Are you wondering if your Hermes necklace is made of real gold? It’s a common question among luxury fashion enthusiasts who want to know the value and authenticity of their designer jewelry. In this article, we’ll explore the various factors that determine if a Hermes necklace is made of real gold or not.
Understanding Hermes
Before we dive into the topic at hand, let’s first understand what Hermes is. It is a French luxury fashion house that was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermes.
The brand is known for its high-end products, including clothing, accessories, and perfume. One of its most popular products is its jewelry line, which includes necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Types of Gold
Gold is a precious metal that has been used in jewelry for centuries. There are various types of gold used in jewelry making, including:
- 24K Gold: This type of gold is considered pure as it contains 99.9% gold.
- 18K Gold: This type of gold contains 75% gold and 25% other metals such as copper or silver.
- 14K Gold: This type of gold contains 58.3% gold and 41.7% other metals.
- 10K Gold: This type of gold contains 41.7% gold and 58.3% other metals.
Determining if Your Hermes Necklace Is Real Gold
Now that we have an understanding of the types of gold used in jewelry making let’s explore how to determine if your Hermes necklace is made with real gold.
Hallmarks
The first thing you should look for when determining if your Hermes necklace is made with real gold is hallmarks. Hallmarks are markings on the jewelry that indicate the metal’s purity.
In the United States, gold jewelry is typically marked with a number followed by “K” to indicate its karat weight. For example, a piece of jewelry marked “18K” contains 75% gold.
However, Hermes is a French brand, and they use hallmarks that are different from those used in the United States. Instead of using numbers to indicate karat weight, French jewelry makers use symbols such as eagles and swans. The symbol used by Hermes is a horse and carriage.
If your Hermes necklace has a horse and carriage hallmark on it, that indicates it is made of real gold. However, just because a piece of jewelry doesn’t have a hallmark doesn’t mean it’s not made with real gold.
Color
Another way to determine if your Hermes necklace is made with real gold is by looking at its color. Real gold has a distinctive yellow color that other metals cannot replicate. If your necklace has a yellowish hue, then it’s likely made with real gold.
However, keep in mind that some pieces may be plated with real gold but have another metal underneath. This means that the color may wear off over time, revealing the metal underneath.
Magnet Test
Lastly, you can perform a magnet test to determine if your Hermes necklace is made with real gold. Gold is not magnetic, so if your necklace sticks to a magnet, then it’s not made of real gold.
Conclusion
In conclusion, determining if your Hermes necklace is made of real gold involves various factors such as hallmarks, color, and magnetism. If you’re still unsure about the authenticity of your necklace or any other piece of designer jewelry for that matter, it’s best to take it to a reputable jeweler for appraisal.