Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Real silver vs. sterling silver, p2
Q. Can you tell if a piece of jewelry is 925 Sterling silver by holding a magnet close to it? If it is not attracted to the magnet it is 925, if it is attracted it is not. Is this possible?
Phoebe Strain- Foremost, AB, Canada
March 1, 2010
A. Hi, Phoebe. A magnet will tell you very little. Only iron (steel) is magnetic, so if the item is magnetic then it is silver plated steel, but jewelry is almost never a steel base, but rather a copper or nickel alloy. So it being non-magnetic is no indication that it is solid silver.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
March 2, 2010
Q. Omega 6 mm Italian Sterling Silver? What is difference between this type of silver and a necklace that is stated to be solid silver.925?
Cecilia Dutcherhobbyist - Oak Ridge, New Jersey
April 16, 2010
Q. Hi there, I have a question about silver content in jewelry. I was wanting to buy some silver jewelry online and when I asked about the silver content they told me that it was 60% silver and 40% alloy. is this something that I should be weary of? they said that their stuff is good quality, but is it comparable to 925 silver pieces? I love to wear silver jewelry on a daily basis, is this percentage of silver a good choice? will it last?
Thanks for any advice you can give me.
- Courtenay, bc, canada
May 13, 2010
A. Hi, Brandi.
925 / Sterling silver is 92.5% silver. That's a lot more than 60%. The 60/40 stuff should wear fine and last indefinitely, but I would be concerned about it turning green from having so much non-silver (probably copper or nickel) content in it.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
May 17, 2010
Q. My wife has bought a ring with 925 marking inside, but no other hallmarks. Is there any significance in the lack of other marks?
John T
Just Interested - Lincoln, United Kingdom
July 17, 2010
A. Since 4000 BC, people from Anatolia (Turkey) had started using silver for making handicrafts and living-wares. Nowadays, besides jewelry and silverwares, silver has many industrial applications such as photographs or electric contacts.
Pure silver is too soft for handicraft making. So, it will be alloyed with other metals to increase the strength and hardness. Since 13th century, the fineness of the sterling silver has been standardized to 925.
Pure silver is too soft for production. Conventionally, copper is added to increase strength and hardness of the resultant silver alloy. Due to fire-scale problem raised from copper, many other metals are also added to improve the production quality
Copper have long been using as a complementary metal for sterling silver.
Nowadays, many manufacturers shifted to use master alloys for sterling silver production.
Copper is hard , has fire scale problem, ability to tarnish soon, cheaper and has fair performance in usage.
Sterling Silver alloys have various hardness from 55-70 Hv. Various workability, Less fire scale problem, Anti Tarnishing, Good performance in usage, Relatively more costly than copper.
To cope with the different demands, master alloys with various properties and functions are developed for the markets. Some of them have better hardness and some of them may have better anti-tarnishing abilities.
Roshan Nair
Sr. Manager, jewelry mfg. machine & tools division - Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
August 11, 2010
Q. Several years ago, I agreed to clear the lot of a recent two story house fire for the scrap, mostly the brick and stone, etc.. Would not recommend it Anyway, I discovered what must have been a Silver Service set in the rubble some forks and spoons are somewhat recognizable although twisted and the designs are melted. Also, there is a big "Blob" of melted metal with pieces sticking out. A magnet does not react to anywhere I place it, I hacksawed about a quarter of the way through the blob until I noticed all of the shiny dust I was wasting. Any advice on testing it for purity?
Jack CawthonBroke and wanting to sell salvage - Wolfe City, Texas, USA
August 31, 2010
A. For determining if a piece is actually sterling silver and possibly the percent silver or if it is silver plated, you should be able to use the object's mass and density. I would assume any self-respecting high school or college chemistry instructor would both have the knowledge and equipment to help a person out with this. It would also be a great way to demonstrate to students some useful aspects of the subject matter.
Felice Troutman- Paragould Arkansas USA
October 14, 2010
Q. I found a set of six silver goblets, they have black oxidization on them but no markings, they clean up well but I'm wondering how to determine their silver content if any.
