Is the gold you bought from the market real or fake? Check it from the comfort of your home.

With the increasing demand for gold these days, incidents of fraud and counterfeit gold are also increasing. Many people assume gold is real simply by looking at its weight or shine, while even fake jewelry now looks just like real gold.

These days, gold prices are skyrocketing. Whether it's a wedding, a festival, or an investment opportunity, people want to keep their money safe, and there are few better options than gold. But with the increasing demand, incidents of fraud and counterfeit gold are also increasing. Many people assume gold is real simply by looking at its weight or shine, while even fake jewelry now looks just like real gold. Therefore, it has become crucial to distinguish between real and fake gold. Now, you can check the quality of gold from the comfort of your home using a few simple methods, and find out whether the gold you bought is real or fake. So, let's learn how to check whether the gold you bought from the market is real or fake, from the comfort of your home.

How to tell if gold is real or fake, from the comfort of your home?

Now you don't need to go to a jeweler every time to get your gold tested. You can test it yourself using some simple home methods.

1. Check by hallmark - Checking for a hallmark is the easiest and most reliable method. A hallmark is a government certification that indicates the percentage of pure gold. In India, BIS certifies hallmarks. If jewelry doesn't have a hallmark, it may be fake or adulterated.

2. Check with a magnet - This is a simple home trick. Gold is a non-magnetic metal. If you bring a magnet to the jewelry and it attracts it, it indicates it's adulterated. If the magnet has no effect, the jewelry is likely genuine.

3. Test by immersing it in water - To check for genuineness or fakeness at home, fill a vessel with clean water and place the jewelry in it. Real gold is heavy, so it sinks. If the jewelry floats, it may be fake or adulterated.

4. Vinegar Test - To check if gold is real or fake, pour 2-3 drops of vinegar on the jewelry. If the color changes, it's adulterated. If there's no change, the jewelry is likely genuine.

5. Rubbing on a Ceramic Plate - To test for real or fake gold at home, take an unpolished white ceramic plate and gently rub the jewelry on it. If a golden line appears, it's real, and if a black line appears, it's fake.

6. Understand Gold Quality by Carat - Gold quality is measured in carats. For example, 24-carat gold is 99.9 percent pure but very soft. It's mostly used in coins and bars. 22-carat gold, with 91.6 percent purity, is ideal for jewelry. 18-carat and 14-carat gold contain more other metals mixed with gold, making them cheaper and slightly less pure. Carat is written on the jewellery, so do check it while purchasing.