Gold is one of the most valuable metals on planet earth. Many individuals, especially Indians, possess gold as security and a means of value storage. Various standards measure gold in terms of Karats famously being 24k and 22k (also known as 916).
Gold ornaments such as utensils are not made of 24 karat gold. Therefore, an alloy of 14k – 22k gold is used, allowing fraudsters to fake the gold and sell it to customers.
So to combat such situations wherein you might get scammed by gold jewellers, the leading Gold Buyers in Bangalore lay out the steps to check the purity of gold.
1.Hallmark/BIS Logo Test
Checking the BIS Logo, a.k.a Hallmark, on gold jewellery is the primary way of identifying the purity of gold. Every piece of gold jewellery is marked with BIS Logo to determine the purity and genuineness of gold. Although the Hallmark for gold depends on the country of origin, in India, it is the BIS Logo that the Government and masses officially recognise.
You may find the Hallmark on the back of gold bangles, below gold ornaments, on the clasps of necklaces, and inside the bands of rings. At last, successfully identifying the Hallmark on gold jewellery could be the most effortless purity check you can do.
2. Float Test
A float Test is the easiest practical way to test the authenticity of gold. A float test can be quickly done at home without any effort. Here is the process for a float test:
- Take a cup filled with water
- Drop the gold/gold jewellery you want to test in the water
3. Magnet Test
Magnet Test is the most convenient way to test your gold for purity. Gold is a non-metallic and non-reactive element, so it is easy to test using a magnet. To put this to the test, place the magnet side by side with the gold you want to test. If the gold piece does not move, it is absolute gold. If not, it is fake.
This test makes sure that any alloy present in the gold is detected. The presence of alloy could be daunting in the case of 22-24 Karat gold. However, ensure that the gold to be tested does not contain any metallic substances.
4. Acid Test
For years acid test has been the most reliable method to test gold purity as it is close to accurate every time. Jewellers often carry out an acid test in a ventilated room with precautionary measures. The solution contains hydrochloric acid and nitric acid in a container known as nitrohydrochloric acid. The process goes like this:
Gently rub a piece of gold jewellery on a black stone and add nitric acid to the mark.
This acid shall dissolve any other metallic substances other than gold. If the mark completely dissolves on applying nitrohydrochloric acid, it means the gold is pure.
5. Things To Know About Pure Gold
- Various metals are used as an alloy to support the jewellery and stones to decorate. But this does not mean the gold jewellery is impure.
- The purity of gold is measured in karats and 24 karats being the purest form of gold.
- The BIS (The Bureau of Indian Standards) mark is regulated by the Indian Government and issues BIS certificates to identify pure gold.
- Diamond Rings are made of 22 karat or below due to the soft nature of 24 karat gold.
- For further authentication, fineness is another method used to test the purity of gold.