Determining the purity of your old gold jewellery is very important before selling it. By understanding the authenticity and actual value of your gold, you can negotiate with the gold buyer to get a better deal. While professional testing methods are widely available, there are also reliable ways to test gold purity in the comfort of your own home. In this guide, we will explore several methods that can help you identify gold purity at home.

How To Identify Gold Purity?

Before identifying the purity of your gold ornament, you should know that gold jewellery comes in several colors and grades as well. You can effortlessly sell gold for cash online in Kolkata by determining the purity and authenticity of your jewellery. In India, there are three common types of gold jewellery found, such as white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. Among these three types, yellow gold is the purest form of gold. By looking at your jewellery shades, you can easily differentiate their types. 

Apart from the colours, gold jewellery comes in different carats, which signifies the purity of the gold. Some common gold grades are- 9-carat, 10-carat, 14-carat, 18-carat, 24-carat, etc. Each of them indicates a certain level of gold purity. For example, a hallmark of “10k” signifies that the gold jewellery is 41.6% pure (41.6% gold and 58.4% alloy). Similarly, a mark of “24k” denotes 100% purity of gold. You can check the hallmark of your gold jewellery to identify the purity of your gold.

In 2021 Government of India made hallmarking on gold jewellery mandatory. But if you want to identify the purity of your old gold jewellery, which doesn’t have any hallmark, there are several tests that can help you to understand the purity.

Visual Inspection Of Your Jewellery:

The first step in testing gold purity at home is to inspect the item visually. Look for any markings or stamps that indicate the gold’s purity, such as “18K,” “14K,” or “24K.” These markings are often found on the inside of rings or on the clasps of necklaces and bracelets. However, keep in mind that the absence of markings doesn’t necessarily mean the gold is fake or impure. Apart from hallmarking, you can also differentiate a piece of gold jewellery by looking at its shade and shine. A 24-carat gold varies from 10-carat gold in terms of its shade and shine. This way by finding out the true value, you can sell old gold jewellery easily.

Perform Magnet Test:

Performing a magnet test is one of the most inexpensive ways to test your gold purity. Gold is not magnetic, so using a magnet is a simple and quick way to test its authenticity. Hold a magnet close to the gold item and observe its reaction. If the gold is attracted to the magnet, it is likely, not pure gold. Keep in mind that some fake gold items may be made with other non-magnetic metals, so this test alone is not conclusive.

Consider Density Test:

Gold is a dense metal, and its density can be used to determine its purity. This method requires a precise measurement of the item’s weight and volume. Begin by weighing the gold item on a reliable scale. Next, carefully measure the volume of the item by submerging it in water and recording the change in water level. By dividing the weight of the gold by its volume, you can calculate its density. Compare the calculated density with the known density of gold (19.32 g/cm³) to estimate its purity.

Go For The Vinegar Test:

If you know the true value of your gold, you can sell gold for cash online in Kolkata easily. Another way to check the purity of your gold jewellery is through a vinegar test. Vinegar is a mild acid containing from 5% to 8% acetic acid by volume. To determine your gold purity you can create a small scratch on an inconspicuous part of the gold item. Apply some drops of vinegar onto the scratch and observe the reaction. Gold doesn’t react with any acid but other materials like zinc and copper do. If one of them is mixed in your gold jewellery it reacts with acetic acid and changes its colour immediately. If the gold remains the same color, it is likely genuine.

Nitric Acid Test:

The nitric acid test is a more advanced method that can provide further insights into the gold’s purity. It is essential to note that nitric acid is corrosive and should be handled with extreme caution. Begin by creating a small scratch on an inconspicuous part of the gold item. Apply a small drop of nitric acid onto the scratch and observe the reaction. If the gold remains the same color, it is likely genuine. However, if it turns green, it indicates a lower gold purity or the presence of other metals. 

Final Words

Testing gold purity at home can be a helpful preliminary step to determine its authenticity before seeking professional verification. However, it’s important to remember that these home testing methods are not foolproof, and professional testing may be required for accurate results. If you want to determine the purity of your gold jewellery at home before selling it, consider Cash On Old Gold, one of the most reputed gold jewellery buyers in Kolkata.