How Can You Tell If a Necklace Is Real Gold?

Look at The Necklace

Are there worn patches of silver tones on the necklace? If so, this is not a gold necklace. Look for the gold stamp. It can be found on or around the clasp. If it is gold, you will see a very small stamp of a number and the letter K following. Twenty-four karat, or 24K, contains the most gold and is softer than other metals. Likewise, anything marked with 14K or below becomes harder in composition. There should be a gold hallmark on the necklace if it is real and was manufactured in the United States. The stamp may also read "AU," which is the scientific abbreviation for gold.

If You Still Aren't Sure

Take a magnet and see if it attracts your necklace. If it does, your necklace is either a metal other than gold or very low in gold content. You could buy a gold test kit at this time; however, they usually contain an acid and will dissolve a bit of the necklace.

Get a Professional Opinion

If you still remain unconvinced, go to a jeweler and have it appraised. Make sure you tell them that you are not wanting to sell the necklace so they don't underplay the gold content or value of your necklace. Most jewelers will appraise for free, and might even tell you who the manufacturer is and date it for you.