How to Identify Pure Silver Jewellery Before You Buy?

It is always a pleasure to purchase silver jewellery. Its glamour, stylishness, and cheapness are the reasons why it is loved by many people. But with a multitude of counterfeit products present in the market, it becomes necessary to have the skill of distinguishing a real silver from a fake one. Finding out the methods of identifying pure silver will give you the opportunity to use your money wisely and be sure that your jewellery will still be beautiful after a long time of use.

Find the Hallmark

The easiest method to distinguish pure silver is to find out if there is a hallmark. Most of the time, the pieces made of real silver come with the words "925", "Sterling", or "Ster" printed on them. These figures and names tell that the product has 92.5% pure silver, and the rest, 7.5%, is other metals, generally copper. The certification is there for the consumers in a very discreet manner, and it can be found on the inner side of the rings, in the back of the pendants, or next to the closing of the chains and bracelets. If the item is lacking a hallmark or any type of labelling, it could very well be that it is not 100% silver.

Try the Magnet Test

As silver is a non-magnetic metal, it is not attracted to magnets. You can check this in your home with a small magnet. In case the jewellery is attracted by the magnet, then it is made of a different metal. Still, this testing method is not always enough because some counterfeit items are fabricated from non-magnetic metals, which resemble silver. Therefore, it is advisable to make use of this method together with other methods for confirming the metal's purity.

Check for Tarnish or Discolouration

The fact is that silver is a natural element that reacts with air and moisture over time, so it may show a light black or yellowish tarnish on its surface. This is perfectly normal and can be removed by a soft cloth or silver cleaner. However, colour loss or green patches are the signs of the fakes that have been done in silver or plated silver and that have only been used for a short period. If you find that the jewellery loses its shine too fast or the colour changes in an uneven way, then most likely it is not real silver.

Perform a Nitric Acid Test

Performing a nitric acid test is an additional dependable method that can be used to determine if your silver jewellery is authentic. A single drop of nitric acid on pure silver results in the metal turning a creamy white colour. In case the silver is a fake or is plated, the spot will be green. This test is precise, but it must be done with care or by a professional jeweller.

Compare the Weight and Sound

Every metal has its own characteristic, and this is true for silver too, in terms of weight and sound. Real silver jewellery is solid and slightly heavy to the touch when compared with fake ones, which are usually made of aluminium or other lightweight metals. Whereas tapping on pure silver will give you a low, soft, and metal sound, the dull sound will come from the fake silver. Although skilful jewellers may be able to determine the authenticity of an item just by feeling or tapping it, still, with some practice, you yourself can learn to catch these distinctions.

Shine Test with Polish

Polishing silver slightly with a soft white cloth may also be a way of figuring out whether it is pure or not. A real piece of silver leaves a little black spot on the cloth as the metal naturally oxidises. This is an indication that the metal is authentic. On the contrary, the fake silver pieces will not leave any stains, and if they cause any, it will be due to their being coated.

Get from Nice and Secure Shops

Surely, purchasing silver jewellery from a trusted and reliable jeweller is the most effective way of confirming its authenticity. Long-time jewellers give purity certificates and keep quality standards. They also provide purchase-back benefits, and their products are accompanied by authenticity warranties. Do not forget to ask for an invoice and a hallmark certificate when you are buying.

The Bottom Line

Pure silver jewellery is a wise investment, as it can be used for a long time and will maintain its beauty as well as its value. Fake silver might be attractive at the beginning, but it is very likely that it will become faded, will cause skin irritation, or will break quickly. Real silver not only beautifies longer but also keeps its value over time. Knowing these easy identification tips, you can be sure of your silver and be at your leisure.

About Shubh Jewellers

Shubh Jewellers is a reliable brand that is known for offering authentic silver jewellery 100%. Starting from simple silver chains and rings to artistic silver bracelets and kadas, each one is a reflection of purity and the art of the creator. Quality is the main thing that the brand assures, along with the timeless charm that it brings into your collection. Come to Shubh Jewellers, and discover stunning silver pieces that you can trust and cherish for a ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌lifetime.