Gold & Silver Authenticity Guide
🔎 Verify Precious Metals Authenticity
Learn to identify genuine precious metals and avoid counterfeits. This guide covers at-home testing methods and professional verification techniques to protect your investments.
🧪 Quick Authenticity Assessment
🔬 Testing Methods Explained
🧲 Magnet Test
How it works: Precious metals are not magnetic. A strong magnet should not attract gold, silver, platinum, or palladium.
What you need: Strong neodymium magnet
Limitations: Some fake metals are also non-magnetic, so this test alone is not sufficient.
⚖️ Weight Test
How it works: Precious metals are dense. Compare the item's weight to published specifications.
What you need: Precise scale, published weight specs
Red flags: Significantly lighter (hollow/plated) or heavier (tungsten core) than expected.
👁️ Visual Inspection
What to look for: Proper hallmarks, correct dimensions, quality of details, color consistency.
Red flags: Poor engraving, wrong fonts, discoloration, obvious wear through plating.
Tools: Magnifying glass, calipers, reference images
🔊 Ping Test
How it works: Precious metals produce a distinctive ring when struck. Compare to known authentic items.
Best for: Silver coins and rounds
Note: Requires experience to interpret correctly. Not reliable alone.
🧪 Acid Test
How it works: Different karat acids react with metals based on purity. Genuine metals show specific reactions.
Caution: Destructive test, damages the item. Use only on inconspicuous areas.
Professional use: Best performed by experienced dealers.
📱 Electronic Testing
How it works: Electronic gold testers measure conductivity to determine purity.
Advantages: Non-destructive, accurate, fast results
Cost: $100-$500 for quality units. Best for serious collectors/dealers.
🚨 Common Counterfeiting Methods
Gold Counterfeits
- Gold plating: Base metal with thin gold layer
- Tungsten core: Gold shell over tungsten (correct weight)
- Brass/copper: Similar color but different properties
- Gold-filled: Thicker gold layer but still not solid
Silver Counterfeits
- Silver plating: Base metal with silver coating
- Nickel/zinc alloys: Similar appearance, wrong properties
- Lead core: Heavy but wrong conductivity
- Aluminum: Light weight gives it away
👨🔬 Professional Verification Services
When to Use Professional Testing
- High-value items (>$1,000)
- Unusual or rare pieces
- Items with questionable provenance
- Before major purchases or sales
- Insurance documentation needs
Professional Testing Methods
- XRF Analysis: Most accurate, non-destructive
- Fire Assay: Destructive but extremely accurate
- Electronic Testing: Fast and reliable
- Ultrasonic Testing: Detects internal structures
🚩 Red Flags Checklist
Price Red Flags
- Significantly below market price
- Too good to be true deals
- Pressure to buy immediately
- No return policy
Seller Red Flags
- No physical address
- Poor reputation/reviews
- Unusual payment methods only
- Refuses authentication
Product Red Flags
- Poor quality hallmarks
- Wrong weight or dimensions
- Magnetic attraction
- Color inconsistencies