Silver is an attractive and sophisticated metal that compliments all kinds of skin tones. Real silver is not as expensive as gold, but there is a very large market for the sale of Sterling Silver. Sterling silver is particularly popular among younger consumers.
Unfortunately, there are tons of fakes out there when it comes to sterling silver jewelry. It is important to be able to spot fake sterling silver jewelry, because it can be quite difficult to untrained eyes. Sellers many times take advantage of this reason, selling fake sterling silver at the price of real sterling silver. Here are some points will help you to know how to spot fake sterling silver jewelry.
How can you spot Fake Sterling Silver Jewelry?

  1. Level of Purity:

 

Pure silver is very soft too use for long-lasting jewelry, so it is mixed with alloys to help it harden and remain durable. Real silver jewelry should be at least 92.5 % pure silver, with the remaining made of the other metal alloys. The level of purity is normally indicated by a .925 engraving on the piece of jewelry. Look for the stamp on the back of silver pendants, clasps and inside of the ring.

 

  1. Hallmark Stamp:

 

Just like gold, real silver should have a small stamp or engraving. This stamp contains information about the date it was made and the silversmith. A stamp that reads EPNS signifies electro plated nickel silver, which means it is sterling silver.

 

  1. Steer Clear of Silver Plate:

 

Silver Plated Jewelry is usually not real silver; when the silver plating            tarnishes or begins to wear off, it reveals the real metal underneath.   Some of these metals can cause skin rashes and metal allergies. Beware of purchasing jewelry that is simply silver plated by looking for the A1 engraving.

 

  1. Nitric Acid:

 

Another way to spot fake sterling silver is to test in nitric acid. This can be done by a local jewelry shop, but can also be done at home.

A nitric acid test is normally done on an unnoticeable area of the piece of jewelry. Rub the area thoroughly until the surface plating has been erased. Place a couple of drops of nitric acid onto the area and wait a few minutes. If the liquid turns cloudy grey, then the item is sterling silver. If the liquid turns green then the item is silver plated.

 

Remember that silver jewelry is never made up of 100% pure silver:

Sterling silver is mixed with alloys to make it durable and long wearing.
The most reliable way to ensure that you purchase real silver jewelry is to buy from a trusted seller such as Silver Jewelry Doctor.
For more information visit us on: https://www.www.silverjewelrydoctor.com/