how can i tell if a ring i was given abroard is real gold?

Question

I was in Paris and the short story is i was given a second hand gold ring. However how do i really tell if its gold? Do i need to take it somewhere to ask and if so where do i take it?!
Any tests i can do at home? Ive already checked if its magnetic.
Thanks

Answer 1

i) Weigh it carefully.
ii) Get a small measuring glass, and put some water in it. Put the ring in the glass, and record carefully by how much the water rises. This tells you the volume of the ring.

Now determine the density by dividing the weight by the volume.

Be careful about units; you need to use consistent measures, to metric is the way to go. For a ring, reasonable units for density are grams per cubic centimetre.
The measuring glass measures fluid volume, but one millilitre is equal to one cubic centimetre.

The density of pure gold is 19.3 grams per cubic centimetre.
If your ring has a much lower density than this, it's probably fake. Your measurements won't be very precise at all, so if it's only roughly within the right range, don't freak out.

If you're still worried after that, take it to any jewellers.

Answer 2

In the United States, anything that is not at least 10 karats (42 percent gold) cannot be legally sold as gold. Anything that you purchase that is real gold should have the karat amount stamped into the jewelry. On rings the stamp will be on the inside and on necklaces and bracelets the stamp will usually be somewhere on the clasp.

If the jewelry you are purchasing doesn�t have a stamp stating that it�s 10k, 14k, 18k, or 22k, chances are that it isn�t real gold.

If the jewelry is stamped and you still question whether or not it is real gold, you can take it to certain jewelers to find out whether or not it is real gold. A jeweler will be able to perform a chemical test or look at the piece under a jeweler�s loop to determine the quality of the piece.

Answer 3

In the United States, anything that is not at least 10 karats (42 percent gold) cannot be legally sold as gold. Anything that you purchase that is real gold should have the karat amount stamped into the jewelry. On rings the stamp will be on the inside and on necklaces and bracelets the stamp will usually be somewhere on the clasp.

If the jewelry you are purchasing doesn�t have a stamp stating that it�s 10k, 14k, 18k, or 22k, chances are that it isn�t real gold.

If the jewelry is stamped and you still question whether or not it is real gold, you can take it to certain jewelers to find out whether or not it is real gold. A jeweler will be able to perform a chemical test or look at the piece under a jeweler�s loop to determine the quality of the piece.

If you're thinking of purchasing a piece of gold jewelry and something is making you question whether or not it�s real, it�s probably best to pass and find another piece that you can feel confident about.

Answer 4

If you're having doubts, it's always good to take it to a reputable jeweler that who could provide you with the answer. I would avoid any home remedies because you may do something to damage the ring. Try to stay away from the chain type jewelry stores such as Friedman's, Kay Jewelers, and stores of the like because many of the people that work in those stores are simply there as sales consultants and to get a check. They are not as versed in jewelry as specialty stores.

Answer 5

Take it to any jewellers or second hand jewellers and ask them to do an acid test,,it will involve a drop of solution to be put onto the metal in a place that wont be seen and the chemical will turn the metal a certain colour,,if the colour matches what it should be then you are in luck,,French hallmarks are a minefield of complicated marks that even UK experts have trouble understanding,,,

Answer 6

There should be indentation in the inside of the ring anywhere where there is a hallmark. Whether it be a symbol, letters or numbers. take it to a jewellery valuers/pawnbrokers and they will tell you how many carats it is. Also you will notice if it is painted gold by copper oxidating and reacting with your skin leaving a green finger!

Answer 7

gold jewelry has a certain number that I forget at the moment and it's usally on the back of it look at the ring carefully and look for a number if there is none there is a chance it got through the stamping process without a number and i would take it to a jeweler's and have them look at it

Answer 8

Most jewellery is hallmarked to prove it is real gold. You could look for any of those. I would take it into a good reputable jewellers and they would take samples to test the metal. I don't know how much it is though.

Answer 9

With the diamond, some people say take it and scratch it on a window or mirror and if it leaves a mark it's real. if it's gold it will say it, OR you can tell by looking near the edges and see another color (bronze) some of the older ones will show it after years..But i would take it to a pro and let them look at it.

Answer 10

Take it to a jewellers, they can test it for you. I bought a chain for my daughter, then had real doubts about it's value, but the local jeweller put my mind at rest