Imagine handing over your grandma's necklace, expecting a fair price, only to get shortchanged because you skipped the facts. In 2025, UK sellers lost £150 million to fake gold deals, according to the Bullion Association. If you want to get the most money from your items, it’s important to understand how buyers test gold, what red flags to watch for, and the steps you can take to cash in fairly. In this guide, we’ll show you the main tests buyers use, so you can avoid lowball offers and get the value you deserve.

Why Gold Testing Matters Before You Sell

Gold's Real Value Lies in Purity

Gold's price depends on its purity. Pure gold is 24K, while 18K gold contains 75% gold and 25% other metals. For example, in January 2026, pure gold reached £2,000 per ounce, but sellers who skipped testing sometimes received far less. One seller got 30% less for an untested 14K ring because the buyer assumed a lower purity.

Risks of Skipping Tests

Selling without testing puts your money at risk. Fake alloys can fool the eyes, and worn hallmarks may be hard to read. A family once pawned an heirloom, only to have the buyer claim it was 9K instead of 18K. Jeweler Mark Thompson says, “Test first, or regret later.”

Actionable Tip:

• Weigh your item.

• Note hallmarks carefully.

• Research the current gold spot price online.

Hallmark Checks: The First Quick Test

Reading Hallmarks Like a Pro

Hallmarks are small stamps on your jewellery that indicate gold purity and the maker. For example, a lion passant shows 22K gold, and a sponsor mark identifies the manufacturer. According to the Gemmological Association, 40% of tested items have unclear marks, so reading hallmarks correctly is important.

Photo idea: Insert image showing UK hallmarks on rings and necklaces.

Limits of Hallmark Tests

Hallmarks have been used since the 1300s, but they don’t always tell the full story. Repairs or restamping may lower the gold’s actual purity. A real example is an antique brooch restamped as low-karat gold while most of it was 18K.

Expert Advice:
Sarah Lee, a gold refiner, says: “Hallmarks guide you, they don’t decide the value.”

• Use a jeweler’s loupe for a close look.

• Take photos of hallmarks for records.

Acid Tests: Old-School Gold Scratch Method

How Acid Reveals Purity

The acid test is one of the oldest ways buyers check gold. A tiny scratch is made on a testing plate, then nitric acid is applied. Real gold shows no reaction, while lower-karat metals fizz or discolor.

Stat: 70% of buyers still use acid tests daily.

Pros, Cons, and Safety

• Pros: Cheap, fast, effective for quick checks.

• Cons: Can damage gemstones or delicate items.

• Case Study: A buyer scratched a pair of earrings, confirming the 18K purity, which increased the offer by 25%.

DIY Test Warning:

• You can buy acid test kits online.

• Practice on scrap gold before testing valuables.

• Always verify results with a professional buyer.

Advanced Tools Buyers Rely On

XRF Machines: Non-Destructive Scans

Modern buyers often use X-ray fluorescence (XRF) machines. These devices quickly read the metal composition without damaging your jewellery.

• Stat: By 2025, 90% of high-street buyers had upgraded to XRF machines.

• Example: A gold chain tested with XRF confirmed 18K, allowing the seller to receive full value.

Electronic Testers and Digital Scales

Digital probes beep to detect fake gold and confirm karat levels. Pawnbroker experts say, “XRF changed the game.”

• Tip: Ask the buyer to test a known gold item to see how the machine works.

Ultrasound and Density Checks

Some buyers measure density by weighing gold in air and water. Hollow fakes or plated gold items are easily detected this way. One real story involves a seller almost losing money on a hollow chain, but density testing revealed it was mostly fake.

Red Flags and How to Protect Yourself

Shady Buyer Tricks

Some buyers try to cut corners:

• Refuse to show any testing.

• Push for quick sales.

• Offer cash only without documentation.

Stat: 15% of complaints reported to Trading Standards in 2025 involved untested purchases.

Case Study: The Bad Deal

A seller ignored a buyer’s refusal to perform an acid test and lost £500 on a bracelet.

Smart Steps to Win

• Shop around and compare multiple buyers.

• Get a written purity report.

• Ask for an itemized quote.

Gold expert advice: “Demand proof before handing over your gold.”

Conclusion

Selling gold safely means knowing how buyers test your jewellery. From hallmarks, acid tests, to advanced tools like XRF, each method helps confirm purity and protect your money. Sellers who test their gold first often get 20% more cash than those who skip testing.

Turn your trinkets into treasure: check your hallmarks, request proper tests, and choose reputable buyers. If you want cash for gold, knowing these methods ensures you receive a fair price every time. Start today, and don’t leave money on the table.