A piece of gold may look shiny… but shine alone is not enough! Before you pay a single riyal, ask yourself: Is this piece really new? Or is it hiding a story of use you don’t know about?

Whether you are buying for investment or adornment, knowing whether the piece is used or new can save you from many potential losses. In this comprehensive guide from Gold.sa, we answer the question that always comes to mind: how do I know if gold is used without the need for complex devices or tools? Keep reading to learn the decisive signs, smart inspection methods, the most dangerous mistakes new buyers make, and golden tips before purchasing!

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How Do I Know If Gold Is Used?

You can quickly identify whether a gold jewelry piece is used by visually inspecting for signs such as scratches and wear, hallmark, and karat, color, and shine variations. New jewelry is characterized by uniform shine and a smooth surface free of defects, while used pieces show scratches and dull spots from use. It is also advised to check the hallmark and karat stamp on the piece (such as 750 or 21K) and compare it with the declared specifications.

In addition, simple physical tests to check gold at home, such as the magnet test, reveal its purity. Real gold does not attract to magnets. In short, checking these signs and performing simple home tests helps determine whether the piece has been used.

Previous inspections show the close link between different signs of use, as they confirm each other. For example, if you find a gold piece with deep scratches and uneven color, this strongly indicates it is used compared to new metal that retains its color and clarity. These visual differences give an initial impression of the piece’s condition, providing valuable information without complex devices.

We now move on to presenting each of these signs in detail and how to inspect them step by step:

1- Scratch Inspection

Scratches are a clear indicator that gold is used. New gold usually has surfaces free of visible scratches, while used gold may show many marks and fine cavities from daily use.

For example, you may find deep scratches in friction areas such as the inside of rings or chain links. These are unusual in new pieces. The difference between used and new gold is clear: new gold is polished evenly and shows consistent colors.

In general, the presence of several wide scratches on a gold piece strongly indicates it has been used for some time.