How to Tell if Jewelry Is Real: A Buyer's Authentication Guide

Whether you are evaluating a potential purchase or checking a piece you already own, knowing how to verify jewelry authenticity protects your investment and gives you confidence in what you wear.

Checking Gold Jewelry

Look for Hallmarks

Genuine gold jewelry should be stamped with its purity: Learn more in our hallmark guide.

• 375 — 9K gold
• 417 — 10K gold
• 585 — 14K gold
• 750 — 18K gold
• 916 — 22K gold
• 999 — 24K pure gold

Learn more about these in our gold karats guide.

Simple Tests

• Magnet test: Gold is not magnetic. If it sticks to a magnet, it is not real gold
• Discoloration: Real gold does not turn your skin green. Green marks indicate copper underneath gold plating
• Weight: Gold is dense. Real gold feels heavy for its size compared to costume jewelry

Checking Silver Jewelry

Look for the 925 Stamp

Sterling silver is marked with 925, meaning 92.5% pure silver. No stamp does not necessarily mean fake, but quality silver should have one.

Simple Tests

• Tarnish: Real silver DOES tarnish. If it never tarnishes, it may be plated or stainless steel. See our storage guide for prevention
• Magnet: Like gold, real silver is not magnetic
• Ice test: Silver conducts heat very well. An ice cube placed on real silver melts noticeably faster than on fake

Checking Gemstones

• Temperature: Real gemstones feel cold to the touch initially (glass and plastic warm up quickly)
• Clarity: Natural gemstones often have tiny inclusions visible under magnification. Perfect clarity may indicate a synthetic or simulation
• Hardness: A real diamond scratches glass. Sapphires and rubies (hardness 9) also scratch most surfaces. See our hardness guide
• Treatments: Many genuine gemstones are treated to enhance color. This is normal and does not make them fake. Learn more in our treatments guide

Lab-Grown vs Fake

Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are REAL gemstones with the same chemical composition as their natural counterparts. They are NOT fake. Fake means glass, plastic, or other materials misrepresented as gemstones. Read our lab-grown vs natural guide.

When to Get Professional Help

For expensive pieces, consider having them checked by a certified gemologist. They use specialized equipment (refractometer, spectroscope, microscope) that provides definitive identification.

Buy with Confidence at Biovlia

Every piece from Biovlia comes with our Authenticity Guarantee. We provide detailed gemstone specifications on every listing and back every purchase with complimentary shipping and easy returns. Read our safe online shopping guide for more tips.