925 Sterling Silver Jewelry: How to tell Real or Fake ?
There are several types of silver that are commonly used in jewelry making:
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Sterling silver: Sterling silver is an alloy made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. It is a popular choice for jewelry because it is strong, durable, and relatively inexpensive.
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Fine silver: Fine silver, also known as pure silver, is 99.9% pure silver. It is softer and more prone to tarnish than sterling silver, so it is not as commonly used in jewelry making.
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Argentium silver: Argentium silver is a modern silver alloy that contains a higher percentage of pure silver (93.5%) and a lower percentage of other metals. It is known for its bright white color and resistance to tarnish.
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Coin silver: Coin silver is an alloy made up of 90% silver and 10% other metals. It was historically used to make coins, and it is still used in some jewelry today.
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German silver: German silver is an alloy made up of nickel, copper, and zinc, with no actual silver content. It is known for its bright white color and resistance to tarnish, and it is often used as a cheaper alternative to sterling silver in jewelry making.
When shopping for silver jewelry, it's important to be aware of the type of silver being used, as it can affect the quality, durability, and price of the piece.
If you want to buy sterling silver jewelry, there are a few things you should consider to make sure you are making a smart and informed purchase:
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Look for a hallmark or stamp: Sterling silver jewelry should be marked with a hallmark or stamp indicating its purity. In the case of 925 sterling silver, the hallmark should be "925" or "sterling." If the jewelry is not marked with a hallmark, it may be fake.
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Test the piece with a magnet: Silver is not magnetic, so if you place a magnet on a piece of silver jewelry and it sticks, it is likely not real silver. Keep in mind that this method is not foolproof, as some fake silver jewelry may not be magnetic.
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Check the weight of the piece: Real silver is denser than other metals, so a piece of silver jewelry should be heavier than a piece of jewelry made from a different metal of the same size.
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Examine the surface of the piece: Real silver has a smooth, lustrous surface that is free from blemishes or scratches. If the surface of the jewelry is rough or uneven, it may be fake.
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Seek a professional opinion: If you are still unsure whether the jewelry is real, you can take it to a professional jeweler or appraiser for evaluation.