Read the hallmark
UK gold carries a millesimal fineness stamp showing parts-per-thousand of pure gold: 375 = 9ct, 585 = 14ct, 750 = 18ct, 916 = 22ct, 999 = 24ct. You'll often also see a sponsor's mark and an assay office mark (London's is a leopard's head).
Look inside the band or on the clasp with a loupe or phone macro. Marks like 'GP', 'GF', 'RGP' or 'HGE' mean gold-plated, gold-filled or electroplated. Not solid gold.
The magnet test
Gold is not magnetic. If a strong magnet pulls your ring, it contains a magnetic base metal and isn't solid gold. Passing the magnet test doesn't prove it's gold (many non-magnetic metals exist), but failing it rules gold out.
The acid and XRF tests
A jeweller's acid test scratches a tiny sample onto a stone and applies graded acid; real gold of a given carat resists the matching acid. It's reliable but minutely abrasive.
An XRF analyser reads the exact metal composition in seconds without damage. It's how professional buyers confirm purity. Redisco verifies every piece this way before settlement.
When in doubt, get it valued
If there's no hallmark or you're unsure, a free valuation will confirm it. Our AI reads the photos and hallmark, and the piece is XRF-tested on arrival, so you know for certain whether it's real gold and what it's worth.