How to spot real sterling silver
Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent other metals, usually copper, which makes it strong enough to wear.
Look for the stamp
Sterling is usually stamped .925, 925 or STERLING, often inside a ring band or on a clasp. Small pieces may not have room for a stamp.
Sterling vs. plated vs. silver-tone
- Sterling: solid silver alloy through and through.
- Silver-plated: a thin silver layer over another metal; it can wear off.
- Silver-tone: a silver color with no silver content.
Simple checks
- Silver is not magnetic; a strong magnet that grabs a piece suggests another metal.
- Tarnish on sterling wipes off with a silver cloth to bright metal beneath.
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