Sterling silver is a timeless and luxurious metal, but with so many plated and fake alternatives on the market, how can you be sure your jewellery is genuine? Whether you have inherited a piece, bought it secondhand or just want to verify your collection, this guide will teach you how to tell if sterling silver is real using simple at-home tests and expert tips.
Why It is Important to Check If Silver Is Real
Sterling silver (92.5% pure silver + 7.5% alloy for durability) is more valuable and long-lasting than silver-plated or fake alternatives. Real sterling silver:
✔ Retains value over time
✔ Will not flake or tarnish as quickly as plated metals
✔ Hypoallergenic (great for sensitive skin)
Fake or low-quality silver can turn your skin green, wear off quickly or even cause irritation.
6 Easy Ways to Test If Your Silver Is Real
1. Look for the Hallmark Stamp
Genuine sterling silver is almost always stamped with:
✔ “925” (most common)
✔ “Sterling”
✔ “SS” (less common)
🔍 Where to check? Look inside rings, on necklace clasps or on the back of earrings.
⚠ No stamp? It does not always mean fake—some vintage or handmade pieces lack stamps—but it is a red flag.
2. The Magnet Test (Quick & Easy)
Real silver is NOT magnetic.
✅ How to do it:
➤ Hold a strong magnet (like a fridge magnet) near your jewellery.
➤If it sticks, it is not real silver (likely steel or a base metal with silver plating).
❌ Limitation: Some fake silver is also non-magnetic, so this test alone is not foolproof.
3. The Ice Test (Science-Based Check)
Silver has the highest thermal conductivity of any metal, meaning it melts ice fast.
🧊 How to test:
➤ Place an ice cube on a flat silver surface (like a spoon or pendant).
➤ Watch how quickly it melts compared to a non-silver surface.
➤ Real silver will make ice melt almost instantly.
4. The Smell Test (Odd but Effective!)
Real silver has no smell.
👃 What to do:
➤ Rub the jewellery firmly between your fingers.
➤ If you detect a metallic or coppery smell, it is likely not pure sterling silver (it may be plated over cheaper metals).
5. The Polish Test (Tarnish = Good Sign!)
Real silver tarnishes over time (a blackish oxidation layer).
✨ How to check:
➤ Use a soft silver polishing cloth and rub a small area.
➤If black residue comes off, it is real silver (tarnish is natural).
➤ If no change, it might be plated or fake.
6. Professional Testing (For Absolute Certainty)
If you are still unsure, try:
🔬 Acid Test Kits (available online) – reacts with real silver
💍 Jeweller’s Loupe – checks for plating wear
🏪 Visit a Jeweller – they can perform an XRF test (most accurate)
Fake Silver vs. Real Silver: Key Differences
| Feature | Real Sterling Silver | Fake/Plated Silver |
|---|---|---|
| Hallmark | “925,” “Sterling” | No stamp or “EPNS” (electroplated) |
| Magnetic? | No | Sometimes yes |
| Tarnish? | Yes (over time) | Rarely (peeling/flaking instead) |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter (cheaper metals) |
| Price | Higher (premium) | Very cheap |
FAQs About Sterling Silver
❓ Does real sterling silver turn green?
Rarely—if it does, it is likely due to a chemical reaction (like sweat + copper alloy). High-quality 925 silver should not discolour skin.
❓ Can sterling silver get wet?
Yes, but prolonged exposure to water, chlorine or salt can speed up tarnishing.
❓ How long does sterling silver last?
With proper care, a lifetime! Clean it regularly and store it properly to maintain shine.
Final Verdict: How to Know If Your Silver Is Real
✅ Look for a 925 stamp
✅ Try the magnet & ice tests
✅ Check for tarnish & smell
✅ When in doubt, consult a jeweller
Now that you know how to tell if sterling silver is real, you can shop and care for your jewellery with confidence!
Looking for authentic sterling silver pieces?
👉 Explore LENAE’s Sterling Silver Collection