However, one of the most common tests they can run — scraping a bit of the metal away and then applying a drop of nitric acid — will damage the piece to a small degree. The definitive but somewhat destructive test is to use a triangular or round file to cut at least 0.1 mm deep into the metal at some obscure spot. If green, it is probably fake or silver-plated. Get the Silver Testing Kit Here. How Can I Tell If Something is Made of Silver. Most people called this new product electroplating or Victorian plated ware, something they understood to be completely different than Sheffield silver plate. Silver-plated items are often, but not always, marked as such — they’ll typically say something along the lines of silver plate, plated, EP (electroplated) or EPNS (electroplated nickel silver). Required fields are marked *. Nickel silver is used as the base metal in higher quality silver plated flatware. If your silverware is marked sterling it is likely sterling silver unless, of course, it is a forgery. These sensory tests won’t help in the case of Sterling vs plate, but can be helpful for comparison’s sake in certain instances. If it marked with an "800" or "900," your silver is a blend of different metals in which real silver may or may not be present. Brian A. Watson. The difference between silver and plated silver is a matter of value. or How Can I Tell If My Silver Flatware Is Sterling Silver or Plated? They can help you determine the authenticity of your silver and help you figure out a value. Sense tests: Silver has a slightly warm yellowish sheen, and a slight scent (which is stronger when heated or wet). When the quality of an item is in question, take the item to a certified silver jeweler, they will be able to test or identify the authenticity of the silver in question. Examine the item in question. Sound Test: Silver emits a ringing sound when it is tapped, much like a bell, whereas many cheaper metals will emit a dull thud. Items advertised as silver and sold internationally should be stamped based on its silver content. If the magnet sticks, you can make sure that the item isn't copper." Apply a few drops of nitric acid. These markings identify an item as plated silver. How Much Is a One Dollar Silver Liberty Coin Worth? What’s inside lava lamps, and how do they work? How to tell if something is Silver, Sterling silver plated items have silver hallmarks where it may provide information like the type of another element used in Never miss an important update Click Allow to get notified about important updates only. Even if its been hallmarked, they can rigg it to say its real silver. The Nitric Acid Test is used to check if silver is pure or plated. If it is very smooth, most likely it is silver. (See several examples of hallmarks from around the world at 925-1000.com and SilverCollection.it.). Magnet test: If a magnet sticks, you know it’s not silver. Notice if the metal is wearing down, exposing a darker, dull metal. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; According to Ebay, if "EP", "EPNS" or "Silver on Copper" are marked on an item, it is electroplated silver, which is not sterling silver. If your antique silver technique is truly sterling silver and not simply plated, it will be stamped with a telltale hallmark. Silver is one of the rare metals out there, though not rarer than platinum or gold – making silver one of the precious metals. Go to Reliable source-when looking to purchase a silver piece, but yes, sure-tell sign it will turn your skin green after only couple hours of wearing it. This indicates that the metal is not sterling silver, but is nickel that has been plated with silver. If none of these are on the item, you probably have a silver-plated piece, as it’s very rare for a valuable item of Sterling-grade silver to have no mark at all. This is an incredibly accurate test to use if you want a … Silver coins make a bell sound See the article how to tell if silver is sterling or plate by the back stamp or marks for more details. Place a drop of acid in an inconspicuous place on the item in question. Silver plated objects are typically labeled “EP,” “EPNS,” or “Silver on Copper.” amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Silver plated items typically have little intrinsic value. Simply apply bleach to a silver product. (For example, a possibly silver fork and a fork from a stainless steel cutlery set.). This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Here are some of the most common numbers you’ll see: .999: Purest form available — aka pure silver, fine silver, investment-grade silver, .958: Britannia silver, produced from 1697 to 1720, .950: Sterling silver, usually found in antique pieces and on silver from France, .925 and up: Sterling silver (stamped on the front ring at right), One definitive way to find out if you have some Sterling silver or Fine silver is to take it to a professional appraiser, antiques dealer, or a pawnshop. As a result, people with nickel allergy may … See a time-tested, no-polish way to remove silver tarnish, Association of Small Collectors of Antique Silver, 18 five-minute decluttering tips to help you get organized, Snowflake showcase: An amazing gallery of icy snowflake photos, Funny money? Well, at the least, it’s illegal to falsely claim plated silver is Sterling silver. [2] X Research source If it is actually made of silver, then the ice cube will begin to melt immediately upon touching the coin. 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