A magnet can flag some strongly magnetic components, but attraction or non-attraction cannot prove that a complete piece is gold, silver, solid, plated, or correctly marked.

A clear boundary around the household magnet test: useful as one observation, but unable to establish purity, solid construction, plating, or authenticity by itself.

What this guide covers

Observe without scratching or pulling fragile settings.
Account for clasps, springs, solder, stones, and mixed construction.
Use qualified multi-method verification when value depends on the answer.

One response cannot assay a mixed object

Test boundary
A jewelry piece can combine alloy, plating, solder, spring steel, clasp mechanisms, stones, and repairs. The magnet sees the assembled response, not a complete composition map.

How to interpret the observation

Strong local attraction

It may flag a magnetic component or core, but it does not identify the rest of the piece or prove deception.

No obvious attraction

It does not prove gold or silver, karat, fineness, solid construction, or authenticity.

Consequential decision

Resale, insurance, dispute, or high-value purchase needs professional visual, construction, and calibrated testing.

Use the magnet only as a screen

1 — Protect the piece
Do not let a strong magnet snap into a fragile setting or drag across a polished surface.
2 — Map the response
Notice whether attraction is limited to a clasp, spring, pin, chain section, or the full body.
3 — Read marks and construction
Compare the observation with disclosed alloy, coating, hollow construction, solder, and mechanisms.
4 — Escalate proof
Use an appropriate qualified testing plan when composition has financial or legal consequences.

Magnet-test questions

If it sticks, is it fake?

Not necessarily. A clasp, spring, pin, solder, core, or another component can be magnetic.

If it does not stick, is it gold?

No. Many non-gold materials also show no obvious attraction to a household magnet.

What proves composition?

A qualified plan combines inspection with suitable calibrated tests and accounts for plating, geometry, and construction.

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Jewelry Metals and Materials Center