Silver jewelry is the perfect accessory for any occasion, but silver doesn’t come cheap. How can you make sure you are getting real silver and is sterling silver even real?
So, what is sterling silver? Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, the remaining percentage consists of copper. This is why sterling silver is also commonly called 925 silver.
Silver is a very soft, malleable metal. So, jewelry makers mix silver with stronger metals to improve the durability of their designs. Sterling silver is also better for intricate designs and delicate filigree.
Keep reading for our guide to identifying real silver jewelry so you can avoid the fakes.
1. Magnet Test
Silver is not magnetic. So, you can use a small magnet to test the authenticity of silver jewelry before you buy it.
Simply bring a small magnet with you to the jewelry store and test it on the pieces that interest you. If any of them have a magnetic reaction you know it isn’t pure silver, and that it is cut with other magnetic metals.
2. Smell Test
Real sterling silver should be completely odorless. If you notice a metallic smell coming from a piece of silver jewelry, then it isn’t 925 sterling silver. It likely has too much copper in it, which causes a metallic smell.
3. Nitric Acid Test
Okay, so this test is a bit more scientific make sure to have the right equipment. Take a drop of nitric acid and apply it to your silver jewelry. If the jewelry turns green then it’s not authentic sterling silver.
Nitric acid is a chemical that reacts to cooper. So, if it turns your silver greenish then there is too much cooper in the piece.
4. Weigh Test
Real silver is heavy, it has a solid feel to it when it’s held. One of the easiest ways to test a piece of jewelry is by comparing it’s weight to another piece of silver jewelry.
Bring a pair of silver earrings with you to the jewelry store. Hold both pieces at the same time and compare their relative weights. If the new piece feels much lighter than your silver earnings, it probably isn’t real sterling silver.
5. Cloth Test
The cloth test is one of the easiest ways to see if you have authentic sterling silver. Rub the silver piece in question with a light-colored cloth. If dark marks appear on the cloth, the jewelry real sterling silver.
Silver oxidizes when exposed to air, this is what causes silver to tarnish over time. When you rub a piece of silver jewelry with a cloth, the tarnish will transfer on to the cloth.
6. Stamp Test
Any easy way to verify sterling silver is by looking for a stamp somewhere on the piece. Real sterling silver is marked is a small 925 stamp that lets you know it is authentic. Silver jewelry without a stamp is probably not real sterling silver.
Bring a small magnifying glass with you so that you can examine each piece carefully before you buy it.
Identify Real Silver Jewelry
Silver is a beautiful precious metal that complements so many skin tones and styles. When you invest in a beautiful piece of silver jewelry you want to make sure it is real silver. Use our guide to help you find authentic sterling silver jewelry.
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