How to determine the authenticity of silver at home
Silver is famous for its characteristic “white” color and the slightest pink tint, which is formed from contact of the metal surface with air. So silver is quite recognizable in appearance. But it may still be necessary to check its authenticity. For example, an antique item purchased without testing. Or for some reason, jewelry made of irradiated silver, which does not have a characteristic warm shade, raises suspicions.
How to tell if silver is real
Of course, if we are talking about an expensive item purchased in an antique or jewelry store, or simply secondhand, if in doubt, in order to distinguish real silver from a fake, it would be advisable to contact an appropriate specialist. If only because he will be able to give a qualified and written opinion confirming the claims of the buyer who bought the fake.
But there are methods that allow you to reliably test silver at home. Such methods can be especially useful when purchasing at fairs, bazaars and in some exotic countries with a high percentage of metal counterfeits.
Among these methods:
- checking for the presence of a sample on the product;
- checking with improvised means;
- checking for the characteristic physical properties of silver.
We recommend reading: What types of gold alloys are there?
How to test a silver sample at home
As a rule, things have a special mark of three numbers - hallmark. An exception is possible for antiques, items made by private order or manufactured in a country that does not require hallmarking.
It is placed in the form of a tiny mark in an inconspicuous place.
The sample shows the ratio of pure silver and impurities in the product. A three-digit number means the amount of precious metal in one kilogram.
The most common standard for jewelry is 925. A standard of 960 is used to create various relief compositions; here the metal is already very soft and is not suitable for jewelry intended to be worn. Fineness of 999 is found only in bullion and collectible coins.
It is not recommended to purchase jewelry with a purity lower than 925, as they darken faster.
For table silver, a standard of at least 800 is allowed.
Hallmarks on antiques and hallmarks of some countries differ from the three-digit system.
Jewelry stores always indicate all the characteristics of the product, including the sample, in the passport.
Check the authenticity of silver at home using improvised means
You can determine whether silver is real at home using the chemical reagent method.
We recommend reading: Features of global silver mining
It is enough to have iodine, vinegar or chalk on hand. They test silver with iodine by dropping it on the item. Genuine metal should immediately darken. The darker the stain, the purer the silver. However, this stain is not removed. Therefore, the method is not suitable for verification upon purchase.
You can test silver at home with vinegar. It needs to be diluted in water. The item dropped there should not change color.
You can also rub the product being tested with chalk. Silver will leave a dark mark on the chalk.
All home chemical methods have a drawback - they will give an erroneous result if the product is simply silver-plated.
Testing for the characteristic physical properties of silver
First of all, silver in any condition should not leave marks on your hands. Also, this metal is relatively heavy, a product made from it will be noticeably heavier than a similar thing made from cupronickel.
The simplest, but very effective way is to test the metal for thermal conductivity. The fact is that silver, unlike base metals, heats up instantly. If you pick up a piece of jewelry made from it, it should become warm within a few seconds. Ordinary metal will not have time to heat up in such a time. If you bring the decoration to boiling water, within 5-10 seconds it will become not just warm, but very hot.
We recommend reading: Precious metals market: results of April 2015
Testing with a magnet will help you recognize a very crude fake - silver will not react to a magnet under any circumstances.
You can also place a pin in an inconspicuous place on the item - if the scratch is different in color, this is also a fake.
Finally
The above home methods will not give a 100% guarantee that the item is actually made of high-quality silver. However, they will protect you from purchasing outright fakes, for which the resorts of Tunisia, Egypt and Thailand are famous.
Source: http://inzoloto.ru/precious-metalls/kak-opredelit-podlinnost-serebra-v-domashnih-usloviyah
How to test silver with vinegar
Silver products are timeless classics. Due to the demand for this metal in the food market, unscrupulous manufacturers often counterfeit it. In order to avoid falling into the trap, it is important to know how to test silver at home with vinegar. In this article you will learn about this identification method, as well as other verification options.
It is difficult to distinguish a fake from a noble metal by appearance
Ways to check quality and authenticity at home
First of all, when evaluating silver products, attention is paid to the hallmark and hallmark. However, this is not a guarantee of quality.
Therefore, self-testing of silver is often carried out at home.
A preservative not only allows you to check whether a piece of jewelry is real. Find out how to clean silver with vinegar at home without damaging the item.
Vinegar
All you need for this method is table vinegar 9%. To check the authenticity of silver with vinegar, pour the acid into a container and immerse the item in it for 30-40 seconds. Silver is a low-active metal, so if you have a material in your hands without impurities or counterfeits, nothing will change on the surface. If silver reacts with vinegar, a white coating (or other changes) appears - this is a fake.
The procedure should be carried out with gloves so as not to accidentally damage the skin of your hands with vinegar.
