Who among us does not realize the real value of gold in financial security?
Gold holds a significant place in Saudi culture and savings. Therefore, it's essential to know the difference between real and fake gold and the price of gold, especially with the proliferation of counterfeit products in the market.
In this guide, we'll help you test gold yourself and avoid fraud if you're buying gold bars, jewelry, or even gifts containing gold.
What is real gold?
Real gold is a rare metal, and its price is high if it is real. It has distinct characteristics, which can be summarized as follows:
- The purity of real gold is measured in karats, with 24 karat representing 99.9% pure gold. 22- or 21-karat gold is used in jewelry due to its increased hardness.
- Symbols and numbers: Genuine gold bars and jewelry have a stamp indicating the karat, such as: 999, 916, 750.
- Its bright yellow color, real gold can appear white or pink when mixed with other metals.
- It does not rust or corrode easily and retains its shine over time.
- Buying gold is a smart way to preserve value, especially during unstable economic times.
What is fake gold? And what does it look like?
Fake gold is a material that looks and behaves like real gold, but lacks any of its properties or market value. The loss you'll incur from this deception isn't limited to its monetary value; some metals can also cause skin problems if they come into contact with it.
Fake gold can be sold by covering another metal with a thin layer of real gold, which can peel off over time. Alternatively, fake gold can be sold by using substitute metals that mimic the color of gold, such as copper or zinc. Artificial jewelry is also made of plastic or ceramic with a gold-colored coating.
The difference between real gold and fake gold
While gold has a shiny golden color that can be imitated using various methods and metals, the difference between real gold and fake gold becomes clear when you look closely at the details:
Purity and caliber:
Real gold typically bears a stamp indicating its karat, such as 999, 916, or 750, which proves its purity. This is not the case with fake gold, which may contain forged symbols.
the color:
Real gold has a distinctive natural yellow color that doesn't change over time. Fake gold, on the other hand, may initially appear dull or tarnish with use, quickly becoming discolored.
Gloss:
The luster of natural gold is soft, balanced, and not overpowering, while fake gold has an artificial, excessive luster or an unnatural dullness.
the weight:
Real gold is a relatively heavy metal, and you will feel its weight if you hold a real gold piece compared to a similar piece of fake gold, which tends to be lighter.
Durability:
Real gold does not corrode or rust, and is a metal that is resistant to the elements. Unlike fake gold, which quickly shows signs of wear and becomes brittle and flake with use.
the price:
It's easy to fall victim to a scam if you find a gold piece at a very low price compared to the price of gold in Saudi Arabia. Real gold doesn't sell cheaply, and if the price offered is excessively tempting, this is a strong indication that the piece and the gold are fake.
Knowing these differences can help you make a safe purchasing decision, regardless of the item or your purpose for purchasing, whether it's gold jewelry or real gold bars for savings.
Ways to test real gold yourself
Here are some practical ways to help you ensure that the gold you intend to purchase is real:
- Magnet Test: Gold is a non-magnetic metal; if it is attracted to a magnet, it is most likely fake.
- Scratch Test: Scratching real gold does not leave a dark mark, while scratching fake gold leaves black marks.
- Density Test: Gold is a very dense metal. You can use a sensitive balance to measure its density and compare it to a genuine piece of gold.
- Check with a trusted jeweler: This method is always best, as the jeweler uses professional tools to test the purity of the gold.
- Price comparison: If the price is very low compared to the price of gold in Saudi Arabia, beware of fake goods.
At Ruby Store, we guarantee you 100% real gold. We offer guaranteed gold bars in Saudi Arabia that are carefully tested and carry certificates of purity and weight.