I just noticed that many people are confused about genuine gold. If, like me, you wonder how to tell if a bracelet is real gold or just an imitation, here’s what really works.

First, the most obvious: check the purity marks. Any legitimate gold jewelry will have engraved numbers like 14K, 18K, or 22K. If you don’t see anything, it’s quite likely not real gold. Those numbers tell you exactly how pure the item is.

Next are the home tests that most people don’t know about. The magnet test is the simplest: real gold isn’t attracted to a magnet. If your bracelet sticks, it’s definitely not gold. Then there’s the unglazed ceramic test—something almost everyone has at home. Rub the piece on the ceramic, and if it leaves a gold streak, it’s a sign that it’s genuine.

Another thing few people know is that gold has a very particular weight and density. If you hold a real gold bracelet versus a fake one, the difference is noticeable. Gold is significantly heavier than most expect.

Now, about karats. 24K is almost pure gold but too soft for jewelry. 18K, which is 75% pure gold, is what you see in most quality bracelets because it combines shine with durability. 14K is more resistant if you wear it daily because it contains less pure gold, around 58.5%.

The truth is, if you want to be completely sure how to identify if a bracelet is gold, the best thing is to take it to a professional jeweler with certified equipment. That gives you total certainty. But with these basic methods, you can already rule out what’s clearly fake.