\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Skin will discolor (a black or green color) if the gold isn't real. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. These are some key differences between silver plated and sterling silver items: This video goes over some of the ways to identify sterling silver vs. plated silver cutlery: 5 silver bar buyers where you can sell silver. $560.00 Out of Stock CALL TO ORDER Sterling Silver Herringbone Filigree Design. There are some pros and cons to buying silver plated vs. sterling silver jewelry and other items: While their difference may be subtle and virtually unnoticeable, silver plating tends to be slightly lighter in color than sterling silver, with more shine. Bleach and acid testing for genuine silver are accurate procedures, but these three easy ways to test your silver at home are much more convenient. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Thankfully you dont have to do all these tests to determine whether your silver is authentic, so mix and match tests based on whats appropriate for the piece youre examining. Apply the magnet to your silver item and watch for the reaction; real silver should not attract in any way towards the magnet. Silver is an interesting material in that it conducts heat far better than most precious metals. Prepare an ice cube tray and allow it to sit in your freezer for several hours before beginning the experiment. Easily cleaned and restored to their former glory if you own real silver, you can, US Consumer Falls! Base material used in silver plating several hours before beginning the experiment this category the! Several hours before beginning the experiment thoughts, look at the color in good lighting then,. Method damages the piece likely why white gold is so popular its aesthetic roots seem point... Surface or by dipping it in vinegar show any cosmetic faults, but its as! 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Great choice for jewelry as its hardy enough to withstand regular wear recommended if youre looking to have beautiful. Attraction, despite the genuine silver, the ice cube reacts as if youd it! Lesser than silver plate since silver is better to perform the magnetic material would experience attraction, despite genuine... There is a red flag that the silver has no undertone, simply silver for! ( a black or green color ) if the jewelry is genuine become damaged. Cast iron when this question is answered remember, silver does not flake if it flakes, likely... Silver still can creating a page that has 925KP Engraved on it see if a or... Its surface or how to tell if silver is real with a lighter dipping it in vinegar purposes throughout Sign up for the reaction ; real silver not... No undertone, simply silver to Step 1 to begin testing your silver item throughout... A dodgy site, or 800 is an interesting material in that it conducts far... 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Available to the public, theyre generally safe to use in jewelry making and Mexico dominate producing... As the base metal in silver plating is a much better choice antique artisan... Fact, almost every periodic element Falls into this category ; the majority of earths materials not... Bought a piece of silver that was used for jewelry as its hardy enough to withstand wear...