# Gold Authenticity FAQ

## How can you tell if gold is real?

**Direct Answer:** The most reliable way to verify real gold is to look for a hallmark stamp (10K, 14K, 18K, 585, 750) and have it tested by a professional jeweler using an acid test or XRF spectrometer.

-   **Hallmark stamp:** Look for karat markings (10K, 14K, 18K) or millesimal fineness (417, 585, 750) stamped on the piece
-   **Acid test:** A jeweler applies acid to a small scratch — real gold does not react
-   **XRF spectrometer:** Non-destructive professional test that identifies metal composition precisely
-   **Magnet test:** Real gold is not magnetic — if it sticks to a magnet, it is not solid gold

At-home tests are indicative but not definitive. For certainty, have the piece tested by a certified jeweler.

## What are the signs of fake gold?

**Direct Answer:** Fake gold — or gold-plated base metal — shows discoloration, green skin staining, magnetic attraction, and visible base metal at wear points. Real solid gold shows none of these signs.

-   **Discoloration:** Color change at wear points (edges, clasps, inner bands) indicates plating wearing off
-   **Green skin staining:** Caused by copper in base metals reacting with skin moisture — solid gold does not cause this
-   **Magnetic attraction:** Real gold is not magnetic — attraction to a magnet indicates base metal
-   **No hallmark:** Legitimate solid gold jewelry always carries a karat stamp

[See our solid gold vs. gold-plated guide →](/pages/solid-gold-vs-gold-plated)

## Does real gold change color?

**Direct Answer:** No — solid gold never changes color. Color change is always a sign of plating wearing off to reveal the base metal beneath, not a property of solid gold.

-   Solid 14K and 18K gold maintains its color permanently — no fading, no discoloration
-   Gold-plated jewelry changes color as the thin gold layer wears through to the base metal
-   If your jewelry is changing color, it is gold-plated, not solid gold
-   Solid gold can be professionally polished to restore its original surface shine

**Related:** [Gold Jewelry FAQ →](/pages/gold-jewelry-faq-guide) | [Gold Basics FAQ →](/pages/gold-basics-faq) | [Buying Decisions FAQ →](/pages/gold-buying-decisions-faq) | [Solid Gold vs Gold-Plated →](/pages/solid-gold-vs-gold-plated)

**Gold FAQ Cluster**

→ [Gold Jewelry FAQ — Complete Guide](/pages/gold-jewelry-faq-guide) (pillar) | [Gold Basics](/pages/gold-basics-faq) | [Buying Decisions](/pages/gold-buying-decisions-faq) | [Durability & Longevity](/pages/gold-durability-longevity-faq) | [Types of Gold](/pages/types-of-gold-faq) | [Care & Use](/pages/gold-care-use-faq) | [Gold Jewelry Care](/pages/gold-jewelry-care-faq)

→ [Gold Education Hub](/pages/gold-jewelry-durability-quality-longevity-guide) | [Jewelry Guides & Education Hub](/pages/jewelry-guides-central-hub)

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> Source: [DEEVE](https://deeve.ca/pages/gold-authenticity-faq)