Gold 24K € 118,33 / g Silver 999 € 1,72 / g
NLFREN
Check your gold

Is your gold real?
The gold check in 4 steps

Find out yourself what you have before you come by. These four steps help you understand your gold better and start the valuation with realistic expectations.

Step one

Do the magnet test

Real gold is not magnetic. Hold a strong magnet (for example a fridge magnet) against your jewellery. If it is attracted, it is probably not real gold or it contains steel.

Tip

A strong neodymium magnet works best. You find these in toy shops or DIY stores.

Note

A magnet test is not conclusive. Gold-plated jewellery with a copper or brass core is not magnetic, so it is not attracted, even though it is not solid gold. Always combine the magnet test with the hallmark and the wear check.

Step two

Look at the wear

Gold-plated jewellery often shows a different colour on the edges or on raised spots. The silver or brass underneath shows through. Real solid gold does not show this. White gold is the exception: a yellowish spot may simply mean that the rhodium, the thin white layer that usually covers white gold, has worn off.

Also check the colour. Cheap plating quickly turns greenish or black from sweat and contact with the skin.

Tip

Look at the inside of a ring, because that is where plating wears fastest.

Step three

Find the hallmark

Almost every gold piece of jewellery or coin carries a hallmark indicating the gold content. Look for small numbers and marks on the inside of a ring, on the clasp of a chain, or on the edge of a coin.

Common hallmarks

999
24 KT
Fine gold
750
18 KT
75% gold
585
14 KT
58.5% gold
375
9 KT
37.5% gold

Tip

No hallmark found? That is no problem. At De Munter we test the gold content with professional equipment.

Step four

Calculate the stone weight

Jewellery with gemstones or cameos is weighed without the stone. Calculate here how much weight you should deduct.

Choose a cut

Choose a gemstone type

Dimensions in millimetres

Choose a material

Dimensions in millimetres

Fill this in to also calculate the estimated gold weight.

Result

Stone weight (carats)—
Stone weight (grams)—

Indicative estimate based on the dimensions you enter. The exact valuation always happens on location with professional equipment.

Ready for the valuation

Let us do the work from here

You are prepared. We come to you, or you visit one of our sessions in your municipality. The valuation is discreet, without obligation and in your presence. An appointment takes 30 minutes on average and you decide at the end.

Make an appointment for a valuation
Extra tips

Did you know?

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about recognising your gold

How do I recognise whether something is really gold?
Combine three checks: real gold is not magnetic (magnet test), it does not discolour and shows no translucent other metal on the edges (wear), and it usually carries a hallmark indicating the content. On white gold, however, a yellowish spot may simply mean that the rhodium, the thin white layer that usually covers it, has worn off. No single test is conclusive, together they give a good picture.
What does the hallmark 750, 585 or 375 on my gold mean?
Those numbers indicate the gold content in thousandths. 999 is 24 carat (fine gold), 750 is 18 carat (75% gold), 585 is 14 carat (58.5%) and 375 is 9 carat (37.5%).
I cannot find a hallmark on my gold, what now?
No problem. Not every piece is hallmarked. At De Munter we test the gold content professionally and without damage, so you still know for sure what you have.
Can I calculate the value of my gold myself?
You can approximate the value with weight times content times the daily rate; you can see the current gold price live on our gold price page. The exact valuation happens on location. If you want to sell gold, we come by free and without obligation.