Gold jewellery is quite popular in Singapore. Chances are, when looking through the catalogue of a Singapore local jewellery brand, you’ll come across all kinds of gold jewellery. You should ask the jeweller questions to learn more about the jewellery you want, but there are also ways to spot good gold jewellery.
Hallmarks
Most jewellery marks usually stamp the gold jewellery they produce as a mark of authenticity. The stamp is also a sign of the manufacturer’s confidence in the quality of the jewellery. No manufacturer will hallmark their jewellery if they are not authentic.
Hallmarks are not in obvious places because they are not meant to ruin the appeal of the jewellery. You may find them in hidden spots, like inside the ring, underneath the clasp, and at the hollow of a charm.
Common hallmarks include the purity numbers of the gold, such as 8k, 10k, and 14k. Some manufacturers also use percentages, like 14/24 and 10/10 to show that the gold is of a higher purity. At Singapore local jewellery stores like Simone Jewels, certified hallmarks and purity markings on each piece ensure that clients receive genuine, high-quality gold.
Some hallmarks represent gold plating, such as GP, GF, and HGP. These marks show the jewellery is plated with low-quality jewellery. The price may be lower than other jewellery, but just in case the jeweller has a high price tag, these marks are a red flag and should give you leeway to bargain for a lower price. If you’re investing in gold jewellery for its value, you should avoid those with these hallmarks.
Acid Test
One way to prove the gold jewellery is authentic is with the use of nitric acid. Scratch the jewellery lightly then use a dropper to release a small amount of nitric acid on the metal. Real gold will not react, while gold plated jewellery will form a milky substance. This is a sign that the jewellery contains sterling silver.
Float Test
This is not a definite test, but it can give you a clue on the Singapore local jewellery quality. After carrying out this test, you should approach a professional for confirmation. Real gold is heavy, so when placed in water, good quality gold will sink.
When you drop the jewellery in water, observe how quickly it sinks. Although real gold sinks, it won’t sink immediately. If the jewellery goes straight to the bottom of the water, the metal is unlikely to be gold. If it sinks slowly, it is genuine gold.
Magnetic Test
Pure gold is not magnetic. If the jewellery is drawn to a magnet, it is not real gold, or the jewellery is an alloy of different metals. Like the float test, you may need confirmation, especially if you’re not confident about the result.
Ceramic Scratch Test
When you run gold jewellery across a ceramic plate, it should leave a gold trail. This may be an extreme way of checking if you have an authentic Singapore local jewellery brand, but it is inexpensive and confirms the quality of the gold jewellery.
These are some of the signs and ways to prove the authenticity of Singapore local jewellery. When seeking authenticity, consider shopping with a reliable Singapore local jewellery brand such as Simone Jewels, where each piece is verified and supported by expert guidance.