Adin ellisonbuyer - kansas city, Missouri USA
October 27, 2010
Q. I have an old set of spoons I inherited in a presentation box-it has a ribbon that identifies it as K Uyeda Jeweller, Imperial Hotel, Tokyo--the stamp on the back is written in Japanese and was translated to me "made of silver"--this is a very reputable jeweler still in Japan. Do you think this is silver and not sterling or plated?
Carol Uyedahobbyist - Modesto, California USA
January 4, 2011
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Ed. note -- Readers: This site is about metal finishing. As we talk about markings, and how they relate to metal finishes, we're moving towards the fringes of our topic although that's probably okay.
But we don't trace hallmarks, or print histories, evaluations, assessments, offers to buy, offers to sell, or anything of the sort. Sorry, this is not a hallmarking or antiquing site, nor eBay or Craigslist -- it's a narrowly focused metal finishing site. Apologies.
A. YOU ARE RIGHT, Silver never goes black. It gets dirty and it is very easy to clean.
SAME THING IN EPNS. IT IS ALSO A PURE SILVER PLATED PRODUCT NOTHING ELSE. SILVER IS LONG LASTING BUT SILVER PLATING IS NOT.
- MORADABAD,U.P.India
January 14, 2011
Q. Hi. I recently purchased a mens bracelet for my boyfriend and wanted to know will it change in water or out in the sun.
Shawata Blackmanhobbyist - Hampton, Georgia, USA
February 15, 2011
A. Hi, Shawata. The sun won't hurt his jewelry, but jewelry is not meant to be worn in the water.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
February 16, 2011
Q. I have an antique ring that was my grandmothers. My grandmother was born in 1886. I am not sure when she acquired the ring. The ring has a large amethyst and 2 small diamonds. It has always been my understanding that the band & setting were sterling silver, but I cannot find a mark. It has the look and feel of sterling. I know it has been resized at least twice over the last 100+ years. Is it possible it never had a mark? Is it possible that the mark would be lost by resizing? How can I know for sure if it is sterling or not without using acid on it? It is a very old and beautiful ring and I don't want to damage it.
Julie Harrell- Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
April 12, 2011
Q. I HAVE ACQUIRED AN ANTIQUE BROOCH THAT HAS THE NUMBER 1000 ON IT. THERE ARE NO OTHER MARKINGS ON THE PIECE. IT LOOKS LIKE SILVER BUT HAS VERY LITTLE TARNISH ON IT FOR BEING SO OLD. IT DOES NOT REACT TO A MAGNET. COULD IT BE PLATINUM WITHOUT THE PLT. OR PT. ?
Christina CrowthersCOLLECTOR - Maple Shade, New Jersey, USA
June 2, 2011
Q. Dear All: I am in Bangkok, Thailand. With silver up so high I decided to sell an old set of sterling silverware called: Royal Danish by International Silver. This is a very common pattern dating from the late 50's early 60's. You can see it on eBay all the time. Anyway, I went to the local dealers and no one would buy it because silver is now so high right now. They said I could get good money right now, if I sold it for scrap. I decided to go to some of the metal "smiths" in Chinatown here in Bangkok. On the back of this silver it is clearly marked "Sterling Silver" International Silver Company USA. ---- In all my research, sterling silver from USA is 92.5% silver if marked---it is the law. When the man looked at the silver he made several tests with chemicals and then said he must melt down one to see if it is pure sterling. As I wanted to sell it, I decided to let him melt down a salad fork..... Long story short: He melted a fork, tested again and came back and said it was only 78-80% silver ... and I was shocked! He tested it several times and he would not budge even after I told him it was a law in the USA and the company is too famous to not make their sterling 92.5% ... I decided not to sell and I am TOTALLY confused. He tested it and told me the level of green color indicates the %. Could this be true? And if I have a set of International Sterling silver that is below 80% silver this would be fraud by a major US silver company. ----- Can anyone advice? ---- I went to two places and both tested it and came back with about 78%.... silver. Thanks for the advice.... USABKK
Claude Harris- Bangkok, Thailand
June 7, 2011
Q. Hi,
I have what looks like an old Victorian child's silver bangle. I want to know more about it and if it is actually silver. It has a fern patten and is hallmarked with WD and the words 'silver band' Any help would be appreciated as I have been searching for ages. Thank you.