Iodine
Another available method for assessing the authenticity of silver is iodine. To check, one drop applied to the product is enough. If the silver is real, a dark spot will remain in place of the iodine. This substance does not react with other metals. So if there is no darkening, be sure that this is a fake.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zO_poAblmw
The darker the stain, the higher quality the silver item.
However, this method has one drawback. After checking, you will have to clean the stains from the metal yourself.
You can learn more about the reaction that occurs between silver and iodine from the following video:
Magnet
A magnet will also help you check the product. Silver belongs to the category of paramagnetic metals and has weak magnetic properties. If the product is easily attracted to a magnet, it is a fake.
However, this verification method should be used in conjunction with others. Today there are many other non-magnetic materials that resemble silver in appearance.
A sample on a metal product is not an indicator of quality
What else to check
Methods for testing silver are not limited to the means mentioned above. There are other options, including the following:
- Temperature check. Silver is a good conductor of heat. Therefore, to ensure quality, immerse the product in hot water. In a matter of seconds, the silver will heat up to the temperature of water.
- Use the skin of your palm. Rub the product against your hand for a few minutes. If a dark mark appears in this place, it is a fake.
- Chalk check. Rub the silver item with the chalk. If there are dark spots on it, then the silver is real.
Find out if you can clean silver with baking soda at home.
To learn more about the methods of checking silver for authenticity, follow the link with the video:
Security rules when determining authenticity
In order not to harm yourself during the verification process, follow the rule:
- If the procedure is carried out using iodine or vinegar, wear gloves. This measure will protect the skin from getting burns.
It is also important to ensure that the products themselves are not damaged during the process. Do not forcefully check with chalk. This causes scratches.
FAQ
Silver testing is a serious matter that should be approached responsibly. In order to avoid unpleasant situations, read in advance the questions that arise among those who test silver on their own. Please also note that jewelry not only made from silver is cleaned with a preservative. Find out how to clean gold with vinegar at home.
Have you tried checking the quality of silver yourself?
How much percent vinegar to use
For testing, only 9% table vinegar is used. Another percentage will not bring the desired result. If the acid level in the liquid is too low, the product will not react even if it is fake. And if too high a percentage is taken, it will harm the appearance of the silver item.
Which verification method is the most reliable?
None of the methods guarantees 100% results. Each of them provides information only to one degree or another. The table will help you visually see the effectiveness of checking using each method.
The effectiveness of each type of verification
| Method | Result up to 100 (in %) |
| Vinegar | 85 |
| Iodine | 87 |
| Magnet | 72 |
| Temperature check | 65 |
| Skin test | 50 |
| Chalk | 70 |
In order to achieve results, use 2 or 3 methods together.
What material material is best to use for inspection?
The material of the container into which this or that solution was poured and then the silver was placed is not so important. Metal, glass, porcelain and other containers are suitable.
How long to keep jewelry in vinegar
In order to test metal, follow the exposure rules. If 9% acetic acid is used, you will see the result in 30-40 seconds. Diluted 3% vinegar - at least 2 hours. There is no need for more, but if this happens, there is no need to worry. This will not affect the silver item in any way.
On a note
- Today they have learned how to counterfeit silver items, so it is impossible to distinguish a fake from silver by appearance.
- The presence of a hallmark and hallmark on silver is not an unquestioning indicator of quality.
To ensure the authenticity of the product, it is better to check it yourself.
- To get an accurate result, use 2 or 3 methods at once.
If you have used one of the methods or know your own way to test silver, share it in the comments with other users. And don’t forget to tell your loved ones about this article.
Reviews from those who tested silver with vinegar
A little life hack from me: check the product immediately upon purchase. I usually ask for a magnet. So what, everyone has it and they definitely won’t harm the product. Usually no one refuses, and if they refuse, then this is a reason to think about whether it’s worth taking silver here. This may not be a 100% method, but to some extent it still gives results.
I also heard that silver can be tested by throwing it from a small height onto a hard, flat surface. There you have to determine it by the sound. To be honest, in the end I didn’t really understand what exactly the sound should be like. So this method is only suitable for those who understand at least a little about this issue.
Well, I use the good old and proven method - vinegar. rn I checked the ring with iodine just for fun. In the end, everything worked out: the dark spot remained. In principle, I had no doubts about the quality of my jewelry, but I was just curious how iodine works in this matter. The only negative is that later I had to clean the ring from the same stain.
But it was a minor problem; everything was cleaned to a shine.
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Source: https://uksus-hous.ru/v-bytu/proverit-serebro-uksusom
How to test silver at home
Silver is a noble metal that is used to make various jewelry, ornaments and coins. But for centuries, samples have not been tested on the material, so it can be problematic to verify the authenticity of old things. In order not to make a mistake with your choice and not waste your money, you need to know how to test silver.
Methods for checking the quality and authenticity of silver products
If silver does not contain foreign impurities, it becomes too ductile and loses strength. The purest standard is sterling silver, which is made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.
