Understanding The Value Of Real Silver

Mar 15 , 2024

Martin Dautzenberg

Understanding The Value Of Real Silver

Did you know that silver is prized as a noble metal for its ability to resist corrosion and oxidation, unlike many other materials?

Silver, in its pure form, is a soft metal that has been cherished since ancient times. Its radiant, sleek appearance has made it a favorite for crafting jewelry, coins, utensils, and more. However, when it comes to high-quality silver jewelry, most pieces are made from sterling silver. But don't worry - this still means they're at least 92.5% pure silver. Adding 7.5% of another metal, usually copper, enhances the durability and strength of the item. All pure silver items need is to be polished to maintain their shine for decades.

Additionally, if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to metals like nickel, real silver jewelry is a game-changer due to its hypoallergenic properties. So. wondering how you can tell if your jewelry is real silver? Our handy guide will help guarantee you are wearing the real deal.

How To Know If Your Jewelry Is Real Silver

Look for Distinguishing Marks

925 stamp on real silver

One of the most straightforward ways of how to tell if your jewelry is real silver is to check for hallmarks or stamps. Authentic silver jewelry often has stamps such as "925," "Sterling," "S925," or similar markings, indicating the purity of the silver.

The Magnet Test

Silver is not magnetic. If you hold a magnet close to your piece and it attracts, it's a clear sign that the jewelry is not made of pure silver. This simple test can be a quick way to identify imitations.

Odor Test

Another easy method of how to tell if your jewelry is real silver is that it should not emit any noticeable odor. If your jewelry smells metallic or sulfur-like, it might be mixed with other metals. Pure silver does not react with sweat to produce a smell.

Polish Test

Over time, silver tarnishes when exposed to air, a natural reaction of silver to sulfur-containing substances. If you gently rub a white cloth over a tarnished silver piece, you should see black marks on the fabric due to the silver sulfide. If your jewelry rusts or lacks oxidization - it's a good indicator that it may be fake silver or made with other materials, as they will tarnish differently.

The Flake Test

The flake test is another method of how you can know if your silver jewelry is real. By gently scraping your jewelry to get a small sample and applying a few drops of nitric acid, you can observe the reaction. If the flakes turn creamy white, it's likely genuine silver; any other color suggests it's not. This test, due to the use of acid, is better performed by professionals.

The Ice Test

The ice test takes advantage of silver's high thermal conductivity. This is one of the easiest ways you can know your silver jewelry is real. Simply place an ice cube on your silver piece. If it melts quickly, more so than on other surfaces, your jewelry is probably real silver. Silver's ability to rapidly transfer heat makes the ice melt faster, offering a fun and safe way to test its authenticity at home.

Quality And Authenticity From Dautzen

Dautzen sterling silver bracelets

Why opt for inexpensive jewelry that requires frequent replacements when you can invest in precious sterling silver pieces that stand the test of time? When you invest in Dautzen, you choose authenticity, durability, and timeless style - all packaged in one.

Dautzen's sterling silver bracelets are durability tested at the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand, ensuring their long-lasting wear. Crafted by skilled artisans, our jewelry is made from premium silver that maintains its luster over time. Additionally, you will enjoy a two-year warranty on all our products. Designed for versatility, our sterling silver bracelets fit seamlessly into any wardrobe, ready for everyday wear and special occasions alike. Thanks to our cutting-edge stainless steel technology, our bracelets combine the elegance of silk with the resilience of steel, making them both durable and easy to wear without the need for complicated clasps. Each bracelet is designed to easily slip on and off, making them convenient to wear as an everyday statement. Dautzen bracelets require minimal effort for upkeep - that's how you will know our jewelry is nothing but real silver.

Our collections cater to a wide range of tastes and styles - for him, her, and unisex designs. Beyond its beauty, silver is also believed to have spiritual and health benefits, like fostering calmness and balance.

Shop Dautzen Today

Now that you know how to tell if your jewelry is real silver or not, with Dautzen, you never have to worry about authenticity. Our meticulous craftsmanship ensures our bracelets become cherished heirlooms that withstand the passage of time.

Shop our collections today.

Martin Dautzenberg - Author Avatar

Martin Dautzenberg

Martin Dautzenberg, founded Dautzen, an innovative jewelry brand that merges Eastern and Western design philosophies. He possesses over 30 years of expertise in fine jewelry, having evolved from a goldsmith to a renowned artisan in Thailand and globally.