Authentic 925 sterling silver is 92.5% silver combined with copper, and that's why it is called 925 sterling silver. Silver can never be used in its pure form as it is an extremely soft metal which makes it difficult to cut unique designs. So to create some intricate design in silver, it is combined with a hard metal such as copper. However, there are many fake available in the market which makes it difficult for the buyer to see the difference between steel and 925 sterling silver.

Here are a few techniques that can help see the difference and save yourself from being cheated.

  • Soft white cloth test - Take a soft white cloth and rub the jewelry with it. If you find any black residue on the fabric, it means the sterling silver is real. Exposing sterling silver to any air causes it to oxidize, which deteriorates with use and time. Because sterling silver is polished, it leaves black marks when rubbed on by a cloth.

  • Nitric acid test - When buying sterling silver jewelry, to check its authenticity you can ask the jeweler to run a nitric acid test. If he is selling you a genuine product, he won’t object on your request. Wear gloves and glasses before conducting the test to protect your eyes and hands from the acid. Real sterling silver will appear creamy in color when the acid touched the metal. The fake one will appear green in color.

  • The smell test - helps you identify a fake one. Real sterling silver doesn’t have any smell. But if smell some strong metallic smell, this means that the amount of copper is very high.

  • The magnet test - is a way to know if the jewelry is real or fake. Just like gold or platinum, the magnet does not affect silver. The moment the magnet pulls the jewelry towards it, it means the sterling silver is fake.

  • Genuine markings - Look of marking such as “Ster,” “925” or “Sterling Silver” in a specific area on the jewelry. If you don’t see these markings, then the sterling silver may not be real.

Now you know how to identify genuine 925 sterling silver. Of course, there are few tips highlighted here, like the smell test and the magnet test, that you cannot use when purchasing silver jewelry online. So, it is best to check with the jewelry store about the marking on the silver jewelry.