There are four ways in which you can test for sterling silver yourself. Checking to markings on the piece that you own, doing a magnetic test, placing some nitric acid on a part of the piece and rubbing with a cloth can all tell you as to whether the piece is authentic or not. These tests can all be done at home, so if you want to find out for yourself without going to a professional, it is easily done.
When you are checking for markings on the silver you may need a magnifying glass, but be sure to look out for the words ‘ster’, ‘sterling’ and even the obvious ‘sterling silver’. If these markings are not on the piece, then you can be sure that it is not authentic.
The magnetic check is the easiest. If the piece that you own is not attracted to the magnet, you can be sure that it is real sterling silver as opposed to a fake. Nitric acid is the next test that you can do if you are still unsure about your piece. This is the test that would be carried out by a professional but you can do it yourself if you are confident and aware of all safety features. All you have to do is place a small drop of the acid on the piece and then wait to see what color change it produces, if it is green you have a fake piece and if it is cream the piece is authentic.
Finally, you can simply rub the silver with a cloth. When checking the cloth afterwards make a note if there are any black marks, this can indicate sterling silver as the tarnish should come off.
You can follow all of these easy steps and be sure that your piece is either a fake or authentic.
When you are checking for markings on the silver you may need a magnifying glass, but be sure to look out for the words ‘ster’, ‘sterling’ and even the obvious ‘sterling silver’. If these markings are not on the piece, then you can be sure that it is not authentic.
The magnetic check is the easiest. If the piece that you own is not attracted to the magnet, you can be sure that it is real sterling silver as opposed to a fake. Nitric acid is the next test that you can do if you are still unsure about your piece. This is the test that would be carried out by a professional but you can do it yourself if you are confident and aware of all safety features. All you have to do is place a small drop of the acid on the piece and then wait to see what color change it produces, if it is green you have a fake piece and if it is cream the piece is authentic.
Finally, you can simply rub the silver with a cloth. When checking the cloth afterwards make a note if there are any black marks, this can indicate sterling silver as the tarnish should come off.
You can follow all of these easy steps and be sure that your piece is either a fake or authentic.
