Simple ways to check your gold at home

1. Look for a stamp

Start with the stamp. Our jewelry stamps guide explains what each one means and which marks point to plated jewelry.

2. Try a strong magnet

Gold isn't magnetic. If a piece jumps to a strong magnet, it's likely plated over steel or iron. Keep in mind the clasp often has a small steel spring inside, so test the chain itself, not the clasp.

3. Check for wear

Look at edges and spots that rub — the back of a ring or the links of a chain. If you see a different colored metal showing through, the piece is probably plated.

What NOT to do

• Don't scratch, bite or file your jewelry — it damages the piece and tells you very little.
• Don't use home acid kits on items you care about — the acid can stain or mark them.
• Don't polish old coins — cleaning can lower a collectible coin's value.

What we check in the store

Home checks can only tell you if something is probably fake. They can't tell you the karat or the weight, which is what an offer is based on. In the store we test the metal and weigh it on a calibrated scale in front of you, and the appraisal is free.