- United Kingdom
June 11, 2011
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Ed. note -- Readers: This site is about metal finishing. As we talk about markings, and how they relate to metal finishes, we're moving towards the fringes of our topic although that's probably okay.
But we don't trace hallmarks, or print histories, evaluations, assessments, offers to buy, offers to sell, or anything of the sort. Sorry, this is not a hallmarking or antiquing site, nor eBay or Craigslist -- it's a narrowly focused metal finishing site. Apologies.
Q. HELLO. MY NAME IS LORI AND RECENTLY I BOUGHT A RING A A YARD SALE IN A JUNK JEWELRY BOX IT HAS 925 LA STAMPED INSIDE THE RING WHAT DOES THE LA STAND FOR? I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE SILVER LAYOVER. THANK YOU FOR ANY INFO YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO GIVE ME!
LORI ECKHOBBYIST - LINWOOD NEW JERSEY USA
June 14, 2011
Q. I have two larger pieces of what I believe to be silver, a teapot and sugar bowl. They are stamped on the bottom with 123 S6 (or SG) and 123 S, respectfully. What to these stamps signify?
Lyn MacArthur- Aberdeen, Maryland USA
June 21, 2011
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Ed. note -- Readers: This site is about metal finishing. As we talk about markings, and how they relate to metal finishes, we're moving towards the fringes of our topic although that's probably okay.
But we don't trace hallmarks, or print histories, evaluations, assessments, offers to buy, offers to sell, or anything of the sort. Sorry, this is not a hallmarking or antiquing site, nor eBay or Craigslist -- it's a narrowly focused metal finishing site. Apologies.
Q. My husband just purchased a ring for me made of recycled flatware while on our vacation to San Francisco. It has beautiful rose-like flowers on both sides of the item. The artist told me that it was sterling silver from around the 1800's. I have tried to look for the marks but, since the ring was made from only the upper portion of the handle, the only identifiable marks I see on the inside of the piece are two individually boxed letters: S I. I have gone to the www.925-1000.com/americansilver_I.html website and still cannot figure it out. Pictures to follow. Thank you for your response.
Cybele de Moura Cerchiohobbyist - Bountiful, Utah, USA
August 3, 2011
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Ed. note -- Readers: This site is about metal finishing. As we talk about markings, and how they relate to metal finishes, we're moving towards the fringes of our topic although that's probably okay.
But we don't trace hallmarks, or print histories, evaluations, assessments, offers to buy, offers to sell, or anything of the sort. Sorry, this is not a hallmarking or antiquing site, nor eBay or Craigslist -- it's a narrowly focused metal finishing site. Apologies.
Q. What markings will be on I guess sterling silver spoons forks, etc.
Steve ChristianHOBBYIST - Elberton Georgia USA
August 8, 2011
A. Hi, Steve.
"Sterling", most likely.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August 2011
Q. I have some pieces of flatware, Gorham English Gadroon and Kirk Repousse, that got some salt crystals from a pewter salt cellar on them when I moved. When I looked at them some months later I noticed the salt and that it had left a dark gray mark on the silver where it had landed. I polished with a silver polish but it won't come off. Does this mean my silver is plated? What can I do?
Dan O'RaghallaighHome owner - Baltimore, Maryland, USA
September 12, 2011
My father had a lighter he picked up in Japan when we lived there in the mid 1960's. The top of the lighter has "Kobe, Japan". The bottom has "SILVER" stamped into it. The lighter insert is an older model Zippo. My question is, since it does't have 950 or 925 stamped into the bottom instead it has silver, can it still be sterling silver?
