Testing for Fake Silver and Gold with Magnets

Short answer

Real gold and silver aren’t attracted to magnets. If a strong neodymium magnet sticks to a coin, bar or piece of jewelry, it contains iron, nickel or cobalt and isn’t pure gold or silver. But passing the test doesn’t prove it’s real: many common fakes, like copper, brass, tungsten or lead cores, aren’t magnetic either.

Gold and silver bars
Pure gold and silver are not attracted to magnets.

How to Do the Magnet Test

  1. Use a strong magnet, such as a 1/2 × 1/8 Inch N52 Disc. Weak fridge magnets can miss slightly magnetic fakes.
  2. Hold it close to the item without letting it slam on (it can scratch soft metals).
  3. Watch for attraction. If the item jumps to the magnet or clings, it’s not solid gold or silver.
  4. Check clasps and springs separately. Jewelry findings are often steel even on real pieces.

What the Test Can and Can’t Tell You

Result What it means
Item sticks strongly Not Solid Gold or Silver Likely plated steel or iron
Item sticks weakly Suspect Could contain nickel; get it tested
No attraction Inconclusive Could be real, or a non-magnetic fake

A Second Clue for Silver

Silver conducts electricity extremely well. A strong magnet sliding down a tilted silver bar is slowed by eddy currents and moves noticeably slower than it does on glass or wood. Copper and aluminum do this too, so it’s a clue, not proof. For valuable items, use a professional assay or XRF test.

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