Image d'un bracelet en or véritable porté par une femme, mettant en lumière son design raffiné et sa durabilité.

How to recognize a genuine gold bracelet: Complete guide

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Image d'un bracelet en or véritable porté par une femme, mettant en lumière son design raffiné et sa durabilité.

Buying a gold bracelet is an important investment, whether it’s for yourself or as a precious gift. But how can you be sure you’re buying a genuine gold bracelet and not a counterfeit? Here’s a practical guide to recognizing genuine gold and avoiding unpleasant surprises.

Why recognizing a genuine gold bracelet is essential?

Buying a genuine gold bracelet not only guarantees its durability and quality, but also its value. With the rise of counterfeits on the market, it’s crucial to know the differences between genuine and imitation jewelry. Genuine gold jewelry is more resistant to wear and tear, and retains its value over time. What’s more, gold is hypoallergenic, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin.

Signs of a genuine gold bracelet

1. How can I tell if a piece of jewelry is gold?

Discover our selection of 9K gold bracelets, guaranteed authentic and perfect for any occasion.

A genuine gold bracelet is distinguished by several key features that you can observe directly or test using simple methods. Here are the main techniques for ensuring the authenticity of your jewel.

2. Check punch

The hallmark is one of the first things to be inspected. In France and many other countries, all gold jewelry must bear a hallmark indicating its purity. Here are the most common hallmarks:

  • 750: indicates 18-carat gold (75% pure gold).
  • 375: corresponds to 9-carat gold (37.5% pure gold).
  • 585: 14-carat gold (58.5% pure gold).

For jewelry of foreign or ancient origin, a special hallmark may be applied, such as an owl or seahorse. These marks guarantee the authenticity of your jewelry. If your bracelet does not bear a hallmark, it is probably not made of genuine gold.

3. Apply a magnet near the jewel

Gold is not magnetic. Approach your bracelet with a strong magnet: if it is attracted, it probably contains other metals. This is a simple but effective method of detecting counterfeit ferrous metals.

4. Look at the jewel’s color to spot a counterfeit

A genuine gold bracelet has a uniform hue, with no flakes or color changes. Counterfeit bracelets, often plated, may show a different metal beneath the surface. If you notice discoloration or wear in certain areas, it’s probably gold-plated.

5. Slide on a piece of ceramic

Gently scratch your bracelet on an unglazed ceramic plate. If a golden trace remains, the jewel is probably made of gold. On the other hand, a black trace indicates a different alloy or metal.

6. Test with vinegar or acid

Apply a small drop of white vinegar or special acid to test the gold. If the jewel reacts (color change, oxidation), it is not real gold. Acid kits, available from jewellers, can also be used to test different carats with great precision.

7. Wear the jewel at all times

A gold bracelet can be worn in the shower or on a daily basis without losing its color or shine. If you notice greenish marks on your skin or discoloration, it’s probably not pure gold.

8. Perform bite test

Gold is a relatively soft metal. Light pressure with your teeth can leave small marks if the bracelet is made of gold. Be careful, however, not to damage a precious piece of jewelry.

9. Immerse gold jewelry in water

This test is very simple to perform. Immerse your bracelet in a container filled with water. Gold, being a dense metal, will sink quickly, whereas an imitation may float or sink more slowly.

10. Calculate the density of the jewel

Measure the weight of the jewel and the volume of water displaced when immersed. Divide the weight by the volume to obtain the density, and compare it with the standard for pure gold (19.3 g/ml).

11. Use a volume of bleach

Immerse your jewel in bleach for 24 hours. If no oxidation appears, the bracelet is probably made of gold. This test should be carried out with caution to avoid damage.

12. Consult an expert

If you have any doubts, have your bracelet assessed by a professional jeweler or precious metals expert. These professionals can perform advanced tests, such as using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, which analyzes the exact composition of the metal without damaging it.

How to avoid counterfeits when buying a gold bracelet

1. Buy from reliable sellers

Choose reputable jewelry stores, such as those featured on our Bracelets Kern website, which guarantee authentic, quality products. Never buy jewelry at too low a price or on unregulated markets.

2. Request a certificate of authenticity

Genuine gold jewelry should always be accompanied by a certificate confirming its caratage and provenance. This document protects you in the event of a dispute and guarantees the value of your purchase.

3. Beware of overly attractive prices

An abnormally low price can be a sign of counterfeiting. Gold has a high market value, and too low a price may conceal inferior quality or imitation.

Conclusion

Recognizing a genuine gold bracelet is not as difficult as it seems if you follow these tips. Take the time to inspect your jewelry, and don’t hesitate to call in the professionals if necessary. For a safe and reliable shopping experience, discover our exclusive collection at Bracelets Kern.

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Use & Maintenance

Your Kern jewel has been designed with great care according to the requirements and rules of the jewelry industry. Each step of the manufacturing process has been carried out with the utmost care, in order to create an exceptional piece. To keep it looking its best, we recommend that you carefully follow our maintenance tips:

Tips for use

When you are not wearing it, it is preferable to store your jewellery in its original case or pouch, thus avoiding rubbing with other jewellery, shocks and scratches.

When wearing your jewelry, be sure to handle it gently to avoid bumps and falls. It is preferable to remove your jewellery when practising sports.

Avoid contact with salt water, sand, cosmetics, perfumes, detergents and any corrosive product that could alter precious metals and gems.

