The metal used in making of different ornaments is known as 925 Ag. The metals strength and durability is improved by mixing with metals such as nickel and copper. The other metals also aid in improving its appearance. In order to know whether sterling silver jewelry is real, it should have 7.5% non silver metals and 92.5% pure silver metals. The metals percentage proportion is a good indicator to know if the jewel is real.
There are times when you will find an ornament which has an overlay of genuine Ag on top of another metal. This is usually referred to as Ag plating and is not considered as 925 Ag because the plated type is prone to wearing out after using it for some time which reveals the underneath metal of a less quality. There are a lot of Ag ornaments available in the market today but it is good to know how to identify the real ones. Below are tips on how to go about it.
The one easy test to help in identifying the real 925 Ag ornament is by use of a magnet. Ag is not attracted to magnet. If you put the ornament close to the magnet and the magnet attracts it, then you should know that the ornament you have is fake. It could most likely be made from stainless steel.
Generally a 925 Ag ornament will be marked with . 925, S925 or just 925 on the clasp or even on the underside of the ornament. This is an identification mark engraved during the crafting process of the metal. If your ornament does not bear any of these marks then it is not genuine Ag.
One can use a white soft clothing to rub the ornament. If you notice some black marks on the cloth then the ornament is real 925 Ag. This is because real 925 Ag has a characteristic of oxidizing when exposed to air. So it tarnishes with time and develops the black marks when being polished. If your ornament is platinum plated then this test may not apply.
One can also melt the ornament. When melting, the real 925 Ag ornament will not produce any smell. If by any chance you smell a faint copper or brass odor then the ornament you have is not real. The cost of the ornament can also be a guiding factor. The real 925 Ag ornament is quite expensive than the ornaments which are made from fake type of Ag. If your supplier gives you a good deal then you should think twice before purchasing.
When testing the ornament, nitric acid can come in hardy. An ornament that has been made using poor Ag quality or is plated will turn green. This is an indicator that there is high content of copper in the ornament. When nitric acid is applied on a genuine item, it will turn creamy. You should handle the chemical with utmost care since it is highly toxic.
To avoid all the hassle of trying to identify the sterling silver jewelry you have, you can instead buy from a seller who has a good reputation. Reputable sellers will offer you good quality products with the same cost or sometimes lower than other sellers. This way you will not worry if the ornament you have is the real 925 Ag without even testing it.
There are times when you will find an ornament which has an overlay of genuine Ag on top of another metal. This is usually referred to as Ag plating and is not considered as 925 Ag because the plated type is prone to wearing out after using it for some time which reveals the underneath metal of a less quality. There are a lot of Ag ornaments available in the market today but it is good to know how to identify the real ones. Below are tips on how to go about it.
The one easy test to help in identifying the real 925 Ag ornament is by use of a magnet. Ag is not attracted to magnet. If you put the ornament close to the magnet and the magnet attracts it, then you should know that the ornament you have is fake. It could most likely be made from stainless steel.
Generally a 925 Ag ornament will be marked with . 925, S925 or just 925 on the clasp or even on the underside of the ornament. This is an identification mark engraved during the crafting process of the metal. If your ornament does not bear any of these marks then it is not genuine Ag.
One can use a white soft clothing to rub the ornament. If you notice some black marks on the cloth then the ornament is real 925 Ag. This is because real 925 Ag has a characteristic of oxidizing when exposed to air. So it tarnishes with time and develops the black marks when being polished. If your ornament is platinum plated then this test may not apply.
One can also melt the ornament. When melting, the real 925 Ag ornament will not produce any smell. If by any chance you smell a faint copper or brass odor then the ornament you have is not real. The cost of the ornament can also be a guiding factor. The real 925 Ag ornament is quite expensive than the ornaments which are made from fake type of Ag. If your supplier gives you a good deal then you should think twice before purchasing.
When testing the ornament, nitric acid can come in hardy. An ornament that has been made using poor Ag quality or is plated will turn green. This is an indicator that there is high content of copper in the ornament. When nitric acid is applied on a genuine item, it will turn creamy. You should handle the chemical with utmost care since it is highly toxic.
To avoid all the hassle of trying to identify the sterling silver jewelry you have, you can instead buy from a seller who has a good reputation. Reputable sellers will offer you good quality products with the same cost or sometimes lower than other sellers. This way you will not worry if the ornament you have is the real 925 Ag without even testing it.
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