How to Test Gold at Home with a Magnet: Spot Fake Gold Fast

Does a magnet stick to gold? No, because gold, in its pure form, is not magnetic. In contrast, fake gold typically contains metal components that get drawn to magnets. 

DIY magnet test to check if your gold is real 

First, prepare a neodymium magnet. Confirm that it works by testing it with metallic objects, such as paper clips and nails. Next, clean your gold item. Ensure there is no dirt, debris, or grime for accurate results. Place your gold on a wooden surface. Slowly bring the magnet close to your gold without direct contact. Real gold is not attracted to magnets. 

If the magnet pulls toward the gold, you possibly have a counterfeit gold item. 

Neodymium magnets have a powerful field strength, making them the best magnet to test gold. They come in convenient key chain designs if you want something portable.

The magnet should be equivalent to the size of your gold or preferably larger than the gold item. A small neodymium magnet will not be strong enough to create a magnetic reaction with heavier gold items, like heavy gold bullion. 

Remember not to use average refrigerator magnets, which are not strong enough to detect magnetic metal contents in gold alloys. 

Magnets attract gold-plated items 

Magnet testing help determine if an item is gold-plated or not. 

Gold-plated items have a thin gold coating and a base metal. Pure gold without alloys is soft and malleable. The metal addition, usually magnetic, provides strength and durability to gold-plated jewelry. The gold overlay creates a shiny, attractive appearance. 

However, gold plating is also typical for counterfeit gold pieces, such as gold coins. These imitation pieces are only gold outside but made with metal inside, so they will likely fail the magnet test.  

Limitations of testing gold with a magnet 

Gold items not attracted to a magnet are not always guaranteed authentic. Fake gold sometimes consists of non-magnetic metals, such as copper and brass, that are not attracted to magnets.

Additionally, some gold alloys contain traces of magnetic metals, usually nickel and iron, that could make them magnetic and test as fake. These gold alloys have authentic gold, although less pure. 

Also, some gold jewelry items are made with real gold but combined with magnetic strength pieces, such as metal clasps, bracelet wires, or metal springs. These magnetic components can be drawn to a magnet, causing misleading results. 

Read our guide on how to test gold to learn our most recommended methods.

FAQs about testing gold at home using a magnet