Answer:
You can spot real jewellery by checking for hallmarks, testing its weight and magnetism, inspecting gemstones and settings and asking for professional certification; if in doubt, a jeweller can test the piece for you.
Knowing whether your jewellery is genuine protects your investment and ensures you’re paying for ethically sourced precious metals and stones. Fake metals and lab-grown gems can be beautiful, but they shouldn’t be sold as natural diamonds or gold.
Look for hallmarks and stamps
- Check for small markings on the inside of rings or clasps: gold is stamped 10K, 14K, 18K or 750; sterling silver is marked 925; platinum often shows PLAT or 950.
- Hallmarks from a national assay office or jeweller’s logo provide further assurance of authenticity.
- Be wary of pieces without any markings or with misspelled brands or fuzzy engravings.
Test weight and magnetism
- Genuine precious metals feel heavier than costume jewellery. Real gold and silver are dense; aluminium and brass feel light by comparison.
- Hold a strong magnet near the metal. Gold, silver and platinum are not magnetic; if the item is attracted to a magnet it likely contains base metals.
- Compare weight with a similar piece or consult a scale; large discrepancies can indicate plating or filler.
Inspect gemstones and settings
- Real diamonds and gemstones have tiny natural inclusions; perfectly flawless stones at low prices are likely synthetic or glass.
- Quality settings such as prongs or bezels securely hold the stone; glue or flimsy claws suggest costume jewellery.
- Ask for a grading report from a reputable lab (GIA, IGI, AGS) to verify a diamond’s authenticity and quality.
Professional and at‑home tests
- Acid test kits and electronic testers can identify precious metals, but improper use may damage jewellery; consult a jeweller if unsure.
- A professional jeweller can perform tests (like thermal conductivity for diamonds) without harming the piece.
- Consider X‑ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis or spectroscopy for high‑value items.
Buy from trusted sources
- Purchase from jewellers who provide certificates, detailed receipts and return policies.
- Choose brands that emphasise ethical sourcing and transparency; they’re more likely to disclose whether gemstones are lab‑grown or mined.
Explore designs with our Ring Builder
If you’re looking for a new piece, try building a ring step by step using our ring builder. It lets you compare metals, gemstones and settings and shows you exactly what each combination costs.
[Ring Builder](https://diamonds4change.org/pages/ring-builder) (opens in a new tab)
FAQs
How can I test gold at home without acid?
You can use a strong magnet (gold is not magnetic) and compare the weight to a similar piece. A jeweller or pawn shop can also test gold with an electronic tester.
Do real diamonds always come with certificates?
Not always, but reputable jewellers typically provide GIA or IGI certificates. If a diamond lacks certification, have it evaluated independently.
Are lab‑grown diamonds considered fake?
No. Lab‑grown diamonds have the same optical and physical properties as mined diamonds. The difference lies in origin and cost, so they should be clearly disclosed as lab‑grown.
We use our profits to support education, healthcare and skills training in the communities where our materials originate and our team is based. Ethical sourcing and transparency are at the heart of our brand.