How to Tell if Jewelry is Real Silver (6 Tips and Tricks in Less than 5 Minutes!

6 Quick Tips to Tell if a Piece of Jewelry is Real Silver
1. Look for a Hallmark Stamp: Look for a stamp or mark on the piece that says "STER," "925," "800," OR "999." 925 or STER means it's 92.5% pure silver, which is traditional sterling, 999 means 99.9% pure which is fine silver, and 800 means it's 80% pure silver or a lower quality than sterling silver. For flatware, the rules are WAY more confusing and I recommend looking up the brand or maker.
2. Hold a magnet up to it, but not the clasp! Magnets are drawn to iron and real silver jewelry should not have any iron in it, with 1 exception! Clasps will often have a steel spring in them and can attract the magnet.
3. Smell it! Yep! Know how a handful of coins smells? Your silver jewelry should not smell like that! It might have a slight odor is it is heavily tarnished, but other than that, there should be no metallic smell.
4. Put ice on it. This is how I test large pieces. Silver is an excellent conductor for heat and it will become cold very quickly and melt the ice so fast it'll look like it is heated up. This works especially well if you have a piece you know is silver or a piece you know isn't silver next to it and put ice on both at the same time. It's like a fun little race. If the piece gets cold all over very quickly, it very likely is silver.
5. Polish it with a new polishing cloth. Real silver will turn the cloth black.
6. Take it to a jeweler. Many jewelers can help you figure this out with a simple acid test or just by looking at it.
What is Silver Plated Jewelry?
Plated jewelry is trash. That might sound harsh, but it's the truth of the matter. The plating doesn't last and the material underneath is cheap and most likely toxic to wear. I know there can be fun plated pieces of jewelry out there, but the way they're made is highly toxic and almost always the people making them are in extremely hazardous working conditions with little pay.
You can only get a few wears out of a plated piece, especially rings and bracelets, before they break or wear through to the toxic material underneath. Since jewelry is worn in direct contact with your skin, why risk it?
How to Clean Silver Jewelry and What's the Best Silver Cleaner
The biggest thing here is to be mindful of any gemstones in the piece that might be sensitive to chemicals. To be safe, avoid getting any cleaners on gemstones, especially Opals and Pearls!
You can get a silver specific liquid jewelry cleaner to help remove tarnish, but I have found that I like using silver cleaners made for cleaning sterling silver flatware (spoons, bowls, forks...) I've had GREAT results with these and they are non toxic because they're meant to clean things you'll be eating on!
Why Does Silver Jewelry Turn Black?
Sadly, there's no way to completely have a totally tarnish free sterling silver. The alloy will always react with chemicals and oxidize (turn black.) The sterling silver reacts to sulfur in the air. The more humid the environment, the faster your silver will tarnish.
How can I keep my silver from turning black?
The cardinal rules are don’t sleep, exercise, swim, shower, or lather up in beauty products while sporting your jewelry. While this is the ideal scenario, I understand that life happens. I make my jewelry to be strong and durable, but, just to be up front, it is best to follow these guidelines.
Certain beauty products and pool chemicals can be bad for the metal, and sleeping in your jewelry does increase the likelihood of damage and increase the wear. If, by chance, you find your jewelry blackened by the hot tub or squashed from snoozing in it, feel free to ship it back and I will likely be able to restore it for you at no cost… or at least be able to advise you on how to do it yourself.
I also recommend keeping it in a safe place when you aren’t wearing it, ideally not in the open air where more sulfur can turn it black. If you have a plastic bag, that is ideal!
I've heard that put a few fresh chalk sticks in with your jewelry and switching them out every couple of months helps to absorb the sulfur and keep the jewelry from oxidizing, but I haven't personally tried it.
Every piece of Mettle by Abby if handmade with Argentium Silver, the highest quality silver alloy available to provide anti-tarnish and stunning shine, as well as 14k yellow, rose and white gold. If you ever accidently wear your piece in the hot tub or something to turn it black, you can send it back and I will refinish it for you and send it back looking like new!
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[@Jennifer-xq6yn]

A short, sweet and informative video. Thank you!

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

You're so welcome! Glad you liked it!

[@prunelicious7437]

I don’t know how I came across this side of KZbin but you’re a super great teacher haha! Thanks, I learnt a lot from this 4min video.

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

I’m glad it found you! And thank you for commenting!💛💛💛

[@jackfein8914]

Thanks for the help miss❤️

[@Traylez080]

Thank you for the information really helps 😊

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

You're welcome! I'm glad!

