Sterling Silver Is Definitely Not Cheap

If you buy a bracelet, necklace, or earrings made of 925 silver, you’re likely making a significant investment. But it’s one that’s well worth it, as sterling silver tends to increase in value over time.

That’s why it’s so important not to get fooled when purchasing 925 silver jewelry.

This is a real issue because many jewelers are known to sell silver-plated pieces that aren’t actually sterling silver. While sterling silver is more affordable than precious metals like gold, it still holds considerable value—and unfortunately, fake imitations are often sold on the market.

For example, it’s common to come across silver-plated jewelry being marketed as real 925 silver. These pieces contain only a minimal amount of silver and tend to deteriorate sooner rather than later.

That’s why learning how to identify genuine sterling silver can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Here are some techniques that will help you spot the real thing and avoid untrustworthy sellers:

1. Rub the jewelry with a soft white cloth:
If you see black marks on the cloth, it’s likely genuine silver. That’s because exposure to air causes real silver to oxidize over time, leaving behind a dark residue.

2. Nitric acid test (if possible):
When nitric acid is applied to the jewelry, it will turn a grayish color if it’s real sterling silver. If it’s a different metal, it will likely turn green. Always ask a jeweler if they can perform this test—any professional selling real silver should have no objection. Keep in mind that nitric acid is highly corrosive and should only be handled by professionals with proper safety equipment.

3. Smell test:
Genuine sterling silver should not have a strong odor. If it smells metallic, it probably contains too much copper or other alloys.

4. Magnet test:
Silver is not magnetic. If your jewelry is attracted to a magnet, it’s not made of real 925 silver.

In short, you can avoid a lot of trouble by buying authentic sterling silver jewelry from a trustworthy and professional seller like Laurensons.com.