How can you tell if gold jewelry is real?

To tell if gold jewelry is real, first look for hallmarks. Most gold jewelry will show either a number before the letter “K” for karat or feature a three-digit purity stamp, such as “585” for 14-karat gold or “750” for 18-karat gold. If you suspect that a hallmark may be fraudulent, try placing a magnet near your piece. Genuine gold isn't magnetic, so if there is a noticeable attraction, your jewelry is either gold-plated or made of a different material. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable jeweler can also tell you whether earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, pins and other pieces are real gold. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of gold jewelry.