How to Tell Real 22K Gold (22 ਕੈਰੇਟ ਸੋਨਾ / 22 कैरेट सोना / 22 કેરેટ સોનું / 22 قیراط سونا) From Fake

Quick answer: the fastest reliable way to confirm real 22K gold is to check for a 916 hallmark stamp, then have it professionally tested in-store with an electronic gold tester. A magnet test and visual inspection can raise red flags, but only certified testing gives you a definite answer.

Why This Matters More Than You'd Think

Gold fraud isn't rare. Buyers occasionally bring in pieces purchased from unfamiliar sellers, private listings, or inherited from family — only to find the purity is far lower than advertised, or the piece isn't gold at all. If you're buying, selling, or getting gold appraised in Calgary, a few minutes of in-store checking can save you thousands of dollars.

1. Check for a Hallmark Stamp (916 / ਹਾਲਮਾਰਕ / हॉलमार्क)

In India and most South Asian gold traditions, 22K gold is stamped "916" — meaning 91.6% pure gold by weight. Canadian-sold gold should carry a recognized assay office mark. No hallmark, or a hallmark that looks inconsistent (wrong font, uneven stamping, placed oddly), is the first warning sign.

2. The Magnet Test

Pure gold is not magnetic. Hold the piece near a strong magnet — if it visibly pulls or sticks, it is not solid gold. This test is quick and free, but it only rules pieces out; it can't confirm a piece is genuine, since some fake alloys are also non-magnetic.

3. The Weight and Sound Test

Gold is dense. A genuine gold piece feels noticeably heavier than a similarly sized costume piece, and solid gold coins or bars produce a distinct, high-pitched "ring" when tapped gently — a duller thud suggests a hollow or plated piece.

4. Skin Reaction Test

Real gold doesn't tarnish skin or cause green/black discoloration with normal wear. If a piece consistently leaves marks, it likely has a low gold content or a base-metal core underneath plating.

5. Professional In-Store Testing (The Only Certain Method)

Every test above is a helpful screen — none of them is conclusive on its own. The only way to know your gold's exact purity is electronic gold testing or acid testing by a certified jeweller. At VJ Jewellers, we test gold purity in-store at Cityscape Landing Plaza, free of charge, whether or not you bought the piece from us — including gold you're considering selling through our gold buyback service.

What About 18K Gold Marked as "Indian Gold"?

Traditional South Asian gold jewellery is almost always sold as 22K (916 hallmark), not 18K. If you come across a piece marketed as Indian gold jewellery but stamped 18K, that's worth a second look — it doesn't automatically mean it's fake, but it's an inconsistency worth having checked in-store before you pay 22K prices for it.

The Bottom Line

If you're unsure about a piece — inherited, purchased elsewhere, or just doubtful — bring it to our store. We'll test it honestly in front of you and tell you exactly what you have, with no pressure to buy or sell. It's the same standard we've held since 1930.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my gold jewellery is real 22K gold?

Look for a 916 hallmark, check the magnet reaction, and get it professionally tested in-store with an electronic gold tester. Visual checks alone are never enough.

Is 18K gold jewellery from India fake?

Not necessarily, but 22K is the South Asian standard — an 18K stamp on jewellery marketed as Indian gold is worth double-checking in-store.

Does a magnet test prove gold is real?

No — it only rules out obviously fake pieces. Genuine confirmation requires professional testing.

Where can I get gold tested in Calgary?

VJ Jewellers offers free in-store gold testing at our Cityscape Landing Plaza location, 4310 104 Ave NE #5126, Calgary.