How to Spot Fake Gold: 5 Tests Every Filipino Buyer Should Know

How to spot fake gold is the #1 concern for Filipino jewelry buyers. With the growing market for "Bangkok gold" replicas and imitation pieces, knowing how to verify authentic, pawnable gold jewelry has never been more critical. At Endless Charms in Angeles City, Pampanga, we've helped thousands of customers distinguish genuine 18k, 21k, and 24k gold from convincing fakes. This comprehensive guide will teach you the exact tests we use in our workshop every day.

Why "Pawnable" Matters: Understanding Real Gold in the Philippines

In the Philippine jewelry market, "pawnable" (sangla) is more than just a term—it's the gold standard of authenticity. When Filipinos ask "Is this pawnable?", they're really asking "Is this real gold that Cebuana Lhuillier, M Lhuillier, or Palawan Pawnshop will accept?"

Pawnable gold jewelry must meet specific criteria: proper karat stamps (18k/750, 21k/875, or 24k/999), consistent gold content throughout the piece, and no plating over base metals. If your gold isn't pawnable, it's likely gold-plated brass, "Bangkok gold" (high-quality replica), or other imitation jewelry.

What Makes Gold "Pawnable" in the Philippines

• Karat Standards: Minimum 14k (585), though most pawnshops prefer 18k (750) and higher
• Hallmark Stamps: Clear, legible stamps indicating gold purity (750, 585, 18K, 21K, etc.)
• Consistent Weight: Real gold has substantial weight compared to hollow or plated pieces
• Solid Construction: No hollow sections filled with wax or other materials

Test #1: The Hallmark/Stamp Test (Look for 750, 585, or 18k Stamps)

The first and easiest way to spot fake gold is checking for proper hallmark stamps. All authentic gold jewelry should have karat stamps indicating purity level.

Common Gold Stamps in the Philippines

• 18k or 750: 75% pure gold (most common in Filipino jewelry)
• 21k or 875: 87.5% pure gold (popular in Saudi Gold imports)
• 24k or 999: 99.9% pure gold (Chinese Gold standard)
• 14k or 585: 58.5% pure gold (entry-level pawnable gold)

Where to Find the Stamp: Check clasps, inner ring bands, bracelet links, and earring posts. Use a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe for tiny stamps. At Endless Charms, every piece comes with clear, verifiable hallmarks.

Red Flags: No stamp at all, stamps that say "GP" (gold plated), "GF" (gold filled), or "HGE" (heavy gold electroplate) indicate the piece is NOT solid gold.

Test #2: The Magnet Test (Real Gold is NOT Magnetic)

This simple home test can quickly reveal fake gold jewelry. Genuine gold is not magnetic, while many base metals used in fake gold (iron, nickel, steel) are strongly magnetic.

How to Perform the Magnet Test

1. Use a strong magnet (refrigerator magnets work, but neodymium magnets are better)
2. Hold the magnet near your gold jewelry
3. If the jewelry is attracted to the magnet, it's NOT real gold
4. If there's no attraction, it passes this test (but perform other tests too)

Important Note: Some fake gold uses non-magnetic base metals like brass or copper, so passing the magnet test alone doesn't guarantee authenticity. Always combine multiple tests.

Test #3: The Nitric Acid Test (The Professional Standard)

The nitric acid test is the gold industry standard for verifying gold authenticity. This is what professional jewelers and pawnshops use when appraising your jewelry.

How Jewelers Perform the Acid Test

Professional jewelers use gold testing acid kits with different acid strengths for various karats. When nitric acid touches real gold, there's no reaction. Fake gold or lower karat gold will fizz, change color, or dissolve.

DIY Warning: Nitric acid is corrosive and dangerous. We strongly recommend having this test performed by certified jewelers at Endless Charms or reputable pawnshops like Cebuana Lhuillier rather than attempting it at home.

Professional Testing Services in the Philippines

• Endless Charms Angeles City: Free gold testing for customers (bring your jewelry to our showroom)
• Cebuana Lhuillier: Free appraisal when considering pawning
• M Lhuillier: Professional gold testing services nationwide
• Local Jewelers: Many established jewelers offer testing for a small fee (₱50-200)

Test #4: The Ceramic Plate Test (Checking for Black vs. Gold Streaks)

The ceramic test is a simple, safe home method to check gold authenticity without chemicals or professional equipment.

How to Perform the Ceramic Plate Test

1. Find an unglazed ceramic plate or tile (the rough, matte side)
2. Firmly drag your gold jewelry across the ceramic surface
3. Real Gold: Leaves a gold or yellow streak
4. Fake Gold: Leaves a black streak (exposed base metal)

Caution: This test will scratch your jewelry slightly. Only perform on inconspicuous areas or if you're seriously questioning authenticity.

Test #5: The Appraisal Test (Visiting a Trusted Local Pawnshop)

When in doubt, the most reliable method is getting a professional appraisal from established pawnshops that stake their reputation on accurate gold testing.

Why Pawnshop Appraisals Are Trustworthy

Philippine pawnshops like Cebuana Lhuillier and M Lhuillier have sophisticated testing equipment including electronic gold testers, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers, and certified appraisers. They won't risk their license appraising fake gold as authentic.

