We Indians have a great fondness for gold and look for occasions to purchase the precious metal. A lot of rush is seen in jewellery shops during festivals like Akshaya Tritiya, Pongal, Bihu Karva Chauth, Dhanteras, and Diwali. The demand for gold also increases during the wedding season in the country. So, if you are planning to buy gold ahead of the wedding season, here are some quick tips to check the purity or quality of the precious metal while purchasing it.
Choose jewellery with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmark. Jewellery with the BIS hallmark would ensure that the item you are purchasing has been verified for purity.
Tips to check purity of gold
1. The colour of gold should not change after contact with any cosmetic or sweat.
2. The gold will be purer if it is softer and malleable. A 22-carat gold item is always softer than 18-carat gold.
3. If the gold piece floats on water, it simply means it is impure.
4. Always remember that pure gold never rusts.
5. Any gold jewellery will cause skin rashes or allergies if it is not pure.
6. Apply a few drops of vinegar to the jewellery item. If the color changes to black, it means the gold item is fake.
7. Rub a piece of gold across the surface of a unglazed ceramic plate or a piece of tile. It will leave a gold trail or mark if it is real. It will leave a black mark if it is fake.
8. If the gold item gets attracted to a magnet, it is not real. Remember that gold is not magnetic.