Micheal CainResearcher for sales - Las Vegas, Nevada
October 4, 2011
Q. Hello, I recently purchased a new plain silver band from a kiosk selling only silver jewelry at a local Ontario mall. I believe the jewelry originated in the Middle East. Over the next few weeks the tarnish on the ring got darker and darker with many scratches and pit marks. It looks more like sterling with a dash of copper than silver, even after using metal and jewelry polish. I cannot get it back to it's original luster like other silver rings. Coincidentally I wear it right next to another silver ring that remains bright and lovely like the day it was made by a Canadian First Nations artist more than 40 years ago. No scratches, no pit marks, no tarnish. That ring doesn't have any markings, but the new ring is stamped 925. Could I have been duped by a 'silver plate' or counterfeit ring instead of solid silver? Is there a way to check to be sure? Any advice you can give is greatly appreciated.
Sheila R.consumer - Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
October 5, 2011
A. Hi, Sheila.
Although people need to be wary of counterfeit hundred dollar bills, the likelihood of being stuck with a counterfeit one or five dollar bill is small because the savings to the counterfeiter aren't worth the risks. Although sterling silver is valuable, it is only a semi-precious metal, not a precious metal; the implication being that counterfeiting of a sterling silver ring by an established business sounds very unlikely to me.
Tarnished is the natural condition of sterling silver. Silver that is untarnished is either rhodium plated, clear coated with a lacquer, or perhaps very high purity rather than Sterling (92.5% pure). You are probably correct about the copper; there is probably approximately 100 - 92.5 = 7.5% copper in your ring, and that does promote tarnishing. Sorry, I can't really account for pitting and a propensity towards scratching.
It is possible to non-destructively test the silver content with a very expensive device ($35,000) called a scrap-sorter X-ray fluorescence machine, if you have a friend in the junkyard business. Otherwise, acid testing is relatively easy but somewhat destructive as described in the postings above. I'd probably suggest continuing your quest for a better metal polish. But you may need to power buff the ring as opposed to simple hand rubbing with a cloth and polish. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
October 12, 2011
Q. I have flatware that I brought home from Germany shortly after the war. It has a marking "Bader 100" and then what looks like a copyright marking. It is tarnished and has not been used for some 60 years.
DanV
curious - Casselberry, Florida, USA
October 15, 2011
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Ed. note -- Readers: This site is about metal finishing. As we talk about markings, and how they relate to metal finishes, we're moving towards the fringes of our topic although that's probably okay.
But we don't trace hallmarks, or print histories, evaluations, assessments, offers to buy, offers to sell, or anything of the sort. Sorry, this is not a hallmarking or antiquing site, nor eBay or Craigslist -- it's a narrowly focused metal finishing site. Apologies.
Q. I have a set of what I would call Irish coffee mug holders. The holders are of a delicate filigree style and marked 510MMET on the bottom. That is the only mark that I can find. I think I that mark may be Russian. Any information would be appreciated.
owner - Euless, Texas
November 5, 2011
Q. I have just bought an old swiss watch (1890). The seller said said it was 'solid silver', but there are no hallmarks on the inner lid, just JC FINE SILVER in a small rectangular box. As fine silver (999) can't be used to make watch cases, I suppose it is a silver plated case. Am I right?
Jaume Bonnin- Campanet, Balearic Is, Spain
February 22, 2012
Q. Hello -
I have a heavy choker/necklace marked Taxco Sterling. No other mark? Can you tell me if it's vintage, and its worth? Sending photos! Thanks! gracie
- Ottawa Lake Michigan
March 28, 2012
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Ed. note -- Readers: This site is about metal finishing. As we talk about markings, and how they relate to metal finishes, we're moving towards the fringes of our topic although that's probably okay.
But we don't trace hallmarks, or print histories, evaluations, assessments, offers to buy, offers to sell, or anything of the sort. Sorry, this is not a hallmarking or antiquing site, nor eBay or Craigslist -- it's a narrowly focused metal finishing site. Apologies.
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