How to Check Gold Purity at Home & in the Shop (Easy Guide)
Published: October 23, 2026 | Category: Buying Guide
Buying gold is a big decision for most families. Sadly, fake or under-karat gold does exist in some markets. The good news is that you don't need expensive lab equipment to do basic checks. This guide will show you safe, practical ways to check gold purity at home and what to do in the shop.
Quick Checks at Home (Safe & Easy)
| Test | How | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1) Hallmark Check | Look for small stamps on the item | Shows karat/BIS/Dubai Assay | Most reliable home check. Use a magnifier/torch if needed. |
| 2) Magnet Test | Hold a strong magnet near the piece | Real gold is non-magnetic. If it sticks strongly, likely fake/alloy. | Some mixed alloys can be weakly magnetic — not 100% proof. |
| 3) Weight Check | Weigh on a digital scale in grams | Compare with expected weight for design | Helps spot hollow pieces or wrong weight. |
| 4) Skin/Discoloration | Wear for a short time or inspect | Real gold rarely turns your skin green | Some people react to alloys but fake base metals often cause discoloration. |
| 5) Sound Test (simple) | Gently tap with another metal object | Pure gold gives a softer, duller sound vs brass/copper | Needs practice. Not very reliable alone. |
Understanding Hallmarking
A hallmark is an official stamp that shows purity. Different countries use different systems:
- India (BIS Hallmark) – Look for BIS logo, purity (e.g. 22K916), HUID (6-digit) on modern hallmarks.
- Pakistan – Hallmarking practices vary; many trusted shops provide a purity guarantee slip.
- UAE (Dubai) – Often has Dubai Central Laboratory/Assay stamps on bullion/jewellery.
- UK/Europe – Use carat or fineness stamps (e.g. 750 for 18K).
On 22K jewellery you'll often see 916 (meaning 91.6% gold). On 18K you'll see 750 (75%). On 24K bullion 999 or 999.9.
What To Do at the Gold Shop
- Ask for breakup – Get gold value and making charges written separately on the bill.
- Check today's rate – Compare with live rates on GoldRateTodayGlobal.live before buying.
- Insist on hallmark – Buy hallmarked jewellery wherever possible.
- Ask for purity test – Many reputable shops will do a quick electronic test (XRF) in front of you for free.
- Get a proper invoice – Must include weight, karat, rate, making charges, total and shop details.
- Ask about buyback – Check buyback terms (some deduct making charges).
Professional Tests (Most Accurate)
| Method | Accuracy | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| XRF Analyzer | Very high | Many jewellers & assay offices | Non-destructive, quick and widely used |
| Acid Test (Touchstone) | High if done correctly | Some shops | Very common but done by trained person; can leave a small mark |
| Fire Assay | Most accurate (lab level) | Assay labs | Considered the gold standard for purity testing |
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- No hallmark or vague stamp – Be cautious if they refuse to show markings.
- Price too good to be true – If it's far below today's live rate, walk away.
- Cash-only deals – Always insist on a bill/invoice.
- Only verbal guarantee – Get purity and weight in writing.
- Heavy discount on "old gold" – Know the rate before exchanging.
Pragmatic Advice
For home: Stick to hallmark check + magnet test. These are safe and catch most obvious fakes.
For buying: Always buy from a reputable, established jeweller. Insist on hallmark + invoice.
For large purchases: Ask for an XRF test in front of you or get it verified at an assay office.
Also remember — the rate you see on our site is the gold value. Making charges are extra for jewellery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a magnet stick to real gold?
No, pure gold is not magnetic. If it sticks strongly to a magnet, it's likely not gold or has very little gold content.
What does 916 mean on gold?
916 means 91.6% pure gold, which is 22 karat.
Is the water test reliable?
The density test (placing in water) can give clues, but it's tricky at home and not very accurate. Hallmark + shop test is better.
Can I test gold with vinegar/lemon?
Some people try, but results are unreliable and can damage delicate pieces. Better to avoid DIY acid tests at home.
Read next: 24K vs 22K vs 18K Gold · Tola vs Gram vs Ounce Explained · Gold Rate in Pakistan, India & UAE · Gold Price Calculator
Disclaimer: This guide is for general awareness only. For high-value purchases, always use professional testing.