We recommend that you have the condition of your jewellery checked every year. Do not hesitate to make an appointment with our workshops to have the crimps, clasps and their double security checked. During this visit, our jewellers will know how to revive the brilliance of your pieces and give back to the gems all their vivacity.

Maintenance instructions

To intensify the shine of your jewelry, do not hesitate to rub them with a soft and dry cloth. If you wish to clean them, you can immerse them in soapy water (PH neutral soap) to eliminate impurities due to pollution.

Then rinse them with clean water and dry them carefully with a soft cloth.

This procedure does not apply to bracelets set with emeralds, for which we recommend special attention.

Polishing and rhodium-plating operations, which are effective in restoring the shine to your jewellery, cannot be repeated too frequently.

The first polishing and rhodium plating are offered by Kern. The following, which should preferably be carried out in our workshops, are at the customer’s expense.

Quality of the Gems

Laboratory Diamonds

Maison Kern offers exclusively synthetic diamonds, created using advanced technological processes (HPHT or CVD).

  • Optical, chemical, and physical properties identical to those of natural diamonds.
  • Independent certification available upon request.
  • Environmentally friendly production with a reduced carbon footprint.

Laboratory-Created Precious and Semi-Precious Stones

All precious and semi-precious stones offered by Maison Kern come from specialized laboratories.

  • Laboratory sapphires: AAA quality, intense color, excellent transparency, and precise cutting.
  • Laboratory black diamonds: deep and uniform shade obtained through laboratory treatment for optimal brilliance.
  • Laboratory brown and champagne diamonds: warm color and natural sparkle, without chemical treatment.
  • Laboratory emeralds: slight inclusions replicating the look of natural stones while offering enhanced durability.
  • Laboratory tsavorites: intense or soft green, a rare stone reproduced with precision for exceptional clarity.
  • Laboratory blue diamonds: color obtained through the controlled presence of boron, ensuring a stable and uniform hue.

Metal

Maison Kern creations are made exclusively from rhodium-plated 925/1000 sterling silver.

  • Rhodium plating protects silver against oxidation and maintains its lasting shine.
  • The silver comes from suppliers committed to responsible and environmentally respectful practices.

Maison Kern Commitments

  • Complete traceability for each laboratory-created stone.
  • Transparency regarding manufacturing processes.
  • Refined and durable jewelry combining aesthetics, innovation, and fine jewelry craftsmanship.

Shipping & Returns

DELIVERY POLICY

Your Kern jewelry is shipped Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. We do not deliver on weekends.

All Kern articles ordered are insured by us until delivery.

We guarantee you the security of the preparation and the routing of your order.

Your jewels are delivered in their Kern box and pouch

Purchase of a custom made bracelet :

Allow 3 to 4 weeks for the creation of your bracelet.

It will be delivered to you in its magnificent jewel case with its certificate of authenticity.

An email will inform you that your bracelet is ready.

A tracking number will be indicated to follow your order on our website under the heading “
m
my account/
m
my orders
”.

Free delivery in the European Union:

Your order is prepared within 2 working days following the date of the confirmation email that your custom made bracelet is ready.

Free delivery to countries outside the European Union:

Delivery is made within 3 to 5 working days following the date of the the date of the confirmation email that your custom bracelet is ready.

Any possible customs duties or import taxes that you may have to pay upon receipt of your package.

RETURN POLICY

Return of a custom made bracelet :

Write to us to let us know the reasons for your return by e-mail at [email protected]

Log in to your account to make your request and you will receive your pre-paid return slip.

For all shipments made in the European UnionIf you are not satisfied with your order, you can return your items within 15 days of receiving your order and in accordance with the return policy of the House of Kern mentioned above in the title ” Under what conditions can items be returned, exchanged or refunded “.

For all shipments outside the European Union, your items can be returned within 15 days of receipt of your order and according to the conditions of return of the House Kern mentioned just before in the title ” Under what conditions can items be returned, exchanged or refunded “.

À Under what conditions can items be returned, exchanged or refundable?

We accept returns on items that require sizing to fit your wrist.

If the bracelet needs to be enlarged, you will be asked to pay an additional fee according to the new size compared to your initial order.

If the bracelet does not match the order

The articles must be returned in their original packaging including the care instructions, the jewel case, its certificate of authenticity and the invoice with the precise reason.

What items are not refundable?

Privilege offers

Items returned worn, incomplete (care instructions, case, certificate of authenticity…), damaged or spoiled.

Size Guide

FIND YOUR KERN BRACELET SIZE BY PRINTING OUR WRIST MEASURING TAPE

You can download and print our measuring tape on an A4 sheet.
Follow the instructions below to place the tape measure on your wrist and know your own size and write it down.

Indications:

Measure your wrist, adjusting the tape measure just above your wrist bone or where you like to wear your bracelet.
Choose the size according to the way you want to wear your bracelet.
Note the measurement by adding :

Half a centimetre (+0.50 cm) for a bracelet worn closer to your skin.
One centimeter (+1 cm) for a bracelet worn more loosely.

For example :

A wrist of 15 cm, choose 15.50 cm or 16 cm depending on how you want to wear your bracelet.

WRIST CIRCUMFERENCE (CM)

SIZE OF THE BRACELETS (CM)

13,50 – 14,00

14 – 14,50

14,50 – 15,00

15 – 15,50

15,50 – 16,00

16 – 16,50

16,50 – 17,00

17 – 17,50

17,50 – 18,00

18 – 18,50

18,50 – 19,00

19 – 19,50