How to Tell If Your Gold Is Real: A Chattanooga Seller’s Guide

Gold has been a symbol of wealth and beauty for centuries, but not all that glitters is pure. Whether you’ve inherited jewelry, found a gold coin, or bought something secondhand, you might be wondering: Is this gold actually real?

As Chattanooga’s trusted precious metals experts, Southern Precious Metals Exchange (SPMX) regularly helps people just like you figure out exactly what they have. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to tell if your gold is real, the common types of fake gold, and when it’s time to bring it to a professional for testing.

Why It’s Important to Know If Gold Is Real

Knowing whether your gold is genuine isn’t just about curiosity—it’s about value. Real gold holds market value and can be sold, traded, or insured. Fake gold? Not so much. Unfortunately, counterfeit and gold-plated items often make their way into jewelry boxes and collections, especially through online purchases, pawn shops, or estate sales.

Understanding what you have ensures you’re not selling something valuable for too little—or unknowingly holding onto something worthless.

Simple Ways to Test Gold at Home

While professional testing is the most reliable method, there are several easy at-home methods to check whether your gold might be real.

1. Look for a Hallmark Stamp

Most authentic gold jewelry and coins are stamped with a purity mark such as 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K. You might also see stamps like “585” (14K), “750” (18K), or “999” (24K). If there’s no stamp, it doesn’t always mean the gold is fake—but it does raise suspicion.

2. Use a Magnet

Gold is not magnetic. If your piece sticks to a magnet, it likely contains iron or another metal under a gold coating. While not definitive, this is a quick way to spot obvious fakes.

3. The Float Test

Drop your item into a cup of water. Real gold is heavy and will sink immediately. If it floats or moves slowly, it's probably fake or gold-plated.

4. The Skin Test

Wearing fake gold can sometimes leave a green or black mark on your skin. Real gold won’t discolor your skin unless it's mixed with certain alloys that irritate the skin.

5. Use Household Vinegar

Drop a few drops of vinegar on the gold item. If it changes color or reacts, it’s likely not pure gold. Real gold should remain unchanged.

Important: These tests can help rule out fakes, but they aren’t foolproof. Many plated or alloyed metals can pass initial tests. That’s where professional help matters most.

The Most Reliable Way to Test Gold? Bring It to SPMX.

At SPMX, we use precise, non-destructive testing methods to determine if your gold is real and how pure it is. Our equipment includes:

• X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for instant purity reading

• Digital gold testers for karat verification

• High-accuracy scales for weighing precious metals

• Visual inspections using industry knowledge and training

We perform all tests in front of you, explain the results clearly, and always offer free evaluations—no pressure, no gimmicks.

What to Do If Your Gold Is Real

Once you’ve confirmed that your gold is authentic, you have options. You can hold onto it for sentimental value, have it appraised for insurance, or sell it for cash—especially if you’re not using it.

If you choose to sell, SPMX offers top payouts based on current gold market rates, right here in Chattanooga. Whether it’s a broken bracelet, a single earring, or a full collection of gold coins and jewelry, we’ll assess everything fairly and explain your options.

When You Should Bring Gold in for Evaluation

You don’t need to wait until you’re ready to sell to have your items evaluated. Bring your gold in if:

• You inherited or found gold items and want to understand what you have

• You suspect an item may be fake or gold-plated

• You want to compare offers or prepare for a future sale

• You need an appraisal for insurance or estate planning

At SPMX, there’s never a charge to look at your items. We believe in honest, educational service.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wondered how to tell if gold is real, you’re not alone. It’s a common question—and an important one. While at-home tests can help weed out obvious fakes, nothing beats the accuracy and peace of mind that comes with a professional evaluation.

Southern Precious Metals Exchange is Chattanooga’s trusted source for gold testing, evaluation, and purchasing. Whether you’re just curious or ready to sell, stop by today or give us a call. We’re always happy to help you uncover the true value of what you own.