Were those who bought gold during the war "cheated"?
The article addresses citizens' concerns in Gaza about potential commercial fraud when buying gold during the war, and provides an explanation of the different karat types (18, 21, and 24) and home and professional testing methods to detect counterfeit gold, along with guidelines for buying and selling from certified jewelers.
Amid the exceptional economic conditions in the Gaza Strip due to the war, gold remains a safe haven for residents to preserve their savings. With increased buying and selling activity, citizens' questions about the possibility of commercial fraud and how to verify the metal's authenticity are rising. The article explains the differences between the three gold karats traded in the local market: 24 karat (pure gold 100%), 21 karat (87% gold, the most common), and 18 karat (75% gold). It also reviews available testing methods, from the magnet test and density test in water, to the stone and acid test used by jewelers. The article notes that the "Hallmark and Weights Department" of the Ministry of National Economy is the official body responsible for inspecting and hallmarking gold, and confirms that fraud is rare under normal circumstances, but war conditions may open the door for unscrupulous individuals. The article concludes with guidelines for citizens emphasizing dealing with certified jewelers and the necessity of obtaining an official stamped invoice including the date, weight, karat, and price.