Buying Guide: How to Identify Real Silver Jewellery
Silver jewellery is beautiful, versatile, and timeless. But with so many imitations in the market, it’s important to know how to tell the difference between real and fake silver. If you’re planning to buy silver jewellery, here are some easy tips to make sure you’re investing in the real deal.
1. Look for Hallmarks
Genuine silver usually comes with a hallmark stamp. The most common one is “925”, which means the piece is made of 92.5% pure silver (also called sterling silver). Other marks you may find are “Sterling,” “S925,” or “Silver 925.” If there’s no stamp, you should be cautious.
2. Do the Magnet Test
Silver is not magnetic. If your jewellery sticks strongly to a magnet, it’s likely fake or mixed with a lot of other metals. However, this test alone isn’t enough, as some fake pieces might also pass it.
3. Check the Color and Shine
Real silver has a natural soft shine and often develops a slight tarnish over time, which can be polished off. Fake silver tends to look overly shiny or dull in an unnatural way. If it feels too light or looks like it’s painted, it’s probably not real.
4. The Rub Test
Gently rub your silver jewellery with a soft white cloth. If it leaves a black or dark mark, it’s a good sign that it’s real silver. That’s because real silver reacts with oxygen and leaves oxidation marks.
5. Ask for Authenticity Certificates
When buying from trusted jewellers or online stores, always ask for a certificate of authenticity. This ensures your silver jewellery has been tested and verified.
6. Buy From Trusted Sellers
The safest way to avoid fake jewellery is to buy from reputed jewellers or reliable online brands. When you shop from a trusted source, you can be confident that what you’re buying is genuine.
Final Thought: Silver jewellery is a smart investment, but only when it’s authentic. Use these simple tips to make sure you’re buying the real thing and enjoy jewellery that lasts a lifetime.
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