Possessing high hardness, it is actively used for the production of coins, jewelry and other products. Each silver item is marked with a hallmark. But in some countries such a mark is optional, so its absence is not a sign of counterfeit.
To test for stamped silver, you must use a magnifying glass and carefully examine the numbers on the stamp. There are several samples of this noble metal, which are designated by the following numbers:
But sometimes even the presence of a mark does not guarantee the authenticity of products. Therefore, it is better to test silver yourself, using available methods, based on physical laws.
Nitric acid
If the jewelry does not have a hallmark, you can determine its authenticity using nitric acid. Before carrying out the experiment, you must wear protective gloves.
Having chosen the least important place, you should lightly scratch it, and then apply a few drops of the solution.
If a green spot appears on the surface of the product, this will indicate low quality and the presence of a large amount of copper impurities, brass or cupronickel in the composition. Pure metal takes on a black tint, while sterling gets a creamy tint.
Iodine, vinegar and chalk
Some substances can leave traces after contact with pure metal, so their use is considered risky. These include iodine. It is enough to apply it to a genuine piece of jewelry or coin, and a dark, difficult-to-remove stain will immediately appear on it. The method cannot be called the best, because... it may damage the product.
If you run a piece of chalk over a silver structure, characteristic dark stripes will appear on the surface. The interaction of chalk with pure metal will lead to the appearance of blackness.
If you apply vinegar to the product, no reaction will occur, and any non-ferrous metal will begin to oxidize.
Stamp and hallmark
Silver is also determined by a mark that is applied at the production stage. Alloys numbered 875 and 925 are common in jewelry. They are used to create stylish jewelry, kitchen utensils, and serving items.
When making silverware with enamel coating, an alloy with 916 purity is used. The 960th sample is used less frequently.
In order to improve the decorative effect of silver or brass products, as well as to prevent oxidation processes, they are treated with the purest metal of 999 purity. The electrolytic method is used to apply the layer.
Lapis pencil and bread crumb
An alternative for chalk is a lapis pencil. Before use, it is moistened in water, and then the tip is passed over a silver object. Pure metal immediately darkens.
Bleach and sulfur ointment
Silver can be determined using a special bleaching solution. When the mixture reacts with the metal, it begins to darken. To apply the solution you need to take a toothpick.
Silver can also be checked for authenticity at home using sulfur ointment. The mixture should be applied to the jewelry and left there for about 2 hours. After this, you need to remove it with a dry cloth and inspect the product for any darkening. If they are present, then you have silver in your hands, and if they are absent or the surface has acquired a different shade, then it is a fake.
Sulfur ointment is also applied using other methods: the most inconspicuous area is rubbed with sandpaper and then treated with a solution. After a quarter of an hour you need to look at the product. If there are traces of darkening on it, there is no need to doubt the authenticity of the metal. Foreign alloys and base metals do not react with the ointment.
With a needle
You can use a needle to test a silver item. To do this, you need to lightly scratch it with a sharp object. If after such manipulations no defects appear on the surface, this means that the material is of high quality. The formation of scratches will signal the removal of the silver layer from the fake.
Special chemicals
Pharmacies and specialized retail outlets sell ready-made testers that allow you to distinguish silver from other metals. Such chemical reagents provide high accuracy of testing and also make it possible to determine the silver sample.
When performing an experiment, you must first rub the selected area with sandpaper and then treat it with a reagent. After this, spots of different colors should appear on the surface. Depending on the shade, they can signal both the sample and the authenticity of the metal:
- The presence of red shades is a sign of the authenticity of the product. Burgundy tones are characteristic of 925 standard, and scarlet tones are characteristic of the purest silver, which does not contain any impurities.
- A brown tint indicates a low standard, while a dark tint indicates that the product is made of pure brass.
- Yellow color characterizes jewelry made from lead or tin alloys.
- The blue tint appears only on nickel alloy.
Thermal method and magnet
Silver is one of the materials with maximum thermal conductivity. It can heat up quickly and cool down just as quickly. Conducting thermal tests is a good way to determine the authenticity of a product.
For this experiment, you need to take a small ice cube and place it on the surface of the coin. If it starts to melt quickly, that's a good sign. The technique is used only when testing flat structures.
In the case of small products, it is enough to hold them in your hands and determine over what period of time they will acquire body temperature. The process of heating high-quality silver takes just seconds. Therefore, if you put it in boiling water, it will heat up instantly.
But we must not forget that when exposed to high temperatures, the surface of silver can darken. And to return to its original appearance, sometimes it is necessary to carry out deep cleaning.
A magnet is also used to check a silver spoon, ring or coins from Tsarist Russia. Being a dielectric, such a metal is not capable of magnetization. If it is magnetic, it is a low quality alloy or a fake.
Voice test
If you knock on the product with another silver object, the sound produced will be ringing. In the case of a fake, he becomes deaf. And if there are doubts about the authenticity of the jewelry, it is better to refuse the purchase.
