How to Tell Authentic 22K Gold from Fake

Counterfeit gold is more sophisticated than ever. Tungsten cores, clever plating, even fake hallmarks — the bad fakes can look surprisingly convincing. The good news: you don't need a lab to verify authentic 22k gold. A few simple checks at point of purchase catch most fakes before they leave the shop.

1. Look for the Hallmark

Every authentic 22k gold piece in Canada should be hallmarked. The most common stamps for 22k are "916" (meaning 91.6% pure gold) or "22K". The hallmark is usually struck on the inside of a ring band, the clasp of a chain, or a discreet area of a bridal piece. If a piece has no hallmark, ask why. Reputable jewellers will explain or show you. Hesitation is a red flag.

2. Check the Weight (and Compare It)

Gold is dense — heavier than most metals it might be confused with. Pure 22k gold has a specific weight per unit volume (about 17.5 g/cm³). A piece that feels noticeably light for its size could be hollow, plated, or alloyed with cheap metal. If you're shopping at a new jeweller, ask to weigh a piece you already own and trust as a reference.

3. The Magnet Test (Quick & Free)

Real gold is not magnetic. If a piece sticks even slightly to a strong magnet, it contains a significant amount of iron or another magnetic alloy — meaning it's not pure 22k. This isn't a perfect test (some gold-plated fakes use non-magnetic copper cores), but it's an easy first filter. Strong neodymium magnets work best.

4. Watch for Discoloration

22k gold doesn't tarnish, doesn't change colour with skin contact, and shouldn't leave any green or black mark on your skin. If a piece has changed colour or you've noticed marks where it sits — that's plating wearing off a non-gold base. Real 22k gold maintains its rich yellow over decades.

5. Get a Professional Appraisal

For meaningful purchases — bridal sets, heirloom pieces, anything you're paying significant money for — get a professional gold appraisal. Sony Jewellers offers free in-store appraisal: we test for purity using non-destructive methods and provide written certification. Bring in pieces from any source — we'll tell you exactly what you have.

The Best Protection: Buy from a Reputable Jeweller

None of the above is necessary if you're buying from a jeweller you trust. The right jeweller welcomes verification questions, explains hallmarks proactively, and offers a buyback or exchange policy that reflects their confidence in the gold they sell. That trust is worth more than any single test.