How to Tell If a Gold Chain Is Real: 5 Tests That Actually Work

In a market flooded with counterfeits, the most crucial question you can ask is: "Is my gold real?" The difference between solid gold and a gold-plated illusion is more than just a matter of price—it’s the difference between an heirloom and a passing fad.

For those who understand that real value lies in what lasts, we’ve prepared a definitive guide. We're cutting through the noise to give you five simple, foolproof tests that reveal the truth behind the shine. No more guesswork, no more doubts—just the cold, hard facts.

Here’s how to test gold chain authenticity, with methods that actually work.

1. The Stamp Test: The First Clue

The most immediate indicator of a chain's authenticity is its hallmark, or stamp. Using a magnifying glass, examine the clasp or a link for a small engraving.

What to Look For: Real gold will be stamped with its karat weight (e.g., 10K, 14K, 18K) or its millesimal fineness (e.g., 417 for 10K, 585 for 14K, 750 for 18K). To learn more about the meaning of FJ stamps, visit this post.
What to Avoid: If you see stamps like "GP" (Gold Plated), "GF" (Gold-Filled), or "HGE" (Heavy Gold Electroplate), the item is not solid gold. While a stamp can be faked, its presence is a crucial starting point.

2. The Water Test: The Test of Density

Real gold is exceptionally dense and heavy for its size. This test is a simple way to use physics to your advantage.

How to Do It: Fill a glass or small bowl with water. Gently drop your chain into the water.
What to Look For: A real gold chain will sink immediately to the bottom due to its high density. A fake or gold-plated chain, which is made of lighter base metals, will often float, hover, or sink much more slowly.

3. The Magnet Test: A Non-Magnetic Noble Metal

Gold is not a magnetic metal.8 If your chain is attracted to a magnet, it’s a red flag.

How to Do It: Use a strong magnet—like a rare-earth magnet—and hold it close to your chain.
What to Look For: There should be no reaction. If the magnet pulls the chain toward it, the piece is either a fake or made with a high concentration of magnetic alloys like iron, nickel, or copper, meaning it's not a solid gold chain.

4. The Skin Test: The True Reaction

Pure gold doesn’t react with sweat or skin oils. A reaction indicates a fake or heavily alloyed piece.

How to Do It: Wear the chain against your skin for a few hours, especially in a warm area where you might sweat.
What to Look For: If the chain leaves a green, blue, or black discoloration on your skin, it contains other metals that are reacting with your sweat.13 Real, solid gold will not cause a discoloration.

5. The Scratch Test: The Final Verdict

This is the most definitive test you can do at home, but it requires caution as it can leave a minor mark. It's a method used by professionals to check for plating.

How to Do It: Use an unglazed ceramic plate. Drag a small, inconspicuous part of your chain across the surface, applying slight pressure.
What to Look For: A genuine gold piece will leave a visible golden streak on the ceramic. If the mark is a dark or black streak, it indicates the item is gold-plated, and the scratch has exposed the base metal underneath.

The tests are a powerful way to separate the real from the imitation. But the only way to be certain is to invest in a brand built on authenticity and trust. At Saints Gold, we don’t offer platings or cheap metals. We offer a promise: every piece is crafted from genuine, solid gold.