How do we distinguish silver from other metals?

Many people in Saudi Arabia are passionate about silver, just as they are worldwide. It is shiny and pretty and exotic, so people use it to make jewelry, utensils, and even adornments. Many metals with a similar silvery hue are on the market, making it hard to differentiate real silver from fake ones. This article will teach you simple and tried-and-tested ways to distinguish silver from other metals. 

Learn more about the benefits of wearing silver jewelry.

1. Looking for an official stamp or markings

Most pieces of jewelry are identifiable by an official hallmark stamp. By checking for this silver stamp, you can be sure the piece is real. Most authentic silver jewelry features a mark or number, such as 925 or sterling silver, indicating that 92.5% of the piece is pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% being an alloy of other metals for added durability. At Alef Jewels, every item proudly carries the 925 brand mark, ensuring its quality and authenticity. These hallmarks are elegantly engraved, serving as a clear signal of the silver's purity. 

In Saudi Arabia, you can find these numbers engraved on jewelry or silverware as a sign of quality and purity. If you are buying a silver piece, ensure to check for this mark.

2. Magnet test

Silver is not magnetic, so using a strong magnet can be a quick and easy way to check if a piece is real silver or not. If the piece attracts the magnet, it means it contains another metal such as iron or nickel.

However, you have to be careful; some non-magnetic metals may resemble silver, such as aluminum or copper. So, an object not responding to a magnet is not conclusive, but it's a good first step to check.

3. Nitric acid test

To ensure the authenticity of the silver, it is always best to consult a professional jeweler for accurate testing. Methods such as nitric acid testing can distinguish real silver, but these should only be carried out by experts to avoid any potential damage to the jewelry.

4. Note the color and texture

Genuine silver naturally has a beautiful grayish-white luster, but to enhance its durability and appearance, many of our jewelry pieces are rhodium-plated. Rhodium plating gives jewelry a vibrant shine and protects it from tarnishing and scratching, greatly increasing its longevity.

Unlike untreated silver, which may darken or tarnish over time due to exposure to air, rhodium-plated pieces maintain their polished appearance longer. 

5. Consult a jewelry expert

If you're not sure whether a piece is real silver or not, the best way to check is to ask a jewelry expert. These experts have the right tools and knowledge to tell if the silver is real and how pure it is. They use advanced techniques like X-ray tests or chemical checks to make sure the piece is genuine.

Many trustworthy jewelry stores in Saudi Arabia offer silver inspection and appraisal services.

6. Test for abrasion or corrosion

Sometimes, some pieces may only have a silver plating while the interior is made of a completely different metal. To make sure the piece is entirely silver, you can gently scratch the surface in an invisible area, and if the material beneath the surface is a different color than the silver, it's just plated.

Note that this inspection may damage the component, so handle it with care.

Conclusion

Authentic, top-notch silver needs a mix of detailed examination and straightforward checks to confirm. After you can tell the difference between genuine markings, magnet checks, and chemical examinations, you'll be sure to be able to spot real silver from fake silver. 

Saudi Arabia is a great place to buy silver jewelry. Learning these techniques will help you get a good deal and find high-quality silver products and skilled craftsmanship.