Gold or not?

[coinAdam]

Ok. So, I still haven't been out to any good locations since I got my metal detector for christmas. But I went out to and empty one acre lot on my dad's land, which is right next to the house. I really didn't expect to find anything but pulltabs, nails, horse-shoes and bit (the were some stables somewhere nearby about 100 years ago). But I came out with something completely unexpected. A single brand-new looking earing. From my experience as a coin collector, I'm pretty sure it isn't real gold. But, how do I know for sure?
Thanks.

[Arkwater]

A quick test would be try a magnet.

[FinalLastDays]

Y'all will laugh at me, but I am totally serious. My wife can tell what jewelry is real gold by taking it and rubbing it on her face. There is a certain type of makeup that when gold touches it, a chemical reaction takes place and leaves a dark streak on her face where the gold was rubbed. I have witnessed this countless times and as soon as she gets home I will ask her what makeup causes the chemical reaction. (I am sure all you women will be trying this experiment later!)

[johnj45586]

In the case of jewelry, gold is marked with the gold content, such as 14K for most US gold. Higher gold content may be found in asia, as high as 22K and 999 fine.
Gold filled usually has the gold content by weight (usually 1/20) and the base material (sterling silver being a common base).
Sterling silver usually as .925, SS, Sterling or Sterling Silver depending on the amount of space available for marking.
The magnet test is pretty good, except if the posts or clasps contain a ferromagnetic material for strength.
If something is merely plated, nothing may be marked. A second indication of value would be a copyright mark or hallmark.
99.999% of the time you will only find one earring. On rare occasions you will find two earrings hooked together. In one case I found matching earrings a few feet apart. Only once.
If there is a stone, the basket usually will tell what the stone is. (The basket holds the stone(s). A sterling silver basket usually means a CZ stone. A gold basket may indicate diamond or other gemstone, look for marks naming the stone. Sometimes a jewelry store will test a stone for you for free (if you are a good customer). But I have seen charges of $10 a stone at some places.
All that glitters ain't gold - usually it is foil!
Good luck on your find - I hope it is gold. But if it isn't, keep looking. Gold will pop up in unexpected places.

[Steve in PR]

Good info from John. The only thing I can add is to look for a marking on the post or the part that goes through the ear.

Otherwise, the only way I know to test is with acid kit. There is a cheaper pen tester but it won't tell you if it is plated unless you cut into it.

[coinAdam]

So, what is the pen tester? And is gold supposed to not be attracted to a magnet?

[FinalLastDays]

Originally Posted by FinalLastDays

Y'all will laugh at me, but I am totally serious. My wife can tell what jewelry is real gold by taking it and rubbing it on her face. There is a certain type of makeup that when gold touches it, a chemical reaction takes place and leaves a dark streak on her face where the gold was rubbed. I have witnessed this countless times and as soon as she gets home I will ask her what makeup causes the chemical reaction. (I am sure all you women will be trying this experiment later!)

Okay, my wife arrived home and I asked her concerning what makeup causes the chemical reaction with gold - she said her uncle, who is a jeweler, taught her that a liquid foundation causes a black streak once the gold jewelry is rubbed on the skin with the foundation. You women try this and tell me if it works for you!

[Steve in PR]

Here's a link to one:

PEN GOLD SILVER PLATINUM TESTER~TEST BULLION AND SCRAP - (eBay item 260155009413 end time Sep-09-07 07:02:47 PDT)

I have one and I think it is pretty good once you learn how to use it properly.