Are you searching for a beautiful new addition to your silver collection?
Here’s what to look for to determine if an item is real silver or something else.
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Rhett Outtenis the co-owner of the Charleston, South Carolina-basedCroghan’s Jewel Box.
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Its also likely to reveal the underlying metal, as the silver coating can wear over time.
Unlike sterling silver, Outten says that plated silver cant be returned to its natural state by polishing.
Instead, it would have to be re-plated, which she says can be problematic.
The piece may also be stamped with the word sterling to show its value.
If it is not stamped, my advice is to stay away from the piece, Outten says.
She also notes that plated pieces will most often feel heavier than a piece made from sterling silver.
We advise customers to buy what they love because if they love it, they will use it.
Use a magnet
See if the metal reacts to a magnet.
Precious metals such as silver, gold, andcopperare not magnetic.
If a magnet is strongly attracted to the metal, it is not pure silver.
Plated silver has a metal base of nickel or pewter, which is magnetic.
Try the polish test
Use a clean, soft cloth to rub thetarnished silver.
If there is black residue on the cloth, its real silver.
Silver-plated items will tarnish, but they cannot be cleaned with polish.
Melt an ice cube
Place an ice cube on the silver item.
If it melts fast, it’s probably silver.
Hold it to flame
This easy trick uses a lighter to determine whether silver is real.
Hold a lighter flame to a small spot on the back of the silver item.
If it turns dark or black, it’s authentic.
Remove the stain by polishing the piece.
U.S. Geological Survey.What is sterling silver?
Aerospace Metals.What is Silver Plating and how it works?
