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Magnetic clasps on gold chains: the magnet is usually just the clasp
Gold is not magnetic. A lot of modern clasps are steel and magnets. The shop pulls or subtracts the clasp and pays the gold. A magnet on the clasp does not make the whole chain fake.
A magnet on a gold chain is usually the clasp.
Gold is not magnetic. Platinum is not magnetic. A lot of modern barrel clasps, lobster claws with steel springs, and “easy on” magnetic clasps are steel, or magnets, or both. The shop pulls the clasp, or subtracts it, and pays the gold. XRF, acid, Sigma. Weigh and test.
What it does not mean
It does not mean the whole chain is fake. It does not mean the shop is cheating you out of the clasp weight. Steel clasps are common on real 10k and 14k chains, including hollow ropes.
If the links jump to a magnet, that is a different visit. Then we are talking plated base metal, stainless costume, or something that should not be on a gold ticket. Filled vs plated vs solid.
Leave the clasp on
Do not cut it off at the kitchen table. You will lose a link and you will not change the test. Bring the chain as it is. We will show you the magnet and the scale.
Broken chains. 1/20 12K GF if the stamp is the other surprise.
White gold and tungsten
A magnet on a white ring is a different Saturday. White gold is gold with a rhodium plate. Platinum is a different metal. Tungsten and some steels grab a magnet hard. White gold vs platinum.
People also ask
If the clasp is magnetic, is the chain fake? Usually no. Test the links.
Will you pay for the clasp? Not if it is steel. We will show you the subtraction.
Should I replace the clasp with gold before I sell? Only if you like spending money. We are buying the chain.
More on the coin and money library.