[@mamabirdie734]

OMG! Totally worked! I had 4 earrings tonight that I put a refrigerator magnet to and they were all fake except 1! Thanks!

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

You’re welcome! So glad it helped!😭

[@andrewb5894]

Not all alloys used are magnetic though Only true way is to sacrifice a link or drill and Chemical test

[@TaleTeller9581]

This was more than helpful, thx so much :D

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

You're so welcome! Thank you!

[@kennethMblake]

Thanks Abby. Very helpful!

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

So happy to help! Thank you! If there's anything else you want to know, let me know and we'll make a video!

[@abdelkaderchelfi6497]

Helpful, Thank you

[@r7z859]

Hey! very informative and funny video, I really liked it! subscribed!

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

Thank you! More coming soon!

[@whodunitpros8555]

Thank you!

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

Sure thing! Thank you!

[@sarbiewillams7217]

Thank you for this video 🙏🏼🥂

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

You're so welcome! If there's something else you want to see or know about, let me know!

[@myles4775]

This is very helpful

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

Thank you!!

[@joeygordon7265]

Thank you very much

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

Sure thing!! If there's anything else you'd like to see in a video, let me know!

[@215FlowerPots]

Thank you 😁

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

Sure thing! More videos coming soon!

[@mrbici1729]

Cute. Thanks

[@hummarstraful]

You left out this very important information: Items made from aluminum, copper, and other base metals will not be attracted to a magnet. I have silver plated pieces that are not magnetic.

[@everyday80sdude86]

That's called common sense

[@wikingfaust]

Muchas gracias 😊

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

de nada!

[@anthonygarcia7451]

Awesome, thanks for the great information. 💪 Can I use A regular magnet?

[@heartfelt.666]

Thank you it worked expect there was no badge on the ring

[@deevidchannel8564]

Thnk u !!

[@drchaudhary9082]

nice video

[@EuniceLymphTV]

Does silver pass the acid text like Gold ?

[@underyourscars7181]

thank you, why did you not use the acids as well? My cross I'm testing beside a sterling ladle with 18k turns blue and stays but not milky like the sterling so I'm not sure now lol.

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

I wanted to make this video for people using things around they're house and just keeping it simple. Personally, I only use the acids when I really have to. I don't like messing with them, but they are a great tool if you file a little section to make sure you get past any possible plating.

[@MezoRizo1940]

Hi There Very interesting video, just I have a small question for tips from 3-5, shall them work for Silverplate too?

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

Thank you! I don't think any except the polishing cloth would do the trick. The ice only melts quickly if the metal is solid silver and not plated. Hope this helps!

[@haleysmith2627]

I have a ring that has 825 stamped into it with what looks like a little tiny menorah on the inside.

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

Might be a lower quality than sterling silver

[@arianime6823]

what does 10k mean on mine

[@Calderie]

I have silver bracelets and necklaces earrings but in it all the clasp seem to be magnetic but not the rest. I'm kinda worried about it.

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

A lot of clasps will have a steel spring in them, so if just the clasp is catching the magnet, that's nothing to worry about!

[@kccaz1859]

German flatware that is silver plated may (confusingly) be marked 80, 90, 100, 120, which indicates how many grams of silver was used to plate multiple pieces (cannot recall the number of forks, etc.), and does not denote the percentage of pure silver. I do not know if similar marks are used for silver plated German jewelry. I was replying to someone that said "My silver chain it is written 100.plz help me"

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

Thank you! Flatware is the HARDEST to nail down!💛

[@klrs7204]

Thank you for this! I have item that says fiesta on it. Does this mean anything?

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

My bet is that it is a designer's name or line

[@seiko9361]

I have a ring of silver but idk if the silver is coated on copper or brass , will the coated silver still be passing the tests right ?

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

Not for the ice test and if you’ve been wearing it long, check the edges and raised areas/bottom of ring for discoloration

[@imhereAbenatsumi]

it worked, 1 my ring has no marking because its custom made 2 didnt got attached to a magnet when a regular spoon did 3 ring desolved an ice cube fast an got cold and the spoon didnt 4 cloth got dirty 5 ring doesnt smell

[@tinytanks]

wow, I had no idea silver was so awesome! almost magical...

[@sogekingfromsniperisland7033]

It is said it can grant you a wish or two

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

I love it!

[@lisawiggin9521]

I'm left with more questions than answers. So put an ice chunk in my ring and it immediately started making a whole and the ice melted through. Then I tried a magnet, it was not attracted to the magnet. Then I tried a polishing cloth, my cloth had many many black marks, I'm still cleaning it. But here is the weird thing, it's not marked and it looks brassy around all the corners, even with polishing... so I'm very confused...

