HOW TO IDENTIFY PURE 925 STERLING SILVER JWELLERY

Silver jewellery has always been admired for its timeless beauty and elegance. However, with so many imitations in the market, it’s important to know how to identify genuine 925 sterling silver jewellery. If you are investing in silver pieces for your collection, these tips will help you separate the real from the fake.

🌟 What is 925 Sterling Silver?

925 Sterling Silver is a premium quality silver alloy made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). Pure silver on its own is too soft for making durable jewellery, so it’s blended with other metals to add strength while keeping the shine and beauty intact.

🔎 1. Check for the Hallmark Stamp

The easiest way to identify pure 925 sterling silver is by checking for a hallmark stamp such as:

• 925

• Sterling

• Sterling Silver
  This mark is usually engraved on the inner side of rings, necklace clasps, or earring backs.

  👉 Tip: If your jewellery doesn’t have this hallmark, it might not be genuine.

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🔥 2. The Magnet Test

Silver is not magnetic. If your jewellery is attracted to a magnet, it’s most likely made from other metals and just plated with silver.

👉 Note: Some fake pieces may pass this test, so always combine it with other checks.  

💧 3. The Nitric Acid Test

When a drop of nitric acid is applied to real sterling silver, it usually turns creamy white. Fake or low-quality silver often turns green or black.

⚠️ This test should only be done by professionals, as nitric acid is corrosive and dangerous.

🌬️ 4. The Polish Test

Rub your jewellery gently with a soft white cloth. If you see black marks, it’s a sign of genuine silver. This happens because real silver oxidizes when exposed to air.

💍 5. Look at the Craftsmanship

Pure 925 sterling silver jewellery usually has:

• A smooth, polished finish

• Intricate detailing

• A balanced weight (not too light like cheap metals)

Fake jewellery often looks too shiny or feels flimsy.

🧊 6. The Ice Cube Test

Place an ice cube on the silver piece. Genuine silver conducts heat quickly, so the ice cube will melt faster compared to when placed on fake metal.

👃 7. Smell the Jewellery

Real sterling silver has no noticeable smell. If your jewellery smells strongly metallic, it probably contains other cheap metals.

✅ Final Thoughts

When buying jewellery, always purchase from trusted brands that provide authenticity guarantees. At Elura India, we ensure every piece is crafted from certified 925 sterling silver, combining beauty with long-lasting quality.

✨ Knowing how to identify pure silver helps you make confident choices and build a jewellery collection that truly shines.