How to Identify Real Sterling Silver Jewellery – 5 Easy Tips
With the rising popularity of sterling silver jewellery, especially in markets like India, it's easy to be misled by cheap fakes sold as "real silver." But how do you, as a customer, tell if your beautiful new ring or necklace is actually genuine sterling silver?
At Sylvory, we believe every jewellery lover deserves the real deal. So here are 5 simple and reliable ways to identify real sterling silver jewellery, even before you buy it.
1. Look for the 925 Stamp
Authentic sterling silver always carries a stamp indicating its purity. The most common mark is "925", which means the piece is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper) to enhance strength.
👉 Check for tiny engravings like:
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925
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.925
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Sterling
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Sterling Silver
You’ll often find these stamps on the clasp of necklaces, the inner band of rings, or the back of pendants.
2. Do a Magnet Test
Silver is not magnetic. If your jewellery is attracted to a magnet, it likely contains other metals like iron or nickel.
✅ Real sterling silver = no reaction to magnet
❌ Fake or plated = sticks or pulls slightly
Note: While this test is not 100% foolproof, it’s a quick red flag check.
3. Rub Test with a Soft Cloth
Take a soft white cloth and rub the piece gently. Real sterling silver oxidises slightly over time, so you might see a black mark appear on the cloth. This doesn’t mean it’s dirty—it means it’s real.
Fake silver or plated pieces usually won’t leave any mark, because they don’t oxidise like genuine sterling silver.
4. The Ice Cube Test
This is a fun and surprisingly effective trick! Silver is one of the most thermally conductive metals.
Place an ice cube on the silver jewellery. If it melts faster than on a ceramic plate or steel surface, you're holding real silver. This test works well on flat items like bangles or pendants.
5. Check the Price & Source
If a seller is offering “pure silver” at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Real sterling silver has value and cost.
Also, always buy from trusted sources like Sylvory, where each piece is stamped, tested, and verified before reaching you.
💡 Conclusion:
Identifying real sterling silver jewellery doesn’t require a lab—just a few simple tricks and a little awareness. At Sylvory, we stand by quality, offering only authentic, hallmarked sterling silver pieces that are safe, skin-friendly, and made to last.
Shop confidently at Sylvory, where purity meets style.
