How to Check Gold Purity Before You Sell
A simple guide to understanding karat, hallmarks and how purity is tested before you agree on a price.
Understanding Gold Karats
Before you sell any gold jewellery or coin, it helps to understand how purity is measured and why it matters so much to the final price you receive. Gold purity is expressed in karats, with 24 karat being nearly pure gold and 22, 18 or lower karats containing a mix of other metals such as copper or silver added for strength. The higher the karat, the higher the price per gram, so knowing your jewellery's approximate purity gives you a realistic idea of what to expect.
Why Hallmarks Alone Aren't Enough
Most Indian jewellery is sold in 22 karat or 18 karat form, often marked with a small BIS hallmark stamp that indicates the purity certified at the time of manufacture. However, hallmarks can wear off over years of use, and older jewellery may not carry one at all. This is why a proper buyer does not rely on the stamp alone — the gold should be tested again at the time of sale using standard methods such as acid testing or an electronic karat meter.
Common Purity Testing Methods
Two methods are most commonly used at the doorstep. Acid testing involves applying a small drop of testing acid to a light scratch on the item and observing the reaction against known karat references — it's quick and reliable when done carefully. Electronic karat meters use a probe to estimate purity through electrical conductivity, giving an instant digital reading. Neither method should damage your jewellery in any meaningful way, and a transparent buyer will happily explain which method they're using and why.
What Happens During a Doorstep Purity Test
When you call for a doorstep evaluation, ask the evaluator to explain the testing method before they begin. A transparent buyer will test a small area of your jewellery, show you the reading, and explain how that purity translates into the price per gram based on the day's market rate. You should never feel rushed or unable to see the test being performed.
Stones and Attachments Aren't Counted as Gold
It's also worth knowing that stones, meenakari work, or attached beads are not counted as gold weight — a fair evaluator will separate the gold weight from these additions before calculating your price. If something feels unclear at any point, it is completely reasonable to ask questions until you understand exactly how the number was reached. A trustworthy gold buyer will always be happy to explain.
Simple Tips Before You Sell
Check the day's gold rate from a reliable source before your evaluator arrives, so you have a rough benchmark in mind. Ask for your purity result as a percentage or karat value, not just a final rupee figure — this makes it easier to verify the calculation yourself. And don't accept an offer without seeing the test performed in front of you; a genuine buyer will never object to this.
Common Questions About Gold Purity Testing
What is the difference between 22K and 24K gold?
24K gold is nearly pure (about 99.9%), while 22K contains around 91.6% gold mixed with other metals for strength. 22K is the most common purity for jewellery in India.
My jewellery is hallmarked — does it still need to be re-tested?
Yes. Hallmarks reflect the purity at the time of manufacture, but a responsible buyer will still re-test at the time of sale to confirm the current condition and give you an accurate, verifiable reading.
Does jewellery with stones get tested differently?
The gold portion is tested the same way, but the weight of stones or other attachments is subtracted before the final gold weight is calculated, since only the gold itself is priced.
What if my gold's purity is lower than I expected?
This can happen if jewellery was mixed with lower-karat alloys during repairs or resizing over the years. A transparent buyer will show you the test result so you can see exactly why the reading came out the way it did.
Does purity testing damage my jewellery?
No. Standard acid testing or electronic testing is done on a very small area and does not meaningfully affect the item's appearance or weight.
How long does a purity test take?
A doorstep purity test usually takes just a few minutes per item, so you'll have your final price and payment the same visit.
Ready to Sell Your Gold?
Call us for a free, transparent doorstep evaluation anywhere in Andhra Pradesh or Telangana.