Methods for determining the authenticity of a coin
Today, silver is sold in every jewelry store and is considered a relatively affordable noble material. There is simply no reason to counterfeit such metal, but in the recent past the situation looked different.
Antique jewelry and art objects were often counterfeited in order to make money, which is why counterfeits are often found in antique markets or private collections. It will not be possible to recognize them without using special tricks, because... The lack of a modern hallmark complicates the process of assessing authenticity.
When checking the authenticity of coins, you need to use the following methods and available means:
- The coin should be rubbed with chalk. If after this its surface becomes covered with dark spots, then there is no reason to worry.
- To distinguish a genuine silver coin from a fake, a solution based on nitric acid and potassium dichromate, combined in equal proportions, is used. Once on silver, this composition leaves brown-red traces.
Testing an old coin with iodine or nitric acid is not recommended. Such aggressive substances can deform the surface of the antique, making it an unnecessary piece of metal. If you do not have the skills to conduct such experiments, it is better to seek help from a specialist. An experienced connoisseur will be able to verify the authenticity of the silver using a magnifying glass.
How to distinguish silver from cupronickel
Cupronickel was often used to counterfeit silver jewelry and coins. This alloy has identical external properties, therefore it is considered the best cheap analogue of the noble metal. And in terms of mechanical properties, it is superior to pure silver, is not afraid of corrosion and is more durable.
But cupronickel contains a small amount of silver. The rest is occupied by copper, nickel and even iron.
It is not difficult to distinguish silver from cupronickel. To do this, you need to place it in water and wait a while. If the ring has a greenish tint, it may be fake. You can also use a lapis pencil for checking. Cupronickel silver is heavier in weight than silver, and during use it emits an unpleasant odor.
There are many ways to check whether it is silver or not. All that remains is to choose one of them and start the experiment.
Source: https://uborka-v-dome.ru/layfhaki/kak-proverit-serebro.html
How to test silver at home for authenticity - with iodine, vinegar
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Silver is a beautiful noble metal from which jewelry, coins, home decoration and dishes are made. And although silver items are counterfeited less often than gold items, sometimes it becomes necessary to verify the authenticity of the metal. How to test silver at home, read our article.
Pure silver has a silvery-white metallic hue and is highly reflective. However, if it is not cleaned for a long time, it darkens and becomes dull.
Sample and stamp
In order to check the authenticity of silver, first of all inspect the product for the presence of hallmarks and hallmarks.
The mark may look arbitrary, and sometimes be completely absent from the product. As for fineness, silver items sold on the international market must have a marked hallmark indicating the fineness of the metal. The most common numbers are 800, 830, 875, 925, 960; pure silver – 999 standard.
Do not be upset if you cannot find marks on the product - this does not mean that this is a different metal. Such a product may simply not be certified or produced in a country where the mark is not required.
The numbers on the marking indicate the percentage of silver in the alloy. For example, the 925 stamp indicates that the alloy contains 92.5% silver, and the 900 stamp indicates 90% silver content
There are other ways to test your silver. Let's take a closer look at them.
Thermal conductivity
Silver has the highest thermal conductivity among metals - it heats up quickly and gives off heat just as quickly. Try temperature tests with the product.
If you have a coin or bar in your hands that needs to be checked for authenticity, use ice
Take an ice cube, place it on the product and observe carefully. If the ice melts quickly, as if it were placed on something very warm, you have silver in front of you. This test is suitable for flat items; it does not work well on small jewelry.
You can check a small piece of jewelry by simply picking it up - after a few seconds, the silver item will reach the temperature of your body. If you immerse a silver object in hot water for a moment, it will heat up to the temperature of the liquid in a matter of seconds.
Remember that silver darkens due to high temperature exposure, and in order to return it to its original appearance, you will have to clean the product
lapis pencil
You can buy a lapis pencil at a pharmacy. It is often used for testing precious metals at home.
Wet the product and make a mark on it with a lapis pencil: if the metal changes color, then this is a sign of a fake. Since lapis consists of silver nitrate, it does not react in any way with either silver or gold.
Lapis pencil is a somewhat outdated remedy, and you can’t buy it at every pharmacy.
Sulfuric ointment
You can check the authenticity of silver at home using sulfur ointment (sold in pharmacies).
Apply the ointment to a small area of the product and wait 2 hours. Remove it from the surface with a dry cloth and carefully inspect the treated area: if the surface has darkened, this is silver; if it has acquired a different shade or remains unchanged, the product is made of a different metal.
The test with sulfur ointment is also carried out in another way: a small area of the product is rubbed with fine-grained sandpaper and lubricated with sulfur ointment. After 15 minutes, the result is assessed. If there is a dark spot left on the treated area, then there is a high probability that this is real silver. Metals such as nickel or stainless steel will not interact with sulfur ointment, and, accordingly, no stains will remain on the product.
