If you're in the market for jewelry, you're likely looking at different options. One option may be silver. It is a common choice as it is one of the more beautiful metals you can find. But as you shop, you'll notice there are different types of silver.
Pure Silver vs. Sterling Silver
The main difference between these two types of silver is their composition. Pure silver is 99.9% silver, with the other 0.1% typically being copper or nickel. This actually makes pure silver incredibly soft — it is difficult to work with because it cannot hold a shape.
Sterling silver is a mix of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper (or nickel). This earned it the nickname of "925 Sterling Silver." Combining metals makes it much harder and easier to shape into jewelry. If you see an intricate piece of jewelry, it is likely made of sterling silver.
Professional Testing Methods
The first thing you should really do is bring your product into a jewelry store. The experts at Elite Jewelry and Loan can test the metal accurately.
Nitric Acid Test
This is the most accurate and easily attainable way to test silver. A drop of nitric acid on a fake silver product will turn a greenish hue. If the acid becomes a cloudy grey, then the piece is real.
X-Ray Fluorescence
This test does not risk damaging the piece. The x-ray can tell if a piece contains the right amount of silver and other trace elements to be considered pure sterling silver.
At-Home Testing Methods
The Stamp Test
The easiest way to tell if sterling silver is real is by finding the imprint on your piece. Rings, necklaces, and bracelets made of sterling silver will have a "925" stamp somewhere. On rings, the stamp is usually on the inside band. Bracelets and necklaces will often have them on the clasp.
However, anyone can stamp a piece of jewelry regardless of authenticity, so don't rely on this test alone.
The Weight Test
Find a piece similar in size that you know for certain to be real sterling silver. Compare the weight of the two with your hands or a gram scale. If they are similar in weight, then you likely have a real piece.
The Magnet Test
Silver is not magnetic. Test your jewelry with a strong magnet. If your piece snaps to the magnet, then it is not true sterling silver.
The Tarnish Test
If your piece tarnishes over time, it's likely real sterling silver. You can also rub the jewelry with a white polishing cloth — if the cloth turns black, it's picking up tarnish from real silver.
Be aware that if a ring leaves a green mark on your skin, it's likely fake. This is caused by chemicals used to give the piece its silver look.
The Ice Test
Silver has the highest thermal conductivity of any metal. Put a piece of ice on a silver coin — if the ice melts significantly faster than normal, the coin is likely silver.
Need Your Silver Tested?
If you're searching for sterling silver jewelry, check out Elite Jewelry and Loan's expansive inventory. We also offer collateral loans on most jewelry.
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