30 June 2025
Gold has long been a symbol of wealth, investment, and celebration. But with rising gold prices, verifying the purity of gold, whether it's jewellery, coins, bars, or bullion, is more important than ever. Whether you’re buying gold for an occasion or investing in a future asset, knowing how to check gold purity at home or while buying protects you from fraud and ensures the right value for your money.
Let’s dive deep into all the reliable methods you can use to verify gold’s purity and discover why AYAANI’s lab grown diamond jewellery might just be the smartest alternative today.
Gold purity is measured in karats (K). Pure gold is 24K, meaning 99.9% gold with minimal impurities. But pure gold is soft and impractical for daily wear, so it's alloyed with other metals like silver or copper.
Karat | Purity (%) | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|
24K | 99.9% | Coins, Bars |
22K | 91.6% | Jewellery |
18K | 75% | Studded Jewellery |
14K | 58.3% | Budget Jewellery |
BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) is the only authority in India that certifies gold purity. A BIS Hallmarked gold item has:
For example, "22K916" means the gold is 91.6% pure, i.e., 22 karat. Always cross-check all four symbols on the jewellery or document.
Gold is non-magnetic. If your gold item is attracted to a magnet, it's likely impure or fake.
Drop the item in a glass of water. Real gold sinks due to its density. Fakes may float or displace oddly.
Put a drop of vinegar on the gold. Real gold will not react. Be cautious, as this can damage your item.
DIY testing kits with acids and a touchstone are available online and offer decent accuracy for home use.
Jewellers often have machines that provide instant gold purity readings using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology.
Always ask for a copy of the BIS certification and match it with the jewellery markings.
Coins from the Indian Government Mint or sovereign mints abroad (e.g., Royal Canadian Mint) come with guaranteed purity.
Ensure private mint bars are LBMA-accredited (London Bullion Market Association) or verified by BIS.
Gold-plated items have a very thin layer of gold over base metals. Over time, discolouration, flaking, or greenish tints appear.
Region | Standard | Authority |
|---|---|---|
India | BIS 916 | Bureau of Indian Standards |
USA | 14K, 18K | FTC Guidelines |
UAE | 22K & 24K | Dubai Central Lab |
Available on Android and iOS, this app allows users to verify jewellers, hallmark numbers, and lodge complaints.
Web portals like BIS provide registered jeweller lists you can cross-reference while shopping.
Karat | Price per Gram (Approx.) | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
24K | Highest | Investment |
22K | Slightly Lower | Jewellery |
18K/14K | Economical | Daily Wear |
Making charges, stone weight, and taxes affect the final price.
With AYAANI, you’re not gambling with gold purity. Our lab grown diamonds are certified and free from impurity worries.
AYAANI offers stunning pieces that match the elegance of mined diamonds at a fraction of the cost. Why worry about gold karats when you can enjoy the timeless charm of lab-created diamonds?
All AYAANI jewellery is certified, cruelty-free, and sustainable. If you value transparency and modern elegance, AYAANI is your go-to choice.
Knowing how to check gold purity at home or while buying is not just smart, it’s essential. As gold prices rise and scams increase, being an informed buyer protects your wallet and ensures peace of mind. Whether you’re buying traditional gold or switching to smarter alternatives like AYAANI’s Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery, your awareness makes all the difference.
1. Is 22K gold good for jewellery?
Yes, 22K is ideal for daily wear jewellery due to its balance of purity and strength.
2. Can you check gold purity without a machine?
Yes, home tests like the float or magnet test offer basic insight.
3. What is the most accurate method to check gold purity?
Using a BIS-certified karatmeter or XRF machine gives the most accurate results.
4. How can you identify fake gold?
Fake gold often shows discolouration, reacts to vinegar, or is magnetic.
5. Does AYAANI offer gold jewellery too?
AYAANI specialises in lab grown diamond jewellery, a modern and ethical alternative to traditional gold.
6. Can you test gold with baking soda or lemon juice?
These methods are unreliable. Use BIS kits or consult professionals for accuracy.
7. How to check gold purity at home with toothpaste?
Rub a small amount of white toothpaste on the gold item using a soft cloth or finger. Real gold won’t tarnish or change colour. Rinse and dry. Note: This test is not very accurate; use a proper gold testing kit for reliable results.