What Pawnshops Check During Appraisal

• Hallmark stamps and manufacturer marks
• Weight vs. size ratio (density test)
• Acid testing for karat verification
• Electronic gold tester readings
• Visual inspection for plating, hollow construction, or repairs

Pro Tip: Visit multiple pawnshops for appraisals. If they all give similar gold purity readings, you can trust the results. Significant variations indicate questionable authenticity.

Red Flags: Signs Your Gold Might Be Fake

Beyond the 5 tests above, watch for these warning signs when buying gold jewelry in the Philippines:

Price Too Good to Be True

Authentic 18k gold jewelry sells based on gold weight (grams) plus craftsmanship. If the price is far below market rates for gold (check current gold prices at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas), it's likely fake or heavily discounted for a reason.

Discoloration or Fading

Real gold doesn't tarnish or change color. If you notice green, black, or copper-colored patches, or if the "gold" color is rubbing off, you're dealing with plated jewelry.

No Receipt or Certificate of Authenticity

Reputable jewelers always provide receipts with detailed descriptions including karat, weight, and sometimes even serial numbers. At Endless Charms, every piece comes with a certificate of authenticity and full documentation for pawning purposes.

"Bangkok Gold" or Unlabeled Origin

While not all Bangkok-manufactured jewelry is fake, "Bangkok gold" has become synonymous with high-quality replicas in the Philippine market. Always verify karat stamps and conduct tests regardless of origin claims.

Where to Buy Authentic Pawnable Gold in the Philippines

Now that you know how to spot fake gold, where should you shop for guaranteed authentic pieces?

Endless Charms Angeles City: Your Trusted Gold Jewelry Source

At Endless Charms, we specialize in authentic 18k and 14k gold jewelry—every piece is pawnable and comes with certification. Our showroom in Angeles City, Pampanga features:

• Certified Authentic Gold: All jewelry verified with proper hallmarks (750, 585, 18K, 14K)
• Pawnable Guarantee: Every piece accepted by major Philippine pawnshops
• Full Documentation: Receipts, certificates of authenticity, and appraisal support
• Free Gold Testing: Bring any jewelry for professional authentication
• Custom Gold Jewelry: Create bespoke engagement rings, wedding bands, and special pieces

Other Trusted Sources for Authentic Gold

• Established Jewelry Stores: Look for businesses with 10+ years in operation and physical addresses
• Pawnshops: Cebuana Lhuillier, M Lhuillier, and Palawan Pawnshop sell foreclosed authentic gold
• Licensed Gold Dealers: Verify business permits and DTI registration

Gold Buying Checklist for Filipino Consumers

Before purchasing any gold jewelry, use this checklist to protect yourself from fake gold scams:

• ☑ Check for proper hallmark stamps (18k, 750, 21k, 875, etc.)
• ☑ Perform the magnet test (should NOT be magnetic)
• ☑ Request acid testing or professional appraisal
• ☑ Verify weight matches size (real gold is heavy)
• ☑ Get receipt with full item description and karat specification
• ☑ Confirm pawnable status (ask seller if piece is accepted at pawnshops)
• ☑ Check current gold market prices (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas)
• ☑ Shop from reputable stores with physical addresses
• ☑ Ask about return/exchange policies
• ☑ Get certificate of authenticity when available

Common Questions About Gold Authenticity in the Philippines

Can I Test Gold at Home Safely?

Yes, the magnet test and ceramic plate test are safe home methods. However, for definitive results, always seek professional testing from certified jewelers or pawnshops.

Is 18k Gold Better Than 24k for Daily Wear?

Yes. 18k gold (75% pure) is more durable than 24k gold (99.9% pure) because it contains alloy metals that strengthen the piece. For engagement rings and daily-wear jewelry, we recommend 18k or 14k gold.

How Much Does Real 18k Gold Cost in the Philippines?

Authentic 18k gold jewelry pricing depends on weight and craftsmanship. As of January 2026, expect to pay ₱3,500-4,500 per gram for 18k gold pieces, plus labor charges for intricate designs.

Can Pawnshops Refuse to Accept My Gold?

Yes. Pawnshops will refuse gold jewelry if: (1) it lacks proper hallmarks, (2) acid testing reveals lower purity than stamped, (3) the piece is hollow or damaged, or (4) they suspect it's stolen property.

Protect Your Investment: Buy Authentic Pawnable Gold

Understanding how to spot fake gold protects you from costly mistakes in the Philippine jewelry market. The 5 tests we've covered—hallmark inspection, magnet test, acid test, ceramic test, and professional appraisal—give you comprehensive tools to verify gold authenticity.

Remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic pawnable gold maintains value, can be used as collateral, and lasts for generations. Fake gold loses its plating, tarnishes, and has zero resale value.

Ready to invest in authentic pawnable gold? Browse our certified gold wedding bands collection, engagement rings, and gold accessories. Every piece at Endless Charms comes with guaranteed authenticity and full documentation. Visit our showroom in Angeles City, Pampanga or contact us for free gold testing services.

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