If you are a gold collector, it is essential to know how to verify whether your gold is genuine or fake. With many counterfeit gold items circulating in the market, it is crucial to examine them carefully to avoid being deceived.

Here are some simple methods you can use at home to check whether your gold is genuine or fake:

1. Checking Gold Authenticity Based on Physical Characteristics

Genuine gold possesses certain physical characteristics that other metals do not. Here are some simple methods to help you verify if your gold is real or fake:

Density Check: Genuine gold should sink when placed in water due to its high density. If your gold floats, it may be fake as it could contain air pockets that are not visible.

Magnetic Test: Genuine gold is not magnetic. If your gold is attracted to a magnet, it is likely to be fake.

Odor Test: Fake gold often emits a metallic or rusty smell when submerged in water for a long period. Genuine gold does not release any odor.

Scratch Test: Rub the gold against your palm. If the color fades, the gold may be fake.

Ceramic Test: Scratch the gold on a ceramic surface. If it leaves a mark, it might be fake; genuine gold will not leave any residue.

2. Checking Gold Purity by Marks or Stamps

The back of genuine gold items typically has stamps indicating the gold's purity, weight, or the minting company. However, not all gold pieces will have all three marks.

Gold Jewelry: Usually only has a purity stamp, marked with numbers like 1-999 or 0k to 24k. Higher numbers indicate purer gold.

Counterfeit Jewelry: Sometimes lacks a stamp. Be cautious when buying gold jewelry as the stamps may be very small, following the shape and size of the jewelry.

3. Verifying Gold Authenticity with Chemicals

Although this method is more hazardous, it is quite accurate for checking gold purity. You can use nitric acid to test your gold.

Gold Reaction: Genuine gold will not change color when exposed to nitric acid. If it turns milky white, the item is not pure gold but silver coated with gold.

Color Change: If the gold turns green, it indicates that the gold is only a gold-plated iron, not pure gold.

Yellow Color: If the gold turns yellow when exposed to nitric acid, it contains brass.

Note: Using nitric acid is dangerous and should be done with proper safety equipment to avoid respiratory issues.

4. Verifying Gold Authenticity at a Jewelry Store

This conventional method involves visiting a jewelry store to check if your gold is genuine. Jewelers have various methods to determine gold authenticity, and some stores have special equipment or professionals who can verify the gold.

5. Using Technology: CertiEye App

The CertiEye app can detect the authenticity of gold bars issued by PT. Antam. Each gold bar from Antam has a unique barcode.

How to Use: Download the CertiEye app, scan the barcode on the gold bar. If the gold is genuine, you will see an “authenticated” message. If not, the message will not appear, and the barcode will not scan.

Even with these verification methods, it’s crucial to remain cautious when purchasing physical gold. Ensure that the gold you acquire is genuinely authentic to avoid reducing its resale value or facing losses.

For additional security, consider investing in digital gold. Digital gold transactions are handled electronically, providing a safer and more secure option.

Treasury is a licensed platform for buying and selling physical gold digitally, authorized by BAPPEBTI (Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency). Transactions are secure, as Treasury is registered with KOMINFO, partnered with ICH, and a member of ICDX, which is supervised by BAPPEBTI.

With Treasury, you can confidently invest in gold. Start your digital gold investment today!