How to Ensure Your Gold is Genuine

Investing in gold has long been considered one of the safest and most reliable ways to preserve wealth. However, with gold’s high value and demand, the risk of counterfeits is ever-present. So, how can you be sure that your gold bars, coins or jewellery are authentic? Here’s everything you need to know to make informed and secure choices when buying gold.

In the United Kingdom, hallmarking – the official system for certifying the purity of precious metals – has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. The term “hallmark” itself originates from Goldsmiths’ Hall in London, where items were historically tested and marked.

UK Authenticity Marks

The UK’s hallmarking system is governed by the Hallmarking Act 1973, which mandates that items described as being made of gold, silver, platinum, or palladium must be hallmarked by an official assay office, unless they fall below certain weight thresholds:

• Gold: Items weighing more than 1 gram.
• Silver: Items weighing more than 7.78 grams.
• Platinum: Items weighing more than 0.5 grams.
• Palladium: Items weighing more than 1 gram.

These hallmarks serve as a guarantee of the precious metal content, providing consumers with confidence in the authenticity and quality of their purchases.

A UK hallmark consists of three compulsory symbols:

1. Sponsor’s Mark: The registered mark of the individual or company that submitted the item for hallmarking.
2. Metal and Fineness Mark: Indicates the type of metal and its purity in parts per thousand.
3. Assay Office Mark: Denotes the specific assay office where the item was tested and marked.

There are four assay in the UK, each with its own unique mark:

• London: Leopard’s head.
• Birmingham: Anchor.
• Sheffield: Yorkshire rose.
• Edinburgh: Castle.

These offices are responsible for testing the purity of precious metal items and applying the appropriate hallmarks.

By adhering to these regulations, the UK maintains a trusted system that protects consumers and upholds the integrity of its precious metals market.

Other Important Marks to Look For:

• Karat Stamp: Indicates the gold’s purity and gold content, such as “18K” (75% gold) or “14K” (58.5% gold).
• Manufacturer’s Responsibility Mark: Identifies the company that made or imported the gold product.

How to Test if Your Gold is Real

If you don’t see any hallmarks or simply want extra assurance, you can perform a few simple tests at home. Keep in mind that these methods are not foolproof but can help identify potential red flags:

1) The Magnet Test

Gold is not magnetic. If your item is attracted to a magnet, it may be counterfeit or contain non-gold metals.

CGT EXEMPT

Preorder

1oz British Britannia Gold Coin 2025

We sell 1+ £2,403.21 2295.75 2295,75 2295.75 2295,75 2295.75 2295,75 2403.21 2403,21 2398.57 2398,57 2393.93 2393,93

We sell £2,393.93 2295.75 2295,75 2295.75 2295,75 2295.75 2295,75 2403.21 2403,21 2398.57 2398,57 2393.93 2393,93

We buy £2,295.75

Compare Alert Add to cart

2) The Water Test

Drop your gold item into a glass of water. Real gold is dense and will sink immediately to the bottom.

3) Inspect for Wear

Look for spots where base metals might show through. Fake gold often has a plated surface that can flake over time.

Tips for Spotting Counterfeits

In addition to following Swedish standards, here are some universal tips to ensure your gold is genuine:

• Check Serial Numbers: Many gold bars, including those sold at Tavex, come with unique serial numbers and certifications that verify their authenticity.
• Buy from Trusted Sellers: Always purchase gold from established dealers with a strong reputation, like Tavex.
• Be Cautious of Low Prices: If the price is significantly below the current market rate, it could be a sign of counterfeit gold. Compare the price to the current spot price to ensure its legitimacy.

Guaranteed Genuine Gold at Tavex

At Tavex, we guarantee the authenticity of all our gold products, from gold bullion bars to gold bullion coins. When you choose Tavex, you’re making a safe and informed investment in genuine gold.

Quick Checklist for Verifying Real Gold

Use this handy checklist to confirm your gold’s authenticity:

• Look for a hallmark indicating purity (e.g., “18K”).
• Perform a magnet test – real gold should not be magnetic.
• Always buy from a reputable dealer, such as Tavex.

Invest in Gold with Confidence

Ensuring the authenticity of your gold is not just about protecting your investment; it’s about securing your peace of mind in the long term.

By understanding hallmarking systems, learning how to spot key marks, and conducting simple at-home tests, you can significantly reduce the risk of buying counterfeit gold.

Remember to always purchase from reputable sellers who provide guarantees, like Tavex, and stay vigilant for any red flags, such as unrealistic prices or missing authenticity stamps. With these tips in mind, you can confidently invest in genuine gold, knowing you’ve made a safe and informed decision.