When you’re shopping for gold, knowing the right questions to ask can be helpful. It’s a lot easier than you might think to tell if gold is old or new.
Here are five easy steps to help you identify whether gold is antique or not
Step 1: Is the metal yellowish?
Antique gold is yellowish in colour. This is because the gold contains a higher concentration of metals like copper and silver compared to new gold, which is more likely to be colorless.
New gold is also usually more expensive than antique gold, which is why it is more common to find yellow gold used in jewelry.
Step 2: Does it feel gritty when you hold it?
If you pick up an item of gold jewelry, it should feel smooth when you hold it. If it feels gritty when you hold it, that means it has a grain or a coating on it.
This grain or coating also means it is more likely to be new gold, and not antique or collectible.
Step 3: Does it rust easily?
If it gets wet, it should be fine. But if you keep it in a humid or wet environment, it’s more likely to get rusty. This is a sign that the gold has lost its shine and is more likely to be new gold.
Step 4: Is there any wear and tear on the item?
If a jewelry piece is showing signs of wear and tear, it is more likely to be older than new. It’s actually a sign that the jewelry piece has been around for a while and has been worn by others.
Step 5: Are there any markings or identifiers?
If the item you’re purchasing is unmarked, it’s more likely to be new gold. If, however, it has markings or identifiers on it, it’s more likely to be antique or collectible gold.
Is antique gold worth more?
A gold object that is over 100 years old or of antique quality can command a higher price than newer pieces. The historic significance of the piece and its scarcity add value to the metal, so pieces that have been around for a long time are worth more than ones that were bought recently and are not as rare.
However, there is no one way to value an antique gold object. It is important to look at the piece in detail and consider its condition.
A poorly made piece might be worth less than an original, but a well-made piece might be worth more.
To identify if an item is of antique gold quality, it is helpful to look at the condition of the gold. If it has visible spots from oxidation, this indicates that the item could be a fake. Another way to determine whether an item is authentic is by looking at the manufacturing process used by the company that created it.
If a company used electroplating on its antique items, this indicates that they are not genuine.
In addition to looking at the materials used in making an item, one should also consider how the item was used when determining its value.
For example, if an item was used as jewelry in a home setting rather than in a museum setting, this could indicate that it is less valuable than an item that was displayed in a museum setting.
Conclusion
When it comes to gold, it’s important to know the difference between new gold and antique gold. You can identify new gold by its color and feel, and if it rusts easily. You can also tell if an item is old by looking at its wear and tear, markings, and if it’s yellowish. If you’re shopping for gold, knowing the right questions to ask can be helpful. It’s a lot easier than you might think to identify if gold is old or new.
