How can you tell if my silverware is gold?

Answer 1

Real silverware will have it's makers mark stamped into the piece, usually consisting of three to four small stamps in a row. Each stamp indicating something different such a maker, date and silver content, country of origin. Silver plate will also usually indicate the plating process has occurred by stating "plated" lightly after the maker's name. Cheaply made ware will be light in the hand, without any or few markings and usually layers around the edges will be apparent where the plating has failed and worn away from the copper base.

Answer 2

You can take a piece to someone who knows about such things and get an evaluation.

You can try to analyse the metal yourself - not easy but not impossible.

Gold has a density that is twice that of lead. Your "goldware" should feel VERY heavy!

Answer 3

The best advice I could give would be to use a book or website specially created for the identification of markings. Some links are provided below, I hope they will come in handy.