To remove dark spots left after sulfur ointment, you can wipe the product with ammonia or put it in a soda solution.
Iodine and chalk
You can test silver with iodine.
In order not to spoil the product, carefully apply a small drop of iodine to the inner surface of the metal - a dark stain will remain on real silver. You can remove traces of iodine after testing in the following way: place the product in a bowl with grated potatoes or sprinkle with starch - under the influence of starch, traces of iodine will change their color and acquire an imperceptible bluish tint, merging with the color of silver.
Chalk not only checks, but also cleans silver. Crushed chalk is mixed with ammonia and the silver items are wiped with a soft cloth.
A similar test can be carried out using ordinary chalk. Rub the silver with a piece of chalk: a dark spot will form on the metal at the point of contact. If the blackness does not appear, you have a fake silver.
You can clean your jewelry using available products. Read how to do this in our article “How to clean silver at home.”
Bleach
You can test silver using regular bleach. When it reacts with a strong oxidizing agent, silver darkens. Using a toothpick, carefully apply a small drop of bleach to the inside of the item you are testing. There will be a dark stain on the silver.
Keep in mind that silver plated items will also pass the test.
Vinegar
You can test silver with vinegar.
Pour the 9% table bite solution into a bowl and lower the product into the container for a few seconds. Since silver is a low-reactive metal, it will not react with vinegar. If a white coating appears on the product or other changes occur, this is a fake.
You can use a bite to clean silverware and dishes until they shine.
Physical impact
You can check the authenticity of silver using physical impact.
Rub the product to be tested in your hands for 1-2 minutes. If you have high-quality silver in front of you, then your hands will remain clean after rubbing; if the product contains zinc impurities, barely noticeable dark spots will remain on your fingers.
Try testing your silver with a needle. If you suspect that you have a silver-plated product, lightly scratch an inconspicuous (internal) area with a needle: a thin layer of silver will easily be removed from a fake, but nothing will happen to the genuine metal.
The expert will give accurate information about the authenticity of silver and determine the content of impurities of other metals
All the methods described above will help determine the authenticity of a silver product with a certain degree of probability. To get a 100% guarantee, have your item examined by professionals: they know exactly how to test silver.
Source: https://hozpedia.ru/kak-proverit-serebro.html
How to test silver at home: 11 ways to determine authenticity
Hello again, dear readers. Recently, there has been an increase in the popularity of silver jewelry, so I have prepared a short review on how to check silver for authenticity. There are many simple ways, each of which deserves attention. So, let's begin.
Methods for checking the quality and authenticity of silver at home
I’m willing to bet that in every home there will be not only an unidentified thing - an antique spoon or a candlestick that you want to recognize, but also the means to carry out the test immediately after reading the article, without leaving home.
Before carrying out tests, it is worth considering that there are fakes coated with a thin layer of noble metal. For accuracy, it is better to scratch the product a little to remove the top layer and conduct more than just a superficial analysis.
How to determine technical silver
This metal is widely used in industry; it is used in the production of electrical equipment, batteries, radio components and much more. It can be either pure metal or all kinds of alloys. This kind of silver is called technical silver.
One of the above methods is suitable for checking. But most often, a solution of nitric acid and sodium bichromate in equal parts is used to test technical metal. An intense red tint to the liquid will indicate a high content of precious metal.
Checking old silver items
It is better to have antique silver checked by a specialist. An experienced jeweler, using a magnifying glass and hydrostatic weighing, will be able to accurately determine the authenticity of the metal without damaging the integrity of the object or exposing it to aggressive liquids.
How to tell if a spoon is silver or not
If searching for a sample turns up nothing, you can easily use one or more of the methods above to check the authenticity of the silver. For example, heat, vinegar or lapis pencil.
How to check in the store when purchasing
To check an item in a store, a magnet from home, as well as physical interaction, are perfect. Rub the product with your fingers for a couple of minutes under the pretext of a detailed examination of the proposed purchase.
You can even determine its authenticity by smell - silver has a fairly noticeable characteristic aroma. And a fake will most likely not smell like anything.
Conclusion
I gave a lot of examples of how to test silver at home, using improvised means. Of course, all these artisanal tests will not give exceptional results; the final verdict should still be entrusted to a specialist.
Subscribe to our channel, be generous with comments and reposts, and I say goodbye to you, until we meet again.
Source: https://zhazhdazolota.ru/serebro/kak-proverit-na-podlinnost
How to test silver at home: 8 handy methods + tips for use
Do you love silver? It is beautiful and noble! But hallmarking began relatively recently, and if you inherited silver things, bought them on occasion, or received them as a gift, then I would like to determine their real value. How to check the authenticity of silver without resorting to the services of experts?
