Magnetic Test for Gold?

can i put a magnent to my jewelry to tell if it is real gold or not?
- Anonymous

The magnet test will only show whether or not the ring is made of iron or other material with a high magnetic susceptibility.  For example if the ring were made of aluminum it would not be attracted, similarly as the gold ring.   If it is attracted, then it certainly is not pure gold. However, if it's not attracted, that doesn't show that it is gold.

LeeH

(published on 11/07/2009)

If a printed 18K ring sticks to a magnet is it a forgery
- Nate (age 26)
NC

I assume that "printed 18K" is supposed to be gold. Gold doesn't stick to a magnet. It sure sounds fake. Of course, it's possible that the "18K" only was supposed to refer to a gold plating on a steel ring.

Mike W.

(published on 01/25/2011)