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

If it looks brassy around the corners and you’ve been polishing it, my hunch is that it isn’t silver

[@anaghavarghese]

Just bought an anklet it only has the jeweller short form and SS on it. No 925 mark. The jeweller said it's pure silver. However iam a bit skeptical since 925 is not on it. 🤔 Ice seem to melt fast. How do I know if its sterling or pure silver or steel?

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

SS would make me think sterling silver. In the US you legally have to put an accurate stamp on the jewelry. If it tarnishes, I would be leaning even more toward sterling. As far as chains go, I'd be very surprised if it were really pure silver. I'm sorry

[@ishmaelsupreme21]

I got some earrings their silver and they don’t have no smell

[@YeshuaIsTheTruth]

Does the polishing cloth trick only work if the silver is tarnished?

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

Yep! I've never used a polishing cloth on silver and not gotten it to turn black, even right after polishing and cleaning a piece on the buffer! hahaha

[@soylago7998]

Hey Abby, I have a cross necklace and it passes all the tests except the smell test, is this okay?

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

Sounds like it to me! Sometimes if it has a little tarnish it can have a little smell.

[@dsandoval9396]

Question: Can a solid 999 silver ring still be real if it doesn't ring at all? I purchased a solid 999 fine silver ring from Etsy. Good reviews, nothing suspicious. Got the ring today. Tarnishes like real silver. It's soft metal as I've LIGHTLY tapped it with another ring and it does leave impressions. I put a little scratch on the inside to make sure it's not just a thin layer. I went to Home Depot an hour ago to use some of their strong magnets to pick up nails, very strong magnets but I'm not sure if I need a special magnet to pick up anything magnetic in jewelry, regardless the ring checked out with zero magnetic response. All these tests check out fine. I haven't tried the ice test. I also have another 925 sterling silver ring I purchased from Etsy a few weeks ago. The sterling silver ring, rings. The 999 fine silver ring doesn't ring at all. Is it possible this silver ring still be a real solid 999 silver ring? ...even if it doesn't ring?

[@glowworm6176]

I bought a bracelet from a thruft store, it says sterling and CR do you think its real silver??. I looked online and they come from the navajo tribes :D I got it for 32 cents 😂

[@jahanzaibkhan-nc1tl]

I want to work with you

[@kittyneedsanap]

Thanks so much for the video! I'm still unsure if the ring I have is solid SS or just plated. It was sold as solid SS, and it is appropriately marked (925 IBB TH). It seems to pass all the tests you discussed, but there are a couple of spots that are slightly brassy in color that make me very suspicious. These areas get rubbed more due to the design and the location. Any thoughts? I really love the design, but should i just toss it and consider it a lesson learned on mass produced rings?

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

Being that the discoloration is where it's being rubbed, I would say your hunch is likely correct. If it were discoloring in the recessed areas, I would say it could likely be tarnishing. I would maybe try giving it a good buff with a polishing cloth to see if you can get it to look silver.

[@Avi_isYoru]

Hi I have a silver ring my bf gave me, is it real if I put it on a candle fire and it turns black but I can wipe it off?❤

[@johnchristopersaludares5193]

Yes it real, the fake one turns into greenish

[@Avi_isYoru]

@@johnchristopersaludares5193 ty!

[@mariamaria-mq9il]

There are pure .999 jewry now , that dont tarnish and it is hard no soft because they are compressed and arc soldered. So you dont have to clean it, shining all the time and it is brilliant white, just pure silver, no like stearling silver that is .925 silver alloyed with copper. Look it up.

[@sm0ll]

i have VERY sensitive ears. like anything that is fake metal my ears will become infected 1 hour into wearing them. i got a bag of random jewelry and i found some cute earrings and necklaces and imma use the ice trick i hope it works and my ears don’t become infected😭 ok so i just tried the ice and magnet test. both pairs of earrings were magnetic. and the ice test i checked the part that goes in my ears and both melted slowly compared to when i put the gold part on the ice it melted fast. dos that mean their stainless steel or real silver cos im not rlly understanding how to properly check and i dont wanna go to a jeweler

[@4musikable]

What if the silver or gold has copper in it?

