How to Check Real Gold at Home in Pakistan: 8 Simple Tests

With gold above Rs 4 lakh per tola, being sold fake or under-karat jewellery is an expensive mistake. Gold-plated items, “Saudi gold” sold without receipts and 18K pieces passed off as 21K are common complaints in Pakistani markets. The good news: a few simple home tests can catch most obvious fakes in minutes.

1. Look for a Karat Stamp

Check the inside of rings, the clasp of chains and the back of pendants. Common stamps are 999 or 24K, 916 or 22K, 875 or 21K and 750 or 18K. Stamps like GP, GF, GEP, RGP or HGE mean gold-plated or gold-filled, not solid gold. Read our full hallmark stamps guide.

Note: a stamp is easy to fake, and many genuine Pakistani pieces have no stamp at all. Treat it as a first clue, not proof.

2. The Magnet Test

Gold is not magnetic. Hold a strong magnet (a fridge magnet is often too weak; use a neodymium magnet) near the piece. If it jumps to the magnet, it contains iron or nickel and is not solid gold. If it does not react, it may be gold, but plenty of fake metals are also non-magnetic.

3. The Water (Float) Test

Drop the item into a glass of water. Real gold is very dense (about 19.3 g/cm³ for 24K) and sinks straight to the bottom. Items that float or hover are not solid gold. Rust or discolouration after soaking is another red flag.

4. The Ceramic Scratch Test

Gently rub the piece on the unglazed underside of a ceramic tile or cup. Real gold leaves a golden-yellow streak. A black or grey streak suggests fake metal. This test leaves a tiny mark, so do it on a hidden edge.

5. The Vinegar Test

Place a few drops of white vinegar (sirka) on the item and wait 10 to 15 minutes. Real gold will not change colour. If the spot turns dark, green or black, the item is likely plated or mixed with base metals.

6. The Skin Test

Wear the item against your skin for a few hours, especially in warm weather. Fake metals often leave a green or black mark. Real gold rarely does, although some people react to the copper in low-karat gold.

7. Weight and Size Check

Gold is heavy. A gold chain feels noticeably heavier than a similar-looking artificial one. If you know the weight on the receipt, weigh it on an accurate digital scale. Convert with our tola to gram tool, or check masha and ratti rates for small items.

8. Check the Edges for Wear

Look closely with your phone camera zoomed in at edges, clasps and high-contact spots. If a different coloured metal shows through where the piece rubs, it is plated.

Tests You Should Avoid

• Biting: damages the item and tells you little.
• Nitric acid kits at home: acid testing works, but the chemicals are dangerous to handle without training. Let a jeweller do it.
• Flame/lighter test: unreliable and can damage stones, lacquer or soldered joints.

The Only Reliable Way: XRF Karat Testing

An XRF machine reads the metal composition in under a minute without damaging the piece. It shows the exact gold percentage, for example 87.4% (21K). Ask for a printed slip. This is the best protection when buying second-hand gold or before selling old gold.

What to Do If Your Gold Is Fake or Under-Karat

1. Get an XRF printout as evidence.
2. Return to the seller with your original receipt. A reputable jeweller will refund or exchange.
3. If they refuse, you can complain to your local consumer court, which handles disputes over defective goods.

Frequently Asked Questions