Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of personal expression. Whether a stunning diamond necklace or a simple charm bracelet, jewelry can instantly increase confidence and style. The good news is that the value of the jewelry market is projected to grow significantly, increasing from about 270 billion U.S. dollars in 2022 to over 330 billion dollars by 2026. However, the not-so-great news is that plenty of jewelry looks silver but is actually made from cheaper metals.

These lower-quality metals will often resemble shiny or matte white metals, similar to vintage designs. However, they can cause skin reactions and aren’t as valuable as real silver.

So, how can you tell if the jewelry you buy is the real deal? This article shares some simple tests you can do to check whether silver jewelry is real or silver-plated and why you need to partner with a trusted silver jewelry manufacturer.

What is Sliver Jewelry/Real Silver?

Did you know that silver jewelry is rarely pure silver? Pure silver is too soft and brittle for most jewelry, so it’s often mixed with other metals to make it stronger. The most common alloy is sterling silver, which is 92.5% silver, and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. Look for a “925” stamp on the piece to confirm its authenticity.

Other types of silver include fine silver (99.9%) and Britannia silver (95.8%). While fine silver looks beautiful, it’s softer and easily damaged.

What is Silver-Plated Jewelry?

Silver-plated jewelry has a thin layer of silver on the surface, applied over a base metal like copper or brass. While silver plating can give jewelry a shiny appearance, it lacks the same quality and durability as real silver. Over time, the silver layer can wear away, revealing the base metal beneath. Check out our blog to learn more about the different types of silver used in jewelry.

Ways to Tell If a Piece of Jewelry Is Real Silver

The Hallmark

The easiest way to determine if an item is sterling silver or silver plated is to look for a hallmark or stamp. This stamp is found on your flatware, tea sets, or other silver items and indicates the maker and the material. Sterling silver pieces usually bear marks such as “EP” (electroplated), “EPNS” (electroplated nickel silver), or “Silver on copper.”

However, not all silver-plated items have hallmarks, so a lack of one could suggest that the item isn’t sterling silver. You’ll often find hallmarks on the back of flatware handles or the bottom of larger items.

Examine Color and Shine

Real silver has a bright, shiny appearance. If the jewelry looks dull or discolored, it might be silver-plated. Pay attention to the color. Authentic silver has a consistent hue throughout, while silver-plated items may show signs of wear or fading, especially in areas that come into contact with skin.

The Magnet Test

Generally, silver doesn’t attract magnets. You'll need a stronger magnet to do a magnet test, which you can easily find at a hardware store. Start by placing your silver jewelry on a non-magnetic surface and slowly bringing the magnet closer. You likely have genuine silver if the piece doesn’t react or repel the magnet. However, if it attracts the magnet, it is probably silver-plated or made from another metal.

Note that necklace and bracelet clasps often contain a steel spring, which can pull towards a magnet. Test the jewelry's central part, not the clasp, to get more accurate results.

Perform an Odor Test

Sterling silver is odorless. So, give the item a sniff. If you detect a sulfur smell or a strong metallic scent, it’s likely not sterling silver. Such odors indicate the item is silver-plated or made from a different metal. This test works well for those with a keen sense of smell.

Put Ice on It

This fun test exploits silver’s superior heat conductivity. Simply place an ice cube on your jewelry. Real silver conducts heat well, causing the ice to melt quickly. If the ice doesn’t melt faster than it would on other metals, your jewelry may not be genuine silver.

The Skin Test

Another way to identify real silver is through the skin test. Wear the jewelry for a few hours and observe your skin. If you notice green or black marks on your skin, it could indicate that the jewelry is silver-plated or made of a different metal. Real sterling silver is less likely to cause skin reactions, though some people may still have sensitivities.

Take It to a Professional Jeweler

Consider consulting a professional jeweler for the most accurate results, especially if you’re handling high volumes of jewelry. Skilled jewelers have specialized equipment and expertise to thoroughly assess the metal content, giving you a definitive answer on whether your jewelry is real silver. Working with a professional jeweler also ensures consistency across your collection. A trusted jeweler can quickly verify authenticity in bulk, saving you time and helping you maintain quality standards for your customers.

Why Real Silver Matters for Your Store's Reputation

Knowing how to tell if jewelry is real silver is important for building trust and customer satisfaction. Customers want to know they are investing in quality products that will last. By ensuring that your pieces are authentic silver, you can foster a loyal customer base that appreciates the value of real silver jewelry.

For jewelry stores seeking quality products, partnering with a silver jewelry manufacturer like Topaz Silver Jewelry can improve your range. Topaz Silver Jewelry provides high-quality silver jewelry, ensuring you have access to authentic pieces that meet customer expectations. Our jewelry is made from 925 sterling silver and undergoes strict quality checks to guarantee excellence. We also offer bulk purchasing options, making our jewelry affordable for wholesale buyers.