How to Check the Authenticity of Jewelry




We have to buy jewelries for various occasions and most of the times we just don’t know whether they are real or fake.

Though affluent people buy jewelries from various reputed outlets there are people who can’t afford to visit these shops.

So is there a way out? Can one check the authenticity of jewelry? Yes, in fact there are many methods to check jewelries made of gold, silver or pearl. We are going to tell you about them now.

Markings

All jewelry has a specific marking depending on the material used to manufacture it. That is why the markings used on silver jewelries are different from the ones used on golden jewelries.

Generally silver jewelries are marked either with sterling or .925. Gold jewelries on the other hand are marked with 14k or 18k; ‘k’ here signifies karat.

Get Certificates

While purchasing jewelries try to get a certificate that will guarantee the authenticity of the jewelries. Any reputed jewelry shop will provide you this certificate without you asking. In case you are buying a gold jewelry the certificate will tell you about the amount of gold the jewelry has.

It will also inform you if the price of the said jewelry. If it is a stone jewelry then the certificate will tell you about the nature of the stones. You will come to know about the various branches of the jewelry shop from that certificate.

Testing Pearl Jewelry

You may have seen in various films people biting a pearl between their teeth to check the authenticity. Well, the procedure is just right, you too can follow it. If the pearl is real then it will be rough. The reason behind this roughness is the layers that have accumulated on the pearl. Imitation pearls will be softer. You can also check for any kind of discoloration.

Testing Silver Jewelry

Apart from the markings mentioned about earlier you could also test the jewelry against nitric acid. However, it is suggested that you handle this acid with care to protect yourself from any harm.

Testing Gold Jewelry

There are machines and acids that might be helpful in testing the genuineness of a gold jewelry. Nitric acid can be used here as well.

Professional Help

This is the best thing you can do. Go to a reputed jeweler and let him inspect the jewelries. You will save time and will also protect yourself from any health hazard by doing this.

The bottom line is if you remain alert while buying jewelry you will save yourself from being duped. In case of any doubt please seek professional help.