Silver is used in jewelry, household items, and decorations.It can be difficult to distinguish the purity of silver from metal fakes.It's easy to figure out the purity of silver items with an etching on them.If your item is free of etchings, you can do a few simple observation tests.An acid test can tell you if the item is silver if you damage a small spot.
Step 1: Examine a piece of jewelry to see if there is a mark on it.
The purity of sterling silver is shown by the etching with a 925 on most pieces.The majority of the item is silver, while the rest is a different metal.If it is real sterling silver, look for it on the item.Bracelets and necklaces are usually etched around the clasp.There are rings on the inside of the band.
Step 2: If the item is not jewelry, look for any number between 800-950.
A lower percentage of pure silver may be found in silver pieces that are labeled as sterling silver.These items are still worth something.For a number between 800 and 950, check the bottom of serving ware and decorative items.The number 800 indicates that the item is 80% silver, 850 indicates 85%, 900 indicates 90% and 950 indicates 95 percent silver.The etching will be on the underside of the item, but it could be along the side.
Step 3: There is a mark that says sterling on the item.
Silver serving ware, such as teapots or serving trays, have the word "sterling" etched on them.There is a mark on the bottom of the item.It is possible that items that are not real silver have the brand name.The item is probably not real if it doesn't say "sterling" or have a number printed on it.
Step 4: If it smells metallic or sulfur, it's time to Sniff it.
Many metals pick up odors from oils on your skin.After handling metals like iron and nickel, they start to smell, but silver doesn't pick up body odor.If the item has a metallic smell or sulfur smell, you should check it.If the core is made of a different metal, it will smell like silver.If your item came into contact with something smelly, you might not be able to use the sniff test.A tray with perfume on it might smell like it.
Step 5: When you touch it, listen for a ring.
The ring on silver is nicer than the less expensive ones.If there is a crisp, high-pitched ping that lasts 1-2 seconds, hold the item in your hand and tap it.It is likely that the item you hear is not real silver.It will sound like a small bell.
Step 6: To find out if there is an attraction, hold a magnet close to the item.
A magnet won't react to silver because it's not magnetic.Many of the metals that are used in place of silver are magnetic.You can check your item's magnetism by holding a magnet near it.The piece probably isn't real silver if you feel a pull on the magnet or it sticks to the item.The magnet could cause scratching, so don't slide it along the piece.If you know you are going to be shopping for silver at a thrift store or flea market, you should bring a magnet with you.Some metals can pass the test but are not silver.If you want to rule out items but not confirm if they're silver, use the magnet test.
Step 7: There are Polish tarnished spots on the piece.
You can see a dark tarnish on a real silver item.The silver polishing cloth will wipe the silver from the surface of the item.Check your cloth for black smudges after Rub a polishing cloth on the tarnished area.It is most likely silver if you see smudges on the cloth.It's best to use a polishing cloth made for silver because it won't damage your silver items.You can wipe off the tarnish with any fabric.The tarnish is rubbing off the spots on the cloth.
Step 8: An ice cube is quickly melting on the item.
The high thermal Conductivity of silver means it holds heat.Ice will melt quicker on silver than on other metals.2 ice cubes are needed to test if your item is silver.If the ice cube on the silver is quicker to melt, place one on a different surface.You could put an ice cube on a silver ring and plate.You should make sure that the item you are testing and the one you use are both at room temperature.
Step 9: An acid test is a last resort and can cause damage.
The area will be stained after the test.If they are for scrap, do an acid test on them.If you are testing serving ware or jewelry, you should only do the acid test on an area that is visible.The acid should leave a dark brown or red spot if the item is real silver.
Step 10: Gloves are worn while handling acids.
Acids are dangerous so always wear gloves.After handling the acid, use disposable rubber gloves.If you buy a kit, it may come with gloves.
Step 11: Purchase silver.
If you want to rely on the results, you should buy acid that is made for testing silver.You can buy testing acid from a silver recycler.The acid solution for testing silver usually consists of nitric acid and muriatic acid.Some products only have nitric acid.
Step 12: The acid solution should be applied to the item.
The dropper should be on the top of your acid bottle.Put the bottle of acid over the item and squeeze out the drop.The acid will damage the item, so only apply 1 drop.You may need to etch the surface of the item if you suspect it is silver plated.To make a small gash in the surface, you need to use a metal object like the end of a screwdriver.The item's silver plate will be damaged by this.
Step 13: To find out if the item is silver, check the color of the acid.
If the acid changes color, watch it for a few minutes.The acid under the item will change color if it isn't silver.A fake item will turn green.If the item is silver, it won't change color.If you follow the instructions in your kit, you can determine if your item is real silver.You should get a color guide from your kit.If the item is real silver, the acid will probably stay the same or turn reddish brown.If the item is fake, the acid may turn green or light brown.