How do I tell real silver? Five tests you can do at home
At home, real silver is best recognised by its hallmark (925, 835, 800 or STERLING), backed up by four simple tests. None of those tests on its own proves that something is solid silver. Together they give a good first impression; only a measurement gives certainty.
Test 1: find the hallmark
Use a loupe on the back of a handle, on a clasp or inside a ring. These marks point to solid silver:
- 999 – fine silver.
- 925, STERLING or STER – sterling silver, 92.5 per cent.
- 835, 833, 830 and 800 – common European alloys.
- A lion or a sword – Dutch hallmarks for silver.
Watch out for 90, 100, EPNS and nickel silver. Those marks mean silver plated or no silver at all.
Test 2: the magnet
Silver is not magnetic. If an object sticks to a strong magnet, it is steel or contains iron, and it is not solid silver.
The reverse proves nothing: copper, brass and nickel silver are not magnetic either. The magnet rules out one kind of fake, no more.
Test 3: the ice cube
Silver conducts heat better than any other metal. Place an ice cube on a solid silver object and it melts noticeably faster than on steel or a plate, because the silver draws in the warmth of the room at great speed.
The limit: copper conducts heat almost as well, so a large silver-plated copper dish can also score well. With small jewellery the difference is too small to see.
Test 4: the white cloth
Rub an inconspicuous spot with a white cotton cloth. Silver oxidises, and a black or grey smear on the cloth points to silver.
It is a clue, not proof: silver-plated work also leaves a black smear, because the outside is silver. A clean, freshly polished object, on the other hand, leaves little behind.
Test 5: the sound
Tap a silver coin or spoon gently against another coin. Solid silver gives a clear, long ringing tone; nickel, tin and many alloys sound duller and shorter.
This test requires a trained ear and a reference piece you know to be genuine. It works poorly for cutlery and hollow objects.
Tests you are better off skipping
Only a measurement gives certainty. At XGOUD we determine the silver fineness by X-ray analysis, without a scratch and while you watch. The valuation is free and without obligation.
- Acid test – nitric acid is corrosive, gives off toxic fumes and leaves a stain. Leave this to a professional.
- Bleach – silver turns black in it, but it permanently damages the surface.
- Scratching or filing – looking under a layer damages the object, and with antiques that can cost value.
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Questions about How do I tell real silver
How do I tell real silver?
The most reliable sign is the hallmark: 925, 835, 800, STERLING or a Dutch lion or sword. Magnet, ice cube, white cloth and sound are supporting clues; only a measurement gives certainty.
Is silver magnetic?
No. If an object sticks to a magnet, it is not solid silver. But copper, brass and nickel silver are not magnetic either, so a negative magnet test proves nothing.
Does the ice cube test really work?
As a clue with larger objects, yes: silver conducts heat best of all metals, so ice melts quickly on it. Copper does almost as well, so it is not proof.
Can I test silver with acid at home?
We advise against it. Nitric acid is corrosive, gives off toxic fumes and leaves a permanent stain. An X-ray measurement at a buyer is free and damages nothing.
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Sources
Where you can verify what you have just read.
- LBMAThe London gold and silver price our daily rate is built on
- WaarborgHollandThe Dutch assay office that verifies fineness and strikes hallmarks
Rather just have it looked at?
A valuation is free and without obligation, at a location near you.