9ct gold or gold plated,how can you tell?

[ganesh]

I've seen the ad for sell your gold on telly. they don't want gold-plated and I'm having a sort-out of old jewellery and some I've inherited,nothing of huge value I'm sure.
How can you tell the difference? Not all is hallmarked is it? I have some tiny 9ct gold studs from Samuels for instance which have no marks on them at all.

[reefgal]

jewellery that is not hallmarked will stick to a magnet if it is not gold

[ganesh]

Thanks,at last I have an answer,even if this question did go in the wrong section!
I will have to buy a magnet!

[hc4361]

That will only work if the base metal is magnetic, not all of it is.
If it's not hallmarked, it can't be sold as gold. You would have to send it off to be tested and assayed.
Your gold studs from Samuels are definitely not gold.

[ganesh]

I can sue them then,all those little earrings they sell are advertised as 9ct.gold and none of them are hallmarked!