How to Buy Gold Jewellery Safely: Hallmarks & Checks

Updated 14 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide walks you through the essential checks for buying gold jewellery without getting scammed. You’ll learn how to read hallmarks, verify the seller, and ensure your invoice protects you—so you can shop with confidence, whether in a store or online.

What You’ll Need

A magnifying glass or jeweller’s loupe (10x is ideal)
A magnet (gold is not magnetic)
A digital scale (optional, for checking weight)
A calculator or phone for price-per-gram math
Access to the internet (to verify hallmarks and seller reviews)
A notepad or phone notes to record details

Step-by-Step

Decide on your gold purity. Common purities are 24K (99.9% gold), 22K (91.6%), 18K (75%), 14K (58.5%), and 9K (37.5%). Higher karats are softer and more expensive; lower karats are more durable. Choose based on how often you’ll wear it.
Learn the hallmark system for your country. In the UK, hallmarks are applied by assay offices and include a sponsor’s mark, fineness mark (e.g., 750 for 18K), assay office mark, and date letter. In the US, the FTC requires a karat stamp (e.g., 14K) but not an independent hallmark. In the EU, the Convention mark (a balance scale) is common. Know what’s legal where you buy.
Inspect the piece with a loupe. Look for the karat stamp (e.g., 18K, 750) and any maker’s mark. On chains, check the clasp; on rings, the inside band. If the stamp is missing or looks sloppy, be suspicious—genuine hallmarks are crisp and evenly spaced.
Test with a magnet. Gold is not magnetic. Hold a strong magnet to the piece; if it attracts, it’s not solid gold. Note: some clasps or findings may be made of different metal, so test the main body too.
Weigh the item (if possible). Use a digital scale to get the weight in grams. Then calculate the gold value: (weight × purity fraction) × current gold price per gram. For example, a 10g 18K ring has 10 × 0.75 = 7.5g of pure gold. This gives you a baseline to compare the selling price.
Check the seller’s reputation. For online sellers, look for reviews on independent platforms (e.g., Trustpilot, Google Reviews). For physical stores, check if they’re a member of a trade association (e.g., National Jewellers Association). Avoid sellers with no verifiable address or contact.
Ask for a detailed invoice. The invoice must include: your name, seller’s name and address, date, item description, weight in grams, karat/purity, hallmark reference (if any), and the price per gram and total price. If any detail is missing, ask for it to be added.
Verify the hallmark online if you’re unsure. Many assay offices have public databases (e.g., the UK’s assay office websites) where you can enter the hallmark to confirm it’s genuine. If you can’t find the mark, ask the seller to explain it.
Pay with a traceable method. Use a credit card or bank transfer—avoid cash or wire transfers. Credit cards often offer buyer protection if the item turns out to be counterfeit. Keep the receipt and any correspondence.
Get a written guarantee or certificate. For high-value pieces, request a certificate of authenticity from an independent assayer (e.g., GIA, IGI) or at least a written warranty from the seller. This is not a substitute for a hallmark but adds another layer of protection.

Common Mistakes

Trusting the karat stamp alone. Stamps can be forged. Always combine stamp inspection with magnet test, weight, and seller checks.
Ignoring the difference between gold-filled and solid gold. Gold-filled items have a layer of gold bonded to base metal; they are not solid gold and should be stamped accordingly (e.g., 1/20 14K GF). If the seller doesn’t specify, ask.
Buying from unverified online marketplaces. Sites like eBay or Instagram can have scammers. Even if the price seems low, if the seller has no history, walk away.
Not checking the return policy. If a seller refuses returns, that’s a red flag. Reputable sellers offer at least a 14-day return window.
Overlooking the clasp or findings. On necklaces, the clasp may be a different karat or even non-gold. Ask for the clasp to be included in the hallmark.

Tips

Buy from a jeweller who has been in business for years. Longevity suggests trustworthiness.
Ask to see the piece under a jeweller’s microscope. Many stores have one; it can reveal solder marks or plating.
Compare prices per gram across several sellers. If one is significantly cheaper than the market rate, be suspicious.
Keep all paperwork in a safe place. You’ll need it for insurance or future resale.
Consider getting an independent appraisal. For pieces over a few hundred dollars, a third-party appraisal (not from the seller) can confirm value and purity.

Troubleshooting

What if the hallmark is unclear? Ask the seller to explain it. If they can’t, or if it looks like a scratch, don’t buy. You can also take a photo and email it to a local assay office for identification.
What if the magnet sticks? The item is not solid gold. If the seller claims it is, walk away immediately—it’s a scam.
What if the price is way below market value? It’s likely a scam or fake. Trust your gut; if it’s too good to be true, it is.
What if the seller refuses to provide a detailed invoice? This is a major red flag. Legitimate sellers are happy to provide full documentation. Politely decline the purchase.
What if you suspect you’ve bought a fake? Stop wearing it. Take it to an independent assayer or a reputable jeweller for testing. If it’s fake, contact your payment provider to dispute the charge, and report the seller to the relevant consumer protection agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 18K mean in terms of gold percentage?

18K means 18 parts gold out of 24, which is 75% pure gold. The remaining 25% is alloy metals like copper or silver.

Are hallmarks required by law?

In many countries (e.g., UK, EU), hallmarks are legally required for gold above a certain weight. In the US, a karat stamp is required but not an independent hallmark. Always check local laws.

Can I test gold at home?

You can do a magnet test and a vinegar test (gold won’t tarnish or react), but these are not definitive. For reliable results, use a gold testing kit with acid or take it to a professional.

What is the difference between 24K and 22K gold?

24K is 99.9% pure gold, while 22K is 91.6% pure. 22K is more durable because it contains alloy metals, making it better for daily wear. 24K is softer and more prone to scratches.

Should I buy gold jewellery online?

Yes, but only from reputable sellers with clear return policies and verifiable contact details. Check reviews on independent sites, and ensure the invoice includes all required details.

What is a “gold-filled” item?

Gold-filled means a layer of gold is mechanically bonded to a base metal. It’s not solid gold, but it has much more gold than gold-plated. It should be stamped with the gold fraction, e.g., 1/20 14K GF.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.