How to Tell If Your Necklace Is Real Sterling Silver: 10 Simple Tests

What Is Sterling Silver? Understanding The Basics

Before we dive into testing methods, it's helpful to understand what sterling silver actually is. Sterling silver is an alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This specific composition gives sterling silver its durability while maintaining the precious metal's beautiful lustre.

Pure silver (99.9% silver) is too soft for everyday jewellery, which is why the copper alloy is added for strength. This 92.5% silver content is why you'll often see sterling silver marked as "925" – it's a universal indicator of quality that transcends language barriers and tells you exactly what you're getting.

When shopping for jewellery, understanding this distinction helps you make informed choices. All Ella & Eve necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and anklets are crafted from genuine sterling silver, giving you both beauty and lasting quality.

Hallmark Identification: The Most Reliable Indicator

The most definitive way to identify genuine sterling silver is through its hallmarks. These tiny stamps or marks are like the jewellery's passport, telling you about its composition, origin, and sometimes even its age.

For sterling silver, look for these common hallmarks:

• 925 or .925 - The international standard marking for sterling silver, indicating 92.5% silver content
• Sterling - The word "Sterling" or "STER" stamped into the metal
• Silver - Sometimes simply marked as "Silver"
• Maker's Mark - A symbol or initials identifying the manufacturer or designer
• Assay Office Mark - In the UK, a symbol showing which office certified the silver (like a leopard's head for London)
• Date Letter - A letter that corresponds to the year the piece was hallmarked

On necklaces, these marks are typically found on the clasp, pendant, or on a small tag attached to the chain. Use a magnifying glass if needed, as hallmarks can be quite small. Remember that the absence of a hallmark doesn't automatically mean your piece isn't silver – some older pieces or items from certain countries may not have visible hallmarks.

Simple Home Tests Anyone Can Do

If you can't find a hallmark or want additional confirmation, several simple tests can help determine if your necklace is genuine sterling silver. These methods don't require special equipment and can be done with items you likely already have at home.

The Cloth Test

Sterling silver naturally oxidizes when exposed to air, creating tarnish. This unique property can help identify real silver:

1. Take a clean, white cloth (microfibre works best)
2. Gently rub the silver item as if polishing it
3. Check the cloth – genuine silver will leave slight black marks on the cloth due to oxidation

This test works because sterling silver contains copper, which oxidizes and creates that characteristic tarnish. Items that are silver-plated may show similar results initially but to a lesser degree.

The Odour Test

While this might sound unusual, sterling silver has no distinct smell. If your necklace has a strong metallic or brassy odour, especially after rubbing it between your fingers to warm it up, it likely contains other metals and may not be sterling silver.

Pure sterling silver, like those used in our necklaces and bracelets, remains odourless even when warmed by touch.

The Magnet Test: Quick and Revealing

One of the simplest tests you can perform at home is the magnet test. Sterling silver is not magnetic, so this can be a quick way to spot certain fakes.

To perform this test:

1. Get a strong magnet (neodymium magnets work best, but any strong magnet will do)
2. Hold the magnet near your necklace
3. If the necklace is strongly attracted to the magnet, it is not sterling silver

However, be aware that this test has limitations. Some non-silver metals used in counterfeits are also non-magnetic, so passing the magnet test doesn't guarantee your piece is sterling silver. Additionally, if your necklace contains steel components (like in some clasps), those parts will be attracted to the magnet even if the rest of the piece is genuine silver.

This test works best as an initial screening – if your necklace is attracted to a magnet, it's definitely not pure sterling silver. If it's not attracted, proceed with additional tests for confirmation.

The Ice Test: Using Silver's Thermal Properties

Silver is one of the best thermal conductors among metals, which makes this test particularly effective. Sterling silver conducts heat extremely well, causing ice to melt faster than it would on fake silver or other metals.

Here's how to perform the ice test:

1. Place an ice cube on your necklace
2. Place another ice cube on a non-silver item for comparison
3. Observe the melting rate – the ice on genuine sterling silver will melt noticeably faster

This happens because sterling silver quickly draws heat away from the ice cube, accelerating the melting process. It's a fascinating demonstration of silver's excellent thermal conductivity, a property that distinguishes it from many imitations.

This test works particularly well for larger silver pieces like pendants on necklaces or substantial bracelets, where you have enough surface area to place an ice cube.

The Ring Test: Listen Carefully

Sterling silver produces a distinctive, clear, bell-like ring when struck gently, unlike many other metals that produce duller or shorter sounds. This acoustic property can help identify genuine silver pieces.

To perform the ring test:

1. Hold your necklace pendant or a thicker part of the chain suspended in the air (you can hang it from your finger)
2. Gently tap it with another metal object, like a coin
3. Listen carefully to the sound – sterling silver produces a clear, high-pitched ring that sustains for a few seconds

The purer the silver, the longer and clearer the ringing sound will be. Plated items or silver-coloured metals typically produce a duller, shorter sound. This test works best on solid silver pieces rather than hollow ones, and the larger the piece, the more noticeable the ring will be.

