With gold now costing Rs 432,000 per tola, nobody wants to pay for gold-plated brass. Fake and low-karat jewellery does turn up, especially when buying second-hand or from unknown sellers. The good news is that a few simple checks can catch most problems before you pay.
None of these home tests are 100% certain. They are a first filter. For expensive pieces, always get a professional test, which we explain at the end.
1. Look for the Stamp (Hallmark)
Real gold jewellery usually carries a small stamp showing its purity. Look on the clasp, the inside of a ring or the back of a pendant. Common marks:
| Stamp | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 24K or 999 | 99.9% gold |
| 22K or 916 | 91.6% gold |
| 21K or 875 | 87.5% gold |
| 18K or 750 | 75% gold |
Marks like GP, GF, GE or HGE mean gold plated, gold filled or electroplated — not solid gold. A missing stamp does not prove a piece is fake, especially older family jewellery, but it is a reason to test it properly.
2. The Magnet Test
Gold is not magnetic. Hold a strong magnet (a fridge magnet is often too weak; a neodymium magnet works better) close to the piece.
- Pulls strongly toward the magnet: there is iron or nickel inside. It is not solid gold.
- No pull: a good sign, but not proof. Some fake metals are not magnetic either.
The clasp may contain a steel spring, so test the main body of the jewellery.
3. Look Closely at Worn Edges
Check the edges, clasp and places that rub against skin. On plated jewellery, the gold layer wears off and you may see a different colour underneath — usually silver-grey or reddish. Solid gold is the same colour all the way through.
4. The Skin Test
Wear the piece for a few hours. If your skin turns green or black where it touches, the item likely contains a lot of copper or other base metals. Real high-karat gold rarely discolours skin. Note: some people react to the small amounts of other metals even in 18K gold, so this test is only a hint.
5. The Water Test
Gold is very dense. Drop a loose piece (not jewellery with stones) into a glass of water.
- Real gold sinks straight to the bottom.
- If it floats or hovers, it is not gold.
This test only catches very obvious fakes, but it costs nothing.
6. The Ceramic Scratch Test
Take an unglazed ceramic tile (the rough back of a tile works). Gently rub a hidden part of the piece across it.
- A gold or yellow line suggests real gold.
- A black or grey line suggests it is not gold.
This can scratch your jewellery, so only use it on a hidden spot, and never on valuable or delicate pieces.
7. Check the Weight and Price
If something is being sold far below the gold rate in Pakistan today, be suspicious. A seller offering 22K gold at a big discount is either selling a lower karat or not selling gold at all. Use our gold price calculator to work out what the piece should cost for its weight and karat.
Tests to Avoid at Home
- Acid tests use strong acids that can burn skin and damage jewellery. Leave this to a jeweller.
- Biting the gold — it does not tell you much and can damage your teeth and the piece.
- Heating with a lighter can discolour or damage stones and soldered joints.
The Reliable Way: Professional Testing
For anything valuable, go to a professional:
- Karat meter (XRF) test: most large jewellers and gold testing shops in Pakistan’s Sarafa markets have an XRF machine. It reads the exact gold percentage in under a minute without damaging the piece, for a small fee.
- Fire assay: the most accurate test, but it melts a small sample. Used for bars and bulk gold rather than jewellery.
An XRF test is worth it whenever you buy second-hand gold, inherit jewellery, or want to sell and check the jeweller’s claim.
Protect Yourself When Buying
- Buy from known jewellers who give a written receipt with weight and karat.
- Ask whether they will buy back the piece and at what deduction.
- Compare the bill with today’s 22K gold rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does real gold stick to a magnet?
No. If jewellery is strongly attracted to a magnet, it is not solid gold.
What does 916 mean on gold?
916 means 91.6% pure gold, which is 22 karat.
Where can I test gold in Pakistan?
Most major Sarafa markets in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and other cities have shops with XRF karat-testing machines.
Final Word
Home tests help you spot obvious fakes, but for real peace of mind, get an XRF test before you buy or sell anything valuable. And always know today’s rate first — check the live gold rate in Pakistan on your phone before you walk into a shop.