Real vs Fake: How to Identify Genuine Gold-Plated Jewellery
Not all gold-plated jewellery is created equal. A well-made one-gram gold-plated necklace can last years, while a cheap spray-coated piece might fade in weeks. Here are five practical tests any buyer can do — no jeweller required.
1. Magnet Test
Genuine gold-plated jewellery uses a Zamak or brass base — neither is magnetic. If a fridge magnet sticks to your necklace, the base metal contains iron. That is a sure sign of inferior quality. All Saubhagya pieces use certified skin-friendly Zamak alloy that will not attract a magnet.
2. Look for the Hallmark
Genuine gold-plated jewellery carries a quality stamp — look for "1 GF", "HGP", or a micron count etched on the clasp or back of the pendant. No stamp at all usually means a single dip coat that will wear off fast.
3. Weight Test
Real gold plating adds weight. A genuine high-plate choker necklace will feel solid in your hand — not hollow or tinny. Pick up two similar-sized pieces from different sellers; the heavier one almost always has the thicker plating.
4. Price Check
A gold-plated necklace handcrafted from proper alloy cannot cost ₹99. If the price seems too good to be true, the plating is likely a single wash that will rub off on your skin. Genuine one-gram gold-plated jewellery starts around ₹200-250 for earrings and ₹400-500 for necklaces.
5. Scratch Patch Test
On the back of the pendant — where no one will see — lightly scratch with a coin. If a silver or grey base shows through immediately, the plating is paper-thin. Quality pieces have enough microns to resist light scratches.
At Saubhagya, every piece is high gold-plated on a lead-free, nickel-free Zamak base — tested for skin safety and built to last. Browse our collections or WhatsApp us with questions.