How to Spot the Difference Between Real and Fake Gold or Diamonds

With so many online sellers, pawn shops, and pop-up deals, it’s easier than ever to end up with something that looks like gold or diamonds… but isn’t.

At Doland Jewelers, we’ve had customers bring in pieces they thought were real — only to discover they’d been sold imitations or treated stones. That’s why we believe in honest education and trusted sourcing, whether you’re shopping for your first engagement ring or evaluating inherited jewelry.

Here’s what to look for when trying to spot real vs. fake gold or diamonds — and when it’s best to have the pros take a look.

🟡 How to Tell if Gold Is Real

✅ 1. Look for a Stamp

Most real gold jewelry is marked with a karat stamp:

• 10K, 14K, 18K, or 24K
• European marks may show 585 (14K) or 750 (18K)

🔎No stamp? It might be fake — but older or custom pieces sometimes lack one. That’s when testing is key.

✅ 2. The Magnet Test

Gold is not magnetic.
If your jewelry sticks to a magnet, it’s likely plated or mixed with magnetic metals.

🚫This isn’t foolproof — some fake gold won’t react to magnets — but it’s a quick test at home.

✅ 3. Color and Wear

Real gold doesn’t tarnish or flake.
If you see:

• Green or black marks on your skin
• Peeling or fading at the edges
• A base metal showing underneath

…you’re likely dealing with gold-plated or fake gold.

✅ 4. Have It Professionally Tested

At Doland Jewelers, we offer free gold testing using professional tools that check purity without damaging the piece. If you're not sure — bring it in.

💎 How to Tell if a Diamond Is Real

✅ 1. The Fog Test

Breathe on the diamond like you would a mirror.

• Real diamonds disperse heat quickly and will clear up in 1–2 seconds.
• Fakes (like cubic zirconia or moissanite) will stay fogged for longer.

✅ 2. Look for Inclusions (Yes, Really!)

Using a jeweler’s loupe or microscope:

• Real diamonds often have tiny natural flaws called inclusions
• Fakes are usually flawless — which might sound good, but it’s a red flag!

💡Our gemologists can show you what to look for under magnification.

✅ 3. Reflections and Sparkle

Diamonds reflect white and colored light in a way that’s hard to fake. If it looks dull, or has a “rainbow-only” sparkle, it’s likely not a natural diamond.

✅ 4. Professional Diamond Testing

At Doland’s, we use:

• Electronic testers (to detect moissanite, which can fool other tools)
• Expert grading (so you know exactly what you have)

🧪 Common Fakes We See

Imitation	Looks Like	Key Difference
Cubic Zirconia	Diamond	Softer, less brilliance
Moissanite	Diamond	More fire, but not true brilliance
Gold-Plated Metal	Solid Gold	Wears off over time
Gold-Filled Jewelry	Gold	Thicker than plating, but still not solid gold

🛑 Why It’s So Easy to Get Fooled

Online images, poorly labeled listings, and shady sellers make it tough for everyday shoppers to know what’s real. And many fake pieces are convincing at first glance — even to people who’ve bought jewelry before.

That’s why it’s worth getting a second opinion from a trusted jeweler, especially if you:

• Bought something online or secondhand
• Inherited jewelry and want to know its value
• Are comparing two options and want to be sure before you buy

✅ What Doland Jewelers Offers

• Free testing and inspections
• Certified appraisals
• Trusted diamond and gold sourcing
• A no-pressure experience from friendly, knowledgeable staff

We’ve been helping customers in Dubuque and Davenport for over 40 years — and we’re proud to be known for honesty, education, and quality.

💬 Not Sure if It’s Real? Bring It In.

We’ll test it. We’ll explain it.
We’ll help you understand what you have — no pressure, no sales pitch.

Book an appointment or stop in today.
Let’s make sure what’s in your jewelry box is exactly what you think it is.