How to identify real gold by its hallmark
Partager
Genuine gold jewelry bears an engraved mark indicating its purity. Knowing how to read it protects you — and takes ten seconds.
What a hallmark is
It's a small mark stamped into the metal, composed of numbers that express the proportion of pure gold per thousand parts.
| Hallmark | Fineness | Pure Gold |
|---|---|---|
| 375 | 9 carat | 37.5 % |
| 417 | 10 carat | 41.7 % |
| 585 | 14 carat | 58.5 % |
| 750 | 18 carat | 75.0 % |
| 875 | 21 carat | 87.5 % |
| 999 | 24 carat | 99.9 % |
You will also see marks written differently — 18K, 18kt, 750 in a rhombus. They mean the same thing.
Where to look
The hallmark is always discreetly placed:
- Ring — inside the band
- Chain or bracelet — on the clasp, on the jump ring, or on a small plate at the end
- Pendant — on the back, or on the bail
- Earrings — on the post or clasp
The mark is tiny. Use your phone's camera and zoom in: it's more effective than a magnifying glass.
Warning signs
No hallmark. This is not absolute proof — an old or repaired piece of jewelry may have lost it — but on an item sold as new, it's a problem.
A blurry or misaligned hallmark. An authentic mark is clear and regular. A smudged engraving often indicates a counterfeit.
Misleading terms. "Gold plated," "GP," "GF," "gold filled," "vermeil," "plaqué or" (gold plated) indicate a layer of gold over another metal. "HGE" means electroplated. None of these pieces are solid gold, regardless of their appearance.
A price too low for the weight. Gold has a global market price. A heavy chain sold at a fraction of its value by weight is not a bargain — it's a red flag.
Two home checks
The magnet. Gold is not magnetic. If your jewelry is attracted to a strong magnet, it contains a high proportion of ferrous metal. Caution: this only works one way — brass and copper are also not magnetic, and many imitations are made from them.
Discoloration. Plated jewelry eventually reveals another metal at friction points — inside the band, edges, links. Solid gold wears evenly, without changing color.
These tests rule out obvious fakes. They do not replace professional verification.
What a jeweler can do beyond that
We test with a touchstone and acid, which reveals the true fineness of the metal, including under plating. Verification is free and done in front of you.
If you have doubts about a piece inherited or bought elsewhere, bring it in. It's better to know.
What you should always receive
A reputable jeweler will provide you with an invoice stating the fineness and weight of the piece. This invoice is your proof for insurance, resale, and warranty.
At Bijoux Radiant, every piece is made of genuine 18-carat gold, hallmarked 750, and comes with its warranty invoice. We will show you the hallmark before you leave.
787 av. Marguerite-Bourgeoys, Quebec, Tuesday to Saturday. 418 623-6009.