No, pure gold is not magnetic.
Gold, especially in its pure form (24ct), is a non-ferrous metal, meaning it does not contain iron and will not be attracted to magnets. This property makes gold easy to distinguish from other metals that may look similar but behave differently when exposed to magnetic fields.
Why Might Some Gold Jewellery React to a Magnet?
If a gold item is attracted to a magnet, it could indicate that:
- It’s not solid gold, but gold-plated over a base metal like nickel or iron.
- It’s an alloy (a mixture of gold and other metals), and the added metal is magnetic.
- It may not be gold at all and could be a counterfeit or mixed-metal piece.
Can You Test Gold with a Magnet?
While the magnet test is a simple way to spot fake gold, it’s not foolproof. Some base metals used in counterfeit gold are also non-magnetic. That’s why it’s always best to:
- Look for hallmarks (like 18ct, 22ct stamps)
- Ask for a certificate of authenticity
- Buy from reputable jewellers
At PureJewels
All our gold pieces—whether 18ct, 22ct, or 24ct—are hallmarked and guaranteed genuine, so you can shop with complete confidence.
