How to Tell If Jewelry Is Real: A Comprehensive Guide

9 Different Ways To Check If Your Jewelry Is Real

At Diamond Exchange Houston, we understand that determining the authenticity of your jewelry can be challenging. Whether you’ve inherited a piece, received it as a gift, or purchased it yourself, knowing if your jewelry is real is essential. This guide will provide you with practical tips and methods to help you identify genuine pieces from costume jewelry and ultimately how to tell if your jewelry is real.

If you are in the Houston area, you are welcome to schedule an appointment to get your jewelry evaluated. Diamond Exchange Houston is one of the top diamond and jewelry buyers in the country. We have bought and sold thousands of jewelry items including loose diamonds, engagement rings, tennis bracelets, earrings, and other types of jewelry. We offer FREE verbal jewelry appraisals and will let you know if the jewelry that you have is real. Contact us today by calling us at 281-623-1105 or by filling out our contact form.

1. Examine the Hallmarks

Hallmarks are small stamps found on jewelry that indicate the metal’s purity and sometimes the brand name. Here’s how you can identify them:
Gold: Look for stamps such as 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K. The higher the number, the purer the gold.
Silver: Look for stamps like 925, .925, or STERLING, indicating that the piece is made of sterling silver.
Platinum: Stamps like PLAT, PT, or 950 indicate platinum.

2. Magnet Test

Precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum are not magnetic. Use a strong magnet to test your jewelry:

• Real Jewelry: If your piece is not attracted to the magnet, it’s likely real.
• Fake Jewelry: If the piece is magnetic, it’s likely made of a metal alloy.

3. Check for Discoloration

Real jewelry typically does not tarnish or discolor easily. Examine your piece for signs of wear:

• Gold: Should not fade or change color.
• Silver: May tarnish over time but can be polished back to its original luster.
• Platinum: Will not tarnish or discolor.

4. Perform a Scratch Test

This test involves scratching your jewelry on a testing stone and applying acid to see the reaction. It’s best performed by professionals to avoid damaging your piece. At Diamond Exchange Houston we use this test on almost every piece of jewelry that customers sell to us.

• Gold: Different karats react differently to acid. The test should show no reaction for real gold.
• Silver: Should turn a cream color when exposed to nitric acid.
• Platinum: Should show no change when exposed to acid.

5. Weigh and Measure The Jewelry To See If It Is Real:

Real precious metals have specific weights and densities. Use a scale and calipers to measure your piece:

• Gold and Silver: Compare the weight to standard measurements for the same volume.
• Platinum: Heavier than gold and silver, even for the same size.

6. Diamond Jewelry Authenticity

Diamonds are precious and valuable, and it’s crucial to ensure they are genuine. Our main product here at Diamond Exchange Houston is our loose diamonds, engagement rings, and custom jewelry. We also a a great place to sell diamonds. When customers come here to sell their diamond jewelry we have to check to make sure the diamonds are real. Here are some tips to identify real diamonds:

Fog Test

Breathe on the diamond and observe how quickly the fog clears. Real diamonds disperse heat rapidly, so the fog will dissipate almost immediately.

Water Test

Place the diamond in a glass of water. Real diamonds have high density and will sink to the bottom, while fakes may float.

Use a Loupe

Inspect the diamond under magnification. Real diamonds usually have tiny natural imperfections, known as inclusions, while fake ones are often flawless.

Check the Setting

Real diamonds are typically set in high-quality metals like gold, platinum, or silver. Inspect the prongs and mountings for quality craftsmanship.

Heat Test

Heat the diamond with a lighter for about 30 seconds and drop it into cold water. Real diamonds are incredibly durable and will not be affected, while fake ones may shatter.

Lab Grown Vs. Natural Diamond Tester

Lab-grown diamonds are on the market and they are here to stay. In order to detect between lab-grown and natural diamonds it takes a special kind of tester. Here at Diamond Exchange Houston we use a lab-grown diamond tester called Yehuda. It is crucial to check each diamond that you buy because if you do not it can lead to a very costly mistake.

7. Check With A Jewelry Appraiser To See If Your Jewelry Is Real

When in doubt, consult a professional jeweler or appraiser. They can provide a detailed analysis of your jewelry’s authenticity using specialized equipment and expertise. The usual cost of a 3rd Party GIA Gemologist appraisal is typically around $150. This will give you piece of mind because it will be preformed by a credible source. We have several different options for jewelry appraisals at Diamond Exchange Houston.

8. Inspect for Prongs and Mountings

Real precious stones are usually set in high-quality mountings.

• Gold: Look for secure, well-crafted prongs.
• Silver: Check for sturdy settings and detailed craftsmanship.
• Platinum: High-end jewelry will have precise and intricate mountings.

9. Evaluate the Price

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic precious metal jewelry is priced according to its weight, purity, and craftsmanship. Be wary of significantly underpriced pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I tell if my gold jewelry is real?

Look for hallmarks, conduct a magnet test, and examine for discoloration. You can also perform a scratch test or consult a professional.  Here at Diamond Exchange Houston the most popular method that we use is the acid test.

How can I test if a diamond is real at home?

You can use the fog test, water test, or heat test. Additionally, inspecting the diamond under a loupe for inclusions can help.  If you search on Youtube, you will find plenty of ways to check your diamond.  If you would like to bring your diamond to our office we will be glad to check it for you for FREE :)).

What should I do if I’m still unsure about my jewelry’s authenticity?

Seek a professional appraisal. A certified jeweler or appraiser can provide a detailed analysis using specialized equipment.  Appraisals will cover every aspect of your jewelry item in detail.  Jewelry appraisals typically cost around $150, and you will get a reputable appraisal from a GIA graduate gemologist.

Are there specific tools I need to test my jewelry at home?

Basic tools include a strong magnet, a magnifying glass or loupe, and a scale. Acid test kits, which can be purchased on Amazon, can be used for more advanced testing but should be handled with care.

Ensuring your jewelry is real requires a keen eye and sometimes professional assistance. By following these steps, you can better assess the authenticity of your pieces. At Diamond Exchange Houston, we are here to help you with all your jewelry needs, from appraisals to buying and selling genuine pieces. Visit us today to get an expert evaluation of your jewelry.

Get Your Jewelry Tested Today!

If you have jewelry that you might possibly interested in selling if you know that it is real then contact Diamond Exchange Houston today. Our jewelry buyers will evaluate and test your jewelry to see what kind of cash offer we can make you. Hopefully the jewelry you have is worth a lot of money and you can leave our jewelry store feeling satisfied. Diamond Exchange is a local business located in the Montrose area of Houston, TX, however, past customers have traveled from afar and even mailed stuff in to us to sell because they know that we are the best jewelry buyers in town.

Diamond Exchange Houston
4306 Yoakum Blvd #305 A
Houston, TX 77006
281-623-1105