Learn to Identify a Genuine Jewelry from a Fake

Jewelry can be a bit like handbags. You spot what you think is as Gucci but on closer inspection it turns out to be a fake. Perhaps you have just purchased a bracelet but when you really turn your eye to it are unsure whether it is real or costume jewelry. Below are a few tips to help you answer that question but the without fail, the best way to tell is to take the item to a jewelers. You can avoid being deceived by taking it to a few experts, preferably ones that have no interest in taking the bracelet of your hands. In the meantime here are a few pointers that will hopefully alleviate or confirm your suspicions about the prized possession you just bagged.

You may think that it is all in the markings - if so, you are wrong. 18k gold should be marked with 18 and 750, right? Well yes but if it is Italian gold it will have one or the other. The reason behind both marks is unknown but may have something to do with when the jewelry was made. By law the maker's mark is found next to the quality mark and there should be some indication of the manufacturer. Not there? Well then you can be a little suspicious about the authenticity of your bracelet.

Another sign to help you on your way is where the quality stamps can be found. So you have checked the marks and all seems to be okay. The next step is the acid test. A gold-filled or gold-plated article with a material such as brass underneath will typically show up green under an acid test. The test involves the jewelry being rubbed on a slate stone so that enough surface and deeper metal is revealed for the acid to be applied directly. Anything not gold will show up green. The problem is, however, gold of 10k to 18k will not. This will only add to your confusion as to whether your new piece is real or not so it is also advisable to check clasps and double safeties. Ensure that when the acid test is carried out the clasps and another area of the jewelry is tested.

Costume jewelry does not usually have either good-quality clasps or suitable double safeties. If the item is linked with jump rings or loops and it not connected directly to the bracelet by soldering, then take this as an indication your bracelet is costume rather than quality gold.

It is difficult to tell or explain how to tell if a piece of jewelry is 18k without being able to turn it round in one's own hand. Again, it is recommended you take it to a few jewelers for their advice. If all of them come to the same conclusion that it is fake, then you can rest assured it probably is. But if the jewelry was a gift then do remember that the giver probably did not realize it either. And if it is that good of a fake, then why worry you can have peace of mind that not many people will notice.