How can I tell if my vintage glasses are gold?

To tell if your vintage glasses are gold, look on the nose bridge and the temples for a purity mark. Makers often stamped their solid gold pieces with “12K,” “10K,” “14K” and other markings to identify their gold eyewear. You can research all of these markings using trusted online resources. Should you locate a "GF" mark, it is likely that your glasses are gold-filled rather than solid gold. This means that the frames are predominantly a less expensive metal but do have a thin layer of genuine gold alloy as a finish. Another mark that indicates your glasses contain some gold is "RGF." The mark stands for “rolled gold filled.” Glasses bearing this mark feature a gold-plated finish that is thinner than what's found on traditional gold-filled frames. For assistance identifying your eyeglass frame material, consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. Explore a selection of vintage glasses on 1stDibs.