I'm sure this has happened to you: you find a pair of earrings you love at the bottom of a drawer, or you're about to buy a piece online, and suddenly you wonder: Is it real gold, or will it lose its luster in two days?
My name is María de Santos. I’m a geological engineer and the CEO of Adamina. My training allows me to analyze jewelry based on its mineral composition, but today I want to apply that knowledge to the real world to help you tell the difference between genuine gold and a simple imitation.
Here's a mix of professional tests and home remedies to help you avoid getting ripped off.
1. First Look: Find the "ID" of your earring (The Contrast)
First of all, find a magnifying glass or use the zoom on your phone. In Spain, by law, gold jewelry must bear a tiny mark called a hallmark.
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If you see "750": Bingo! That means it's 18-karat gold. That's what we always use in our gold earrings because it strikes the perfect balance: it doesn't tarnish and retains its value forever.
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If you see "585": It's 14-karat gold. It contains less pure gold, but it's still a genuine piece of jewelry.
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If you don't see anything or see "GP": Be careful. It's probably gold-plated, meaning it's made of base metal with a gold "coating" on top.
2. The magnet test: The quick filter
As an engineer, I’ll tell you that gold has a curious physical property: it’s diamagnetic. In plain English? It doesn’t stick to magnets.
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Try this: Hold a magnet (a fridge magnet will do, but a stronger one is better) up to your earrings. If the earring flies toward the magnet, I'm sorry to say: it's made of iron, steel, or nickel "disguised" as gold.
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One thing to keep in mind: If the clasp (the nut or spring) gets stuck just a little bit, don't panic. Sometimes those small parts contain a bit of steel to make them more durable. The important thing is that the main body of the earring doesn't get stuck.
3. The smell and skin test
It may not seem very scientific, but your sense of smell is a great ally.
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Rub the earring between your hands: If, after a few seconds, you notice that metallic smell typical of coins or keys, it’s not gold. Pure gold is odorless.
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Do they leave your ears green or black? This happens when sweat reacts with inexpensive metals like copper or brass. If you're looking for something that's gentle on your skin and won't give you any nasty surprises, it's best to invest in earrings made from high-quality materials.
4. The Pottery Trick (for the brave only)
If you're still unsure and don't mind scratching a little in an area that won't be visible (like the stud that goes inside the ear):
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Pick a white ceramic plate that isn't glazed on the bottom.
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Gently rub the earring.
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Is the ray golden? It's real gold.
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Is the stripe black? It's a fake.
Why does it matter that it's real gold?
Investing in gold isn't just a whim. As a geological engineer, I know that gold is one of the few metals that doesn't rust or lose its luster over time. At At Adamina, we ensure that every pair of earrings is an investment for your jewelry collection and a guarantee of skin health.
If you have earrings that have passed these tests, you have a treasure. And if not... maybe it's time to choose pieces that will last a lifetime.
María de Santos, CEO of Adamina | Geological Engineer