How to Spot Genuine Sterling Silver: Easy Tests for Real Silver Jewellery

Sterling Silver Hallmarks: The Definitive Proof

The most reliable way to confirm your bracelet is genuine sterling silver is to check for hallmarks. These tiny stamped marks are your guarantee of authenticity.

What to Look For:

• 925 or Sterling: The most common hallmark for sterling silver. "925" indicates 92.5% pure silver content (with 7.5% other metals for strength).
• S/S or STG: Alternative markings that also indicate sterling silver.
• Assay Office Mark: In the UK, official hallmarks include symbols for the assay office that certified the piece (like a leopard's head for London).

Check the clasp, inside of the band, or near the adjustable links on your bracelet. These are common locations for hallmarks. You might need a magnifying glass as hallmarks can be quite small.

Remember: All genuine Ella & Eve jewellery is hallmarked with "925", confirming its sterling silver authenticity.

Simple At-Home Tests for Sterling Silver

No hallmark? Don't worry. Here are some easy tests you can do at home to check if your bracelet or other jewellery pieces are genuine sterling silver:

The Smell Test

Sterling silver is odourless. Rub the piece between your fingers - if you detect a metallic or sulphuric smell, it might be another metal like nickel or copper with a silver coating.

The Ring Test

Gently tap your bracelet with another metal object. Genuine sterling silver produces a clear, bell-like ringing sound that lasts for several seconds. Plated items or other metals typically make a dull, short sound.

The Cloth Test

Rub the silver with a clean white cloth. Real sterling silver will leave slight black marks on the cloth due to natural oxidation. This doesn't damage your jewellery - it's just a test!

The Magnet Test: Quick and Reliable

This is one of the simplest tests you can perform at home to check if your jewellery is sterling silver.

1. Find a strong magnet (refrigerator magnets aren't usually strong enough).
2. Hold the magnet near your bracelet or other silver piece.
3. Observe the reaction.

The result: Sterling silver is not magnetic. If your jewellery strongly attracts to the magnet, it's likely made from another metal with a silver coating.

Note: Some sterling silver pieces might show a very slight attraction if they contain higher amounts of nickel in the alloy, but the attraction should be minimal. Also, if your bracelet has magnetic clasps or other components, test only the main silver parts.

The Ice Cube Test: Silver's Unique Property

Silver is an excellent thermal conductor - one of the best among metals. This property gives us another easy way to test authenticity:

1. Take an ice cube from your freezer.
2. Place it directly on your bracelet or other silver item.
3. Watch what happens.

The result: On genuine sterling silver, the ice will begin to melt immediately, even in a cool room. Silver conducts heat away from the ice so efficiently that it creates the impression that the silver is "hot" rather than the ice being "cold."

This test works particularly well for larger silver items like bracelets and necklaces where you have enough surface area to place the ice cube.

Understanding Gold Plating: Quality Matters

Many sterling silver pieces, including our gold bracelets, gold necklaces, gold earrings, and gold anklets, are plated with gold for that warm, luxurious finish. But how can you tell if the gold plating is good quality?

Signs of Quality Gold Plating

• Even Colour: Quality gold plating has a consistent colour throughout, without patchy areas or visible underlying silver.
• Thickness Matters: Better quality plating is thicker (measured in microns) and will last longer. At Ella & Eve, we use premium gold plating processes for durability.
• Markings: Look for "GP" (Gold Plated), "GEP" (Gold Electroplated), or specific markings like "18K GP" indicating the karat of gold used in the plating.
• Weight: Gold is heavier than silver, but the difference in a plated piece is minimal. If a supposedly gold-plated item feels unusually light, it might not be sterling silver underneath.

All gold-plated bracelets and other gold-finished jewellery at Ella & Eve start with a genuine 925 sterling silver base, ensuring quality and value beneath that beautiful gold finish.

The Ella & Eve Quality Promise

When you shop our collection of sterling silver jewellery, you're guaranteed authenticity and quality:

• 100% Genuine Materials: Every piece in our collection is made from 925 sterling silver, properly hallmarked and certified.
• Premium Plating: Our gold-plated bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and anklets feature thick, durable plating that resists wear.
• Tarnish-Resistant Finish: We apply special finishes to reduce tarnishing and keep your jewellery looking beautiful longer.
• Nickel-Free Alloys: Our sterling silver is mixed with nickel-free alloys, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

We're so confident in our quality that we offer a satisfaction guarantee on all our jewellery. Your confidence and trust matter to us.

Special offer: Buy one piece and get 50% off your second item! The perfect opportunity to compare different styles and build your collection.

Caring for Your Sterling Silver and Gold-Plated Jewellery

Now that you know your bracelet is genuine sterling silver, here's how to keep it looking its best:

For Sterling Silver Pieces

• Store in airtight bags or anti-tarnish pouches when not wearing.
• Remove before swimming, showering, or applying cosmetics.
• Clean regularly with a silver polishing cloth.
• For deeper cleaning, use mild soapy water and a soft brush.

For Gold-Plated Jewellery

• Avoid chemicals, including perfumes and cleaning products.
• Clean with a soft, dry cloth only - no silver polish or harsh cleaners.
• Remove before swimming (chlorine can damage gold plating).
• Put on your gold-plated bracelet last when getting ready and remove it first when undressing.

With proper care, your sterling silver and gold-plated jewellery from Ella & Eve will maintain its beauty for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will sterling silver turn my skin green?

Quality sterling silver shouldn't turn your skin green. Green discoloration usually comes from copper in lower-quality metal alloys. All Ella & Eve jewellery is made with premium 925 sterling silver that minimizes this reaction.

How long does gold plating last?

The lifespan of gold plating depends on several factors including thickness, wear patterns, and care. With proper care, quality gold plating like that used on Ella & Eve gold bracelets can last for years. Avoid exposure to chemicals and clean gently to extend its life.

Can I shower with my sterling silver bracelet?

We don't recommend showering with sterling silver jewellery. Soaps, shampoos, and hard water can accelerate tarnishing. For maximum longevity, remove your bracelet before showering.

Is sterling silver worth the investment?

Absolutely! Sterling silver is a precious metal that maintains value over time. Unlike costume jewellery that quickly tarnishes or breaks, quality sterling silver pieces like those from Ella & Eve can last for generations with proper care.

Shop With Confidence at Ella & Eve

Now that you know how to identify genuine sterling silver and quality gold plating, you can shop with complete confidence. Our entire collection features authentic 925 sterling silver, with proper hallmarking and premium craftsmanship.

Whether you're looking for a classic sterling silver bracelet, a statement necklace, elegant earrings, or a touch of gold with our gold-plated collection, you'll find pieces that pass every authenticity test with flying colours.

Don't forget our special offer: Buy one piece and get 50% off your second! It's the perfect time to add authentic sterling silver treasures to your collection.

Explore our full collection today and discover the Ella & Eve difference - where quality, authenticity, and beautiful design come together.