Silver is a flexible metal, hence the need to combine it with other metals in jewelry. However, it is sometimes difficult to separate things and we can quickly mistake a costume jewel for a silver jewel, when this is not the case. Here are 3 tips to stop being fooled.
What is real money?
In order for a piece of jewellery to be considered a silver coin, it must be composed of at least 92.5% silver and less than 7.5% other metal. Generally, jewelers use copper when making rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, earrings, etc. Silver metal and silver have nothing to do with each other. Most of the time, silver-colored jewelry is made of ordinary metal dipped in a silver bath to be covered with a thin layer. It can therefore quickly disappear over time, especially if it is a ring, a strap, a plate or a bracelet that are exposed to shocks and blows. Just like other precious metals, silver must therefore be hallmarked so that the purity of the metal can be known. However, some products such as cutlery have a punch when they are only plated.
3 tips to verify the authenticity of a silver jewel
There are 3 simple tips to know if you have a costume jewel or a silver jewel in your hands:
- Look for the hallmark: in case your ring or any other jewel is made of solid silver, it must bear a hallmark. The most commonly used are "92.5", "925", "Sterling", "S/S" and "Sterling 92.5". In France, we can also see the head of Minerva. The best way to analyze a hallmark is to go to a jewelry store because old hallmarks exist and its very little known. If in addition your jewel comes from another country, it is even more difficult to identify it.
- Look at the color: silver is a rather opaque metal, which oxidizes quickly, unless it is rhodium-plated. Thus, the duller the color of a jewel, the more likely it is that it is real money. A silver-plated costume jewel is usually shiny.
- Do the magnet test: silver is not a magnetized metal. The test is simple: using a magnet, try to attract your jewel. If it is magnetized, it is a costume jewel.
Otherwise, you do have a silver jewel.