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

Sterling silver is alloyed with copper and gold can be too

[@user-zc2ec7zt4q]

could you show me the type of silver they just came out with

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

Are you talking about a new silver alloy like argentium? They are all made with silver unless it’s some non precious, pot metal crap. Some companies also market plated silver tone jewelry as a “new silver,” but it’s a bit of a lie and dishonest marketing. If it ain’t solid, don’t mess with it. Plating is trash and always ALWAYS wears off

[@MohamedRimas-lr5dp]

925 is ok

[@gemstones6597]

Luv it

[@lemongrab6173]

The issues are zinc aluminum and copper. Copper is easy to tell using battery acid it turns green. But aluminum and zinc are foreign ground to me. I don’t know any effect methods to tell those two apart from silver. Of course I’m using this for antiques which is why it’s harder for me to tell.

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

If you’re taking items larger than silver, I have less experience with those, but a well versed pawn dealer might be able to help!

[@lemongrab6173]

@@MettlebyAbbyy moving the issues of trust aside. I wanted to do this myself not go and ask people. I’m a rookie gemologist and jeweler know many people that have the tools and knowledge to solve that part. But it takes a lot of time and gas to get results, plus I don’t want to trouble them with finding out wether my antiques are genuine silver or just nickel plated.

[@dandube7969]

wat does DKR mean on a silver chain?

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

That's likely the maker's mark indicating either who made it or where it was made.

[@dandube7969]

@@MettlebyAbbyy ok thank you very much

[@indy500tabasco8]

i lost my wedding ring under movie theatre couch full of popcorn and other trash. can u hepl me find it . thx

[@user-hz4wb2js7c]

My silver chain it is written 100.plz help me

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

I'm not sure what that means. At the most, pure silver is still listed as.999 meaning that it can never really be totally and completely pure. There are always some impurities.

[@lukasneidhart1776]

The weight can also indicate that it's silver, as silver is lighter than stainless steel

[@PHUCKyoutube689]

Silver is not lighter then stainless steel. Silver has a higher gravity and density.

[@tabitha1615]

What about 1AKGP

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

I would Google it. Anytime I see "GP" or "GF" I'm a little extra suspicious of plating or filling, but it can also be a maker's mark

[@nevada8462]

You’re adorable. And smart. Thanks.

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

Aw geeze! Thanks!! Happy to help!

[@gregcooper7789]

PUT YOUR SILVER IN A BOX OF BAKING SODA IT HELPS

[@julissa6274]

So if it is magnetic it is not going to rust?

[@mammasbabas]

Thank you for this. I have TONS of silver jewelry (so-called) so I'll have fun checking it out. One thing though, I have a couple of genuine silver rings bought from a reputable jeweler, and I think they are coated with something to stop them tarnishing. Will these tests still work on them?

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

Most should, but it also depends on what and how thick they did of a coat. I would avoid the polishing cloth to abstain from removing the protective layer.

[@gregcooper7789]

MINE HAS 923 ON IT ???

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

That's a new one for me!

[@roymills2341]

You’re wrong there Missy. Most Stainless steel does not stick to a magnet

[@voltacs5750]

What does 925 mean

[@ismail-fe4tq]

92.5% silver and 7.5% copper

[@voltacs5750]

@@ismail-fe4tq thank you for the reply. can u shower with it etc? or those it rust

[@taterzsalad9252]

i probably tossed out a bunch of silver lol

[@LorieWild]

🇨🇦♥️🇨🇦

[@Karmah01]

I bought a bracelet that has a 925 stamp on it, but I'm skeptical. I think it might be aluminum. It's new, so it's not tarnished and the clasp is not the usual lobster claw clasp, which is another thing that makes me skeptical. Any suggestions besides a jeweler? I wish we could post pictures on here. It sure would be helpful, but the pervs ruined that feature a long time ago.

[@MettlebyAbbyy]

Aluminum is super duper light. Is it very light?

[@Karmah01]

@@MettlebyAbbyy It is light, but it's a very thin and dainty bracelet. Last night I put some ice on it and it got really cold, and melted into the ice immediately. Oh! And it's not magnetic.

[@RajmundKowalczyk]

[@silkroad1201]

"Mexico 925" Thanks!

[@KittyCatMeowMeowTime]

"There are a lot of nice jewelers out there". Damn! It must be nice to be a woman. 😂 Seriously though, thanks for the tips.

[@blinkypushbuttons]

Thanks for not rambling on about your life.

[@everyday80sdude86]

I know, right. 👌

[@Mysteryp7]

she is cute

[@johnnyboy1586]

Yes very cute lovely eyes 😙

[@mikeallen5907]

Are you crazy? Just get some acid for Sterling and test it what are you guys nuts? It’s nine dollars test your own silver are you crazy?

[@portablezaps6517]

She said tip huh huh