Silver jewelry has been valued at all times and does not lose popularity today. Dishes, church utensils, and jewelry were made from it. Even the ancient Persians, Egyptians and Greeks knew that silver had bactericidal properties, so they actively used it in medicine, however, this property is also relevant in modern realities.
Some interesting facts about silver
Argentum, or silver, is in the same group with gold and platinum in the periodic table. These precious metals do not corrode and do not oxidize in air.
Silver has always been considered a magical substance with mysterious and miraculous properties. It is not only famous for its healing qualities, but also absorbs negativity and helps cleanse the spirit. That is why it is used in church and temple rites in almost all religions of the world. And in the times of the pagans it was associated with the Moon.
Silver infused water has healing properties, and regular use can significantly improve your health. By the way, astronauts on the ISS drink only silver water. And in Japan they have developed devices that purify the air using silver ions.
Do you know that silver jewelry is more popular than gold jewelry? Despite the fact that the shade of this metal is cold, people felt inner warmth and radiance, and happily wore and continue to wear silver jewelry. Precious stones in a silver frame are especially beautiful; they play with all colors and look catchy and contrasting.
Silver is versatile; jewelry made from it is suitable for both women and men, suitable for any outfit. It can be combined with enamel, gold, pearls and various stones.
Methods for checking quality and authenticity
Products made from pure natural silver are beautiful, but not practical. The fact is that this is a fairly ductile metal, it quickly loses its shine if it is not cleaned, and if worn carelessly, it breaks or becomes deformed; the pattern smoothes out over time. Jewelers have long begun to use various alloys with alloyed silver.
Unfortunately, samples are not taken in all countries, or the product may not be certified or manufactured privately. Therefore, the question of how to determine silver at home becomes relevant in some cases.
Thermal method
Silver has excellent thermal conductivity and quickly reaches ambient temperature. Hold the product in your hand and it will almost instantly heat up to 36.6 degrees. Dip it into cold or, conversely, hot water, the silver will immediately cool down or become hot.
By the way, using boiling water is a fairly effective method. The decoration removed from it will burn your hands and cool quickly, adapting to room temperature. The fake will be only slightly warm.
Real silver will melt an ice cube in a short time, which is completely impossible for cold metal jewelry.
Folk tips and signs for using silver in everyday life
Humanity learned about the unique properties of silver more than 6,000 years ago, and perhaps much earlier. It has long been believed that this amazing metal is capable of absorbing negative energy, which is why it turns black. From a scientific point of view, it reacts with substances and trace elements found in the human body. If there is an imbalance in the body, then silver reacts sensitively to all changes.
- To reduce high fever, wear a silver bracelet on your left hand.
- Earrings improve alertness and concentration.
- If you apply silver to your forehead, you can get rid of headaches and relieve eye strain.
- A ring on the ring finger of the left hand strengthens the heart muscle.
- If silver jewelry quickly darkens on a person, it means that he has health problems.
- Silver dishes and cutlery are good for health.
- Babies are given a silver spoon when their first tooth appears to strengthen the body. Of course, it must be used and not kept as a souvenir.
Simple ways to test silver at home
Silver has always been valued for its beauty and nobility. It produces magnificent jewelry, decorative elements, figurines, cutlery and many other things that are popular with collectors and ordinary consumers.
The main feature by which precious metal could be recognized was the mark. But silver testing began relatively recently, so things without identification marks need detailed analysis for authenticity and value. There are several effective ways to test silver at home.
Materials and tools for them can be found at home or in a store.
Chalk
It is quite easy to determine the authenticity of a silver item using ordinary chalk. You need to take a small piece and rub it on the surface of the decoration. If dark streaks remain on the chalk, then the jewelry is made of real precious metal.
Using a magnet
Many metals are highly magnetic. Silver is a diamagnetic material and its originality can be verified with the appropriate instrument. The product is brought to a magnet and if it is not attracted, then it is real. A low quality alloy or some other metal will immediately become magnetized.
You can check silver at home using a magnet
Nuances of checking antique silver items
Antique silver items require special care to maintain their historical value. A professional jeweler will be able to distinguish an original item from a low-quality silver plating by eye, without damaging the integrity of the item or exposing it to aggressive liquids. But if there is no special knowledge, you can use one of the testing methods described above, but this must be done extremely carefully.
First of all, the silver object is carefully examined. It is quite possible that there will be a sample on it, indicating its quality. The stamp must contain information about the amount of precious metal in the alloy and the manufacturer. If there are any inconsistencies, you need to figure out what they are related to. Perhaps the product is fake, or maybe it has simply been restored. Reworking the original is allowed, but due to interference with the original work, the price may drop significantly.
Antique silver items need to be checked carefully
Cunning craftsmen can transform cheap silver beer mugs into jugs. Spouts were attached to them, the surface was decorated with engraving and the seams were sealed. New items were passed off as antiques from the Victorian era and sold for a lot of money.
