How can I identify real silver?

Answer by  aarmitage (53)

It helps to know that the periodic number for silver is 925. Items that are silver will have 925 stamped in them.

Answer by  Purple (948)

Sterling Silver is always marked with the identification mark such as S.S. or Italian (It) or a weight number. There are times when it isn't marked but most pieces are.

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

Well, the thing is with real silver, you can take any magnet close to it and it will not stick.

Answer by  beck (1099)

The surest way is to purchase a testing kit. You will have to make a tiny scratch in the silver in an inconspicuous spot in case the metal is silver plate, this will assure that you are testing beneath the surface. Silver is usually marked, 925 is sterling.

Answer by  worker30 (43)

Place a small drop of French's yellow mustard on to the metal in question. This particular brand has a high sulfur content. Then heat it with a cigarette lighter. If it is silver it will leave a dark stain on the metal. This can easily be cleaned off with vinegar.

Answer by  amber85 (147)

By law real silver is marked with a 925. If you can't find it the smell it. Silver should not have a smell.

Answer by  Alev (23)

Real silver makes never a green color on your body. Earring, that's made from real silver, doesn't hurt your ear and doesn't make allergy. Fake products are not so heavy.

Answer by  alex45 (13)

Real silver can be identified by the "9.25" imprinted somewhere on your silver piece. Be sure that it is "9.25" and not something that LOOKS like a "9.25", because some fakes are made.

Answer by  mrsmyers (474)

You can look for the engraving on it which should tell you, or take it to a jewler to have them tell you!

Answer by  ladybud (1069)

Real silver will be marked.925.This number could change if the silver is mixed with a base metal.The higher the number mean's the more Pure silver it is.Lower the number mean's it's mixed with another metal.The.945-.925 is jewelry grade and .249-.549 would be silver ware Grade.

Answer by  mansi (521)

1)If it is real silver a magnet will not stick to it. 2)Make it tarnish. However, if its silver alloyed with zinc, it will be resistant to tarnishing. 3)Usually there is an engraving which identifies the silver. 4)give it the old mustard test. 5) take it to a jewler and let them examine it for you.