The surest way to know your gold’s purity is a karat test on an XRF (karat-testing) machine, available in every major gold market in Pakistan. Here’s what each check tells you.
1. Karat stamp
Many pieces carry a stamp such as 21K, 22K, 875 or 916. It is a good first sign, but a stamp alone isn’t proof.
2. XRF karat testing
A karat-testing machine reads the metal composition in seconds without damaging the piece. It’s the standard way to verify purity in the Sarafa market.
3. Acid / touchstone test
The traditional jeweller’s test: the gold is rubbed on a stone and tested with acid. Accurate in skilled hands, but it only checks the surface.
Home tests that don’t really work
- Magnet test — gold isn’t magnetic, but neither are many fakes.
- Bite or scratch test — can damage your jewellery and proves little.
- Float test — not reliable for hollow or stone-set pieces.
Buying with confidence
Always ask for the karat and weight on your receipt. At Al Raheem we’re happy to explain the karat and weight of any piece before you buy.
What does 875 or 916 on gold mean?
875 means 87.5% gold (21K). 916 means 91.6% gold (22K). 750 means 75% (18K).