While this test requires some practice to distinguish the sounds, it's a non-destructive way to help confirm if your necklace or other jewellery pieces are made of genuine sterling silver.

Acid Testing: The Professional Approach

For the most definitive results, acid testing is considered the gold standard. While this method is typically performed by jewellers, silver acid test kits are available for home use if you're comfortable with the process.

The acid test works by applying a drop of nitric acid to a small, inconspicuous area of your necklace or on a tiny sample taken from the piece. The chemical reaction reveals the metal content:

• Sterling silver (92.5%) will turn creamy white or light grey
• Silver-plated items will initially react like silver, then show the base metal's reaction
• Non-silver metals will show different colours – brass turns green, copper turns blue-green

Important safety note: Acid testing involves caustic chemicals that can cause burns and damage surfaces. If you choose to use a home testing kit, follow all safety precautions, wear protective gloves, work in a well-ventilated area, and keep the acids away from children and pets.

For valuable or sentimental pieces, we recommend taking your necklace to a professional jeweller who can perform this test safely and accurately without risking damage to your jewellery. Many jewellers offer this service for a small fee or even free if you're a regular customer.

Common Silver Imitations: Know What You're Looking At

Understanding common silver substitutes helps you identify what your necklace might be if it's not sterling silver. Here are the most frequent imitations you might encounter:

Silver-Plated

Silver-plated items have a thin layer of silver over a base metal (often copper, brass, or nickel). While they initially look like sterling silver, the plating wears off over time, revealing the underlying metal. Silver-plated items may be marked "EP" (electroplated), "EPNS" (electroplated nickel silver), or "Silver-Plated."

Nickel Silver

Despite its name, nickel silver (also called German silver) contains no actual silver. It's an alloy of nickel, copper, and zinc that resembles silver in appearance. It may be marked "NS," "EPNS," or "Alpaca."

Stainless Steel

Increasingly common in jewellery, stainless steel is durable and maintains its shine but lacks the warm lustre of genuine silver. It's typically heavier than silver and may be marked "SS" or "Stainless Steel."

Rhodium-Plated Metals

Some non-silver metals are plated with rhodium (a platinum group metal) to give them a bright, white appearance similar to silver. While rhodium itself is valuable, the base metal underneath may not be.

When shopping for necklaces or other jewellery, knowing these differences helps you make informed choices. At Ella & Eve, we pride ourselves on using only genuine 925 sterling silver in our collections, ensuring you receive lasting quality and value.

Caring For Your Sterling Silver Necklace

Once you've confirmed your necklace is genuine sterling silver, proper care will help maintain its beauty for years to come. Sterling silver requires some attention to prevent tarnish and keep its lustrous shine.

Everyday Care Tips

• Wear regularly: Believe it or not, wearing your silver jewellery often helps maintain its shine, as the natural oils in your skin help prevent tarnish
• Remove before swimming: Chlorine in pools and salt in seawater can damage sterling silver
• Avoid chemicals: Remove your necklace before using cleaning products, perfumes, or hairsprays
• Wipe after wearing: A quick polish with a soft cloth removes oils and moisture

Storage Recommendations

Proper storage is crucial for preventing tarnish:

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Use anti-tarnish bags or cloth-lined jewellery boxes
• Keep pieces separated to prevent scratches
• Consider adding silica gel packets to absorb moisture
• Store in your Ella & Eve gift box when not being worn

With proper care, your sterling silver necklaces, bracelets, and other jewellery will maintain their beauty and can become cherished heirlooms passed down through generations.

Discover Authentic Sterling Silver at Ella & Eve

Now that you know how to identify genuine sterling silver, you can shop with confidence. At Ella & Eve, we're committed to quality and transparency – every piece in our collection is crafted from authentic 925 sterling silver, properly hallmarked, and designed to last.

Whether you're looking for a delicate necklace, statement earrings, or an elegant bracelet, our curated collection offers timeless designs that complement any style. For those who prefer gold tones, explore our gold necklaces, gold bracelets, gold earrings, and gold anklets collections.

Every Ella & Eve purchase includes our free gift box and branded gift bag, perfect for presenting a thoughtful gift or storing your treasured pieces safely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sterling Silver

Can real sterling silver turn your skin green?

Yes, genuine sterling silver can occasionally turn skin green or black. This happens due to the copper content in the alloy reacting with acids in your skin or environmental factors. It doesn't mean your silver is fake – it's actually a sign of the copper component in real sterling silver.

Why does sterling silver tarnish?

Sterling silver tarnishes when the copper in the alloy reacts with sulphur compounds in the air. This natural oxidation process creates a darkened layer on the surface. Regular cleaning and proper storage can minimize tarnishing.

Is it worth buying sterling silver jewellery?

Absolutely! Sterling silver offers excellent value, combining beauty, durability, and affordability. It's a precious metal that maintains its worth over time, can last for generations with proper care, and offers versatile styling options for everyday wear and special occasions.