How To Spot Jewelry With Fake Gemstones Or Plating?

Whether you’re shopping for jewelry or pawning a piece for quick cash, knowing how to tell if it’s real or fake can save you from disappointment. Fake gemstones and gold-plated jewelry often look convincing, but they don’t carry the same value as genuine materials.

At The Pawn & Jewelry Exchange, we’ve helped countless customers in Greensburg and nearby Irwin identify and appraise their jewelry accurately. Here’s what to look for when spotting fake gemstones or gold plating, and when to seek professional testing.

Check the Weight and Feel

One of the easiest ways to spot fake jewelry is by holding it in your hand. Real metals like gold, silver, and platinum are naturally dense, so they feel heavier than imitations. Fake jewelry made with base metals or thin plating will feel light and less solid.

The same goes for gemstones. Genuine stones tend to have a cool, dense feel, while imitation ones (especially glass or resin) feel lighter and sometimes even warm to the touch.

Inspect the Hallmarks and Stamps

Genuine jewelry typically includes hallmarks that indicate metal purity and origin. Look for tiny engravings such as:

• “10K,” “14K,” or “18K” for gold purity

• “925” for sterling silver

• “PLAT” or “PT” for platinum

  
  

If there are no markings or if the letters look uneven or worn away, that could be a sign of fake or plated jewelry.

Examine the Gemstones Closely

Gemstones are often the hardest part to evaluate by eye, but a few simple checks can help:

• Clarity and color: Real gemstones have slight natural imperfections called inclusions. Fake ones often appear flawless or overly bright.

• Cut and shape: Genuine gems are precisely cut with sharp edges, while fake ones may have rounded or uneven surfaces.

• Temperature test: Real stones usually feel cool against your skin, while glass imitations warm up quickly.

  
  

If you’re unsure, a professional jeweler or pawnbroker can test your stones using specialized tools like a gem tester or refractometer.

Look for Signs of Plating Wear

Gold-plated jewelry can look very similar to solid gold when new, but it tends to fade or chip over time. To check for plating wear:

• Inspect areas where the jewelry rubs most, like ring bands or chain links.

• Look for a different-colored metal underneath, such as copper or silver.

• Notice any discoloration or tarnish on your skin after wearing it.

  
  

Solid gold doesn’t tarnish or change color, while gold plating eventually wears down to reveal the base metal beneath.

Use a Magnet Test

Gold and silver are not magnetic, so if your jewelry sticks to a magnet, it’s likely fake or plated with a non-precious base metal underneath. While this test isn’t foolproof, it’s a quick and easy way to identify red flags.

Professional Testing Is Always Best

Even with visual and physical checks, it’s not always easy to tell if jewelry is authentic. That’s why it’s best to have your pieces tested by a licensed expert.

At The Pawn & Jewelry Exchange, we use professional equipment to verify metal purity and gemstone authenticity. Our appraisers test each item safely and accurately to ensure you know exactly what you have, and what it’s worth.

Accurate Jewelry Testing in Greensburg

Knowing how to spot fake gemstones or gold plating can help you make smarter buying and selling decisions. But when you want full confidence, professional testing is key.

If you’re in Greensburg, Irwin, or nearby areas and need an honest jewelry appraisal, visit us or call (724) 836-7296. At The Pawn & Jewelry Exchange, we’ll inspect your jewelry with care, explain our findings, and give you an accurate, fair valuation every time.