegar on it—but this is a great method for checking pieces you already own.

7. The Sulfur Ointment Test for Silver

An unusual but effective method for checking silver jewellery is using sulfur ointment, which is commonly used to treat acne.

• Apply a small amount of sulfur ointment to the jewellery.
• If the spot turns dark blue, it’s real silver.
• If nothing happens, your jewellery is fake or has a very low silver content.

8. The Ammonia Test for Platinum

Platinum is resistant to ammonia, unlike many other metals that darken when exposed to it.

• Dab some ammonia on a hidden part of the jewellery.
• If it blackens, it’s not platinum. If it stays the same, it’s likely real.

9. The Fog Test for Diamonds

A genuine diamond won’t fog up when you breathe on it, while fake diamonds do.

1. Hold the stone close to your mouth and exhale onto it.
2. If it remains clear, it’s real. If it fogs up, it’s likely fake.

10. The Heat Test for Diamonds

Diamonds can withstand extreme heat, whereas glass or quartz will shatter under sudden temperature changes.

1. Heat the gemstone with a lighter for 30 seconds.
2. Immediately drop it into cold water.
3. If the stone shatters, it’s fake. If nothing happens, you have a real diamond.

11. The Light Test for Emeralds

To check if an emerald is real, shine a long-wave blacklight on it in a dark room.

• Fake emeralds glow bright red, yellow, or olive green.
• Real emeralds show no fluorescence or a dull red/orange glow.

12. The Tooth Test for Pearls

Real pearls have a slightly rough surface, while fake pearls are smooth.

• Lightly rub the pearl against your front teeth.
• If it feels gritty, it’s real. If it feels smooth, it’s fake.

13. The Saltwater Test for Amber

Amber is a lightweight natural resin, making it one of the few gemstones that float in saltwater.

1. Mix three tablespoons of salt in a glass of water.
2. Drop the amber inside.
3. Real amber will float, while fake amber (plastic or glass) will sink.