There have been situations when old engravings were erased and new ones were applied on top of them. Thus, the metal became very thin, and it was repaired with separate pieces of base material. There can be no talk of any antiquity after such manipulations, but inexperienced buyers will not be able to determine this. To find out whether the integrity of the product is compromised, you need to breathe on the suspicious area. Then even excellent polishing will not hide the truth.
The authenticity of a stamp can be determined by its outline and location. A real sample will be clear and even, while a fake sample will be blurry. There are cases when scammers use a set of original stamps from a small item and solder it onto a large item. In this case, fake samples can be recognized by their accumulation in one place and signs of soldering along the edges.
Silver items must have the appropriate hallmark. If the letters MNC are visible instead, it means the item is made of cupronickel. This is a cheap alloy that tends to quickly oxidize and become covered with a greenish coating. To carry out the simplest distinctive test, it is enough to place the product in water for a while and see whether it darkens or not.
Cupronickel and silver products differ in weight. Precious metal is much heavier than cheap alloy. You can use scales or simply weigh the products in your hand. Another way to distinguish antique silver items from cupronickel silver is a lapis pencil. Moistened with water, it will leave a dark coating on the cupronickel. In addition, the cheap alloy smells noticeably of copper, because... this one predominates in its composition.
If there are silver dishes or jewelry in the house, then you can identify their authenticity without much difficulty. Sometimes this is necessary for the further sale of items made of precious metals or simply for your own peace of mind that you own valuable things.
Source: https://1nerudnyi.ru/kak-proverit-serebro-v-domashnih-usloviyah-01/
What is silver hallmark and how can you determine the authenticity of silver at home?
How to check silver at home for authenticity? It would seem that the question is not relevant, because all modern silver jewelry has a hallmark, which is proof of authenticity. But often silver can be inherited or kept in the family for a long time, even before the use of markings. Questions about authenticity may also arise from those who received silver as a gift or found an item that, in their opinion, may have value.
It is possible or not to determine at home that you are holding jewelry made of precious metal or a worthless trinket.
Not only jewelry can be silver
These are various interior items, kitchen utensils, elements of religious rituals. The bactericidal properties of silver have been known since ancient times. Therefore, knowing the authenticity of this metal is important not only for determining its value, but also for use in one capacity or another, where the properties of silver are needed.
The chemical properties of silver are explained by its presence in the same group with other noble metals, gold and silver. All these metals are not subject to corrosion or oxidation. Although many people mistakenly believe that silver oxidizes in air.
Since ancient times, silver was considered a magical element, fraught with secrets and miracles. Silver jewelry was credited with healing properties for the body and spirit. Silver was a necessary element in rituals of protection against evil spirits. Silver products are used in almost all world religions. In paganism, silver represents the Moon.
Water with silver ions helps improve health. Astronauts on the International Space Station Mir constantly drink silver water.
Silver jewelry has gained more popularity than any other metal due to its versatility. They are worn by both women and men; they are appropriate for both everyday wear and celebrations. Silver is especially good when set with precious stones - it makes them look catchy and impressive. People choosing silver. They feel an inner radiance in it that they do not feel even with more expensive metals.
Unfortunately, things made of pure silver are not very practical: they are too soft and quickly lose their shine and texture. Therefore, alloys with alloyed silver appeared in jewelry.
Mandatory hallmarks on silver jewelry do not exist in all countries. It is impossible to immediately determine whether the silver used in handicraft jewelry is genuine.
Silver test
Hallmarking and hallmarking are the easiest ways to determine the authenticity of silver at home. A stamp is an inconspicuous seal on the back of a product. It is indicated by numbers showing the amount of silver per 1 kg of alloy weight. For example, 925 means that per kilogram of pure silver there are 75 grams of impurities.
Existing silver samples:
- 720 is the cheapest and lowest-grade alloy, with a large admixture of copper. At the same time, the most reliable of all silver alloys. Used where the use of silver in industry is required. It is not suitable for making jewelry, and cannot even be sampled.
- 800 and 830 - alloys with this silver content are suitable for cutlery and other utensils.
- 875 is a jewelry alloy that is often confused with white gold, especially if it has gold plating. It can be passed off as gold as a counterfeit.
- 916 - this alloy will no longer be used. In Soviet times, silverware was cast from it. The presence of this sample indicates production in the USSR.
- 925 is the most common jewelry grade of silver. It retains the properties of pure silver, but such silver is not as soft.
- 960 - this alloy is so close to pure silver that it becomes just as ductile. It is suitable for creating works of art where precision of details will be important, but it is impossible to wear such things every day - they are deformed.
- 999 – pure silver for bars and collectible coins. Pure silver is used in medicine and industry.
When purchasing in a jewelry store, the jewelry should always come with a label - a passport of the product with a seal, which indicates all the parameters, including sample size, weight, and the presence of stones.
