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Sterling silver tarnishes simply by being in contact with the air. Pure silver is, like gold, impervious to tarnish, or oxidation on the surface.

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% (by mass) of silver and 7.5% of other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum fineness of 925.

Fine silver is 99.9% pure and is generally too soft for producing functional objects; therefore, the silver is usually alloyed with copper to give it strength while preserving the ductility and beauty of the precious metal.

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βˆ™ 12y ago
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To identify sterling silver, look for hallmarks like β€œ925” or β€œSterling” stamped on the piece. You can also perform a magnet test, as sterling silver is not magnetic. Additionally, silver polish can be used to test for tarnish, which is a characteristic of real silver.

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Q: How do you tell sterling silver?
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How do you tell the difference between sterling and nickel silver?

Nickel silver is an alloy of nickel, copper, and zinc, while sterling silver is an alloy of silver and copper. You can tell the difference between the two by looking for a marking such as "925," which indicates sterling silver's higher silver content compared to nickel silver. Sterling silver will also have a brighter appearance and may tarnish less than nickel silver.


How can you tell if a necklace is sterling silver?

To determine if a necklace is sterling silver, look for a marking of β€œ925” on the necklace, which indicates that it is 92.5% silver. You can also use a jewelry testing kit to confirm the silver content. Another way is to check for tarnishing properties, as sterling silver tends to tarnish when exposed to air.


How can you tell if you have a real Bella bracelet and not a fake how do you tell if they are solid sterling silver and not plated?

To determine if a Bella bracelet is genuine sterling silver, look for a hallmark such as "925" or "Sterling" stamped on it. You can also perform a simple magnet test - sterling silver is not magnetic. Additionally, consider getting it tested by a professional jeweler to verify its authenticity.


How can I tell if a ring is made from sterling silver?

Look for markings such as "925" or "Sterling" stamped on the ring, indicating it is made from sterling silver which is 92.5% pure silver. You can also use a silver testing kit or visit a jeweler who can authenticate the metal composition for you.


How can one tell if a sterling silver chain is real?

You can test if a sterling silver chain is real by checking for a hallmark (e.g., "925" or "STERLING"), using a magnet (silver is not magnetic), conducting a nitric acid test (silver does not react to nitric acid), or seeking a professional jeweler's evaluation.

Related questions

I want to get silver earrings; how can you tell whicg is the best quality of silver?

you always want to make sure to get sterling silver. If it is sterling silver, it will have .925 or sterling stamped on it


Is international silver real silver?

International Silver is, as far as I can tell, a brand owned by the Lifetime Sterling company, and is sterling silver, which is real silver but not pure silver.


How can you tell if a ring online is real sterling silver?

'Sterling' silver is real silver. Any item that is described as 'Sterling' silver will always be real silver as 'Sterling' is actually the name gives to the 925 purity of silver. Sterling is 92.5% purity. This is the standard of real silver as we know it.It will also be hallmarked with the number of fineness at 925, as classified internationally as Sterling Silver.


What markings other than sterling indicate that a piece of tableware is sterling silver?

how do you tell?


How do you tell the difference between sterling and nickel silver?

Nickel silver is an alloy of nickel, copper, and zinc, while sterling silver is an alloy of silver and copper. You can tell the difference between the two by looking for a marking such as "925," which indicates sterling silver's higher silver content compared to nickel silver. Sterling silver will also have a brighter appearance and may tarnish less than nickel silver.


How can you tell if a necklace is sterling silver?

To determine if a necklace is sterling silver, look for a marking of β€œ925” on the necklace, which indicates that it is 92.5% silver. You can also use a jewelry testing kit to confirm the silver content. Another way is to check for tarnishing properties, as sterling silver tends to tarnish when exposed to air.


How can you tell if you have a real Bella bracelet and not a fake how do you tell if they are solid sterling silver and not plated?

To determine if a Bella bracelet is genuine sterling silver, look for a hallmark such as "925" or "Sterling" stamped on it. You can also perform a simple magnet test - sterling silver is not magnetic. Additionally, consider getting it tested by a professional jeweler to verify its authenticity.


How can you tell if a 1883 FBRodgers piece is silver or silverplated?

FB Rodgers was a manufacturer of silver plated products and did not produce any sterling. To tell if a piece of silver is sterling or plate, the word sterling or .925 or 925/1000 must be stamped somewhere on the piece. If it is not, it is plate or some other material.


How can I tell if a ring is made from sterling silver?

Look for markings such as "925" or "Sterling" stamped on the ring, indicating it is made from sterling silver which is 92.5% pure silver. You can also use a silver testing kit or visit a jeweler who can authenticate the metal composition for you.


How can one tell if a sterling silver chain is real?

You can test if a sterling silver chain is real by checking for a hallmark (e.g., "925" or "STERLING"), using a magnet (silver is not magnetic), conducting a nitric acid test (silver does not react to nitric acid), or seeking a professional jeweler's evaluation.


What is worth more sterling silver or silver?

"Sterling silver" refers to the purity of a particular silver object - specifically, sterling silver is 92.5% silver.


How can you tell if something is real sterling silver?

Real sterling silver should be stamped with a hallmark such as "925" or "Sterling" to indicate its purity. You can also use a magnet to test its authenticity, as sterling silver is not magnetic. Additionally, rubbing a white cloth against the metal should leave black marks, called tarnish, which is a sign of genuine silver.