How can someone detect a fake gold necklace?
Following is my opinion on the questions, Please comment with your thoughts.
There are a couple of ways that you can use to detect fake gold necklace or any gold material.
1 Check for the Hallmark sign on the gold necklace.
It has become a norm for all the gold jewelers verify their jewelry from a reputed institution and that institution should also be recognized government. In my country we have the Hallmark logo embarked on the gold jewelry. Look for that sign if present or not.
2 Nitric Acid Test
To perform this test to verify if gold is real, make a tiny scratch on the gold item you want to test. Choose a place that is not noticeable if possible. Use a dropper to apply a small drop of nitric acid to the scratch. If there is no reaction, then the item is made of real gold.
3 Heaviness Test
If you are not aware then let me tell you that Gold is considered to be a heavy metal. So in this heaviness test - take a jar full of water and drop the gold item you want to test if the gold sinks than its a real gold. Artificial gold jewelry that mimics gold will float and is not a real gold item.
4 Magnetic Test
This is another well-known method to check if a jewelry item is a real gold or fake. IF your gold item is attracted towards the magnetic than it is an indicator that it's not really good. This doesn't mean that there is no gold in your jewelry item but it means it not fully pure gold jewelry.
Image Courtesy: ankitstexim
Finally the Gold test machines. Yes, we have this machines available all over the gold jewelry shops. The Gold test machines are exceptionally fast and easy to use-Just close the lid and push a button, or point and shoot . See results in seconds on a touch-screen display.