If such a tag has not been preserved, and there is no hallmark on the metal itself, do not despair. There are many ways to find out whether the silver is real or not at home.
magnet
Copper is the most common alloy element in a silver alloy. Copper, like silver itself, is diamagnetic. This means alloys of silver and copper are not attracted by a magnet. If a silver item interacts with a magnet, then it is definitely not silver.
Testing the thermal conductivity of silver
Silver is one of the most heat-conducting metals. You can compare it to another metal object in terms of how quickly they will heat up and cool down. Silver should always have a noticeable advantage in speed.
The sonority of silver
The ringing test was previously widely used to identify counterfeit coins. To carry it out, it is better to have a real coin on hand. If you knock on it with something metallic, the sound will be clear and ringing. Other alloys that look similar to silver give a completely different, less melodic sound.
Checking with lapis pencil
This pharmaceutical product will not react in any way with genuine silver, since it itself consists of silver nitrate. If you run a moistened pencil over the silver surface there should be no marks.
Testing with sulfur ointment
Darkening from interaction with sulfur has long been a known property of silver. It can also be used to determine its authenticity. Apply an ointment containing sulfur to a small part of the silver object. After an hour, the surface under the ointment will become darker, if the silver is true.
You can clean off traces of such testing using ammonia or other numerous methods that return the shine to silver.
Determination of silver by iodine
Iodine is a reliable but risky way to determine the origin of a metal. Iodine leaves a dark stain on silver, indicating that the metal is precious, but it is almost impossible to remove it later. Starch partially removes the stain. This method is only suitable for those products whose appearance is not important, but only the quality of the metal.
Silver and chalk
Chalk has long been used for cleaning silver, and the chalk itself turns gray. This interaction with chalk is also one of the signs of silver.
Testing the authenticity of silver with bleach
When you immerse silver jewelry in chlorine bleach, it will darken. Therefore, it is better to check on the back of the ring rather than experiment with all the jewelry.
Silver and vinegar
On the contrary, a table bite is safe for checking real silver, but counterfeit silver will be covered with a coating.
The most reliable method: nitric acid
Nitric acid, due to its specific reaction with silver, gives the most accurate result. It is best to use it in an inconspicuous place on the decoration and in small doses. This method determines not only the presence of silver, but also its alloy.
A brass or cupronickel alloy will turn green, an alloy with a low amount of silver will darken, and high-quality silver starting from 925 will take on a creamy tint.
How to determine silver without using reagents
They usually try to pass off zinc alloys as silver; they stain your fingers even when used for a short time.
If you doubt whether the jewelry is solid or just silver-plated, you should try running a needle across the surface. If silvering occurs, a mark will remain on the surface.
Attention!
Most methods are available for use at home, but are harmful to the decoration and can irreparably damage its appearance, so they must be used with extreme caution.
Source: https://kakchistim.ru/chistota-doma/posuda/kak-proverit-serebro.html
How to check silver for authenticity at home: TOP 10 simple ways
Silver things have been valued since time immemorial. And in our time, this noble metal remains in great demand. Despite the fact that it is counterfeited quite rarely, such troubles still happen. Therefore, it would be a good idea to learn how to check silver for authenticity in order to be sure of the quality of the chosen product.
In this article you will learn about the simplest and most effective ways to identify a fake.
You can find out whether the silver in front of you is real without leaving the store using the following signs:
- Sample. All silver items must have a mark indicating the percentage of silver in them.
- Thermal conductivity. This metal has the property of literally heating up in a matter of moments and also rapidly cooling down.
- Weight. Silver itself has a high density, and therefore it should be felt in the hand.
- Appearance. The main properties of a genuine product include a silvery-white tint and excellent quality of reflecting light. But, if this material is not taken care of, it fades, acquiring a pinkish tint.
- Sound. When you tap a valuable item with a silver item (for example, a coin), you will hear a characteristic ringing sound.
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Checking using available tools
It happens that a piece of jewelry made of precious metal was received as a gift or passed on to you by inheritance as a family antique, but there is no confidence in the naturalness of such a thing. In these cases, the question usually arises of how to determine the authenticity of silver at home.
The easiest option is to buy a special test at the pharmacy. But, in fact, even if you are not an experienced jeweler, then, if you know a few tricks, performing such a mini-research is not at all difficult. Below are the available methods using available tools.
Bread crumb
In the old days, our ancestors determined the naturalness of silver and gold objects in a very unusual way - with the crumb of rye bread.
To do this you need:
- Knead a piece of crumb in your hands.
- Stick to the product.
- Leave the precious metal in this form for 2 days.
- After the specified time has passed, remove the bread.
- Check which product is in front of you. If the metal has darkened or oxidized, then it is fake.
Needle
You can find out whether a silver item has a layer of sputtering using a needle.
Do the following:
- Using the sharp tip of the needle, lightly draw a thin line across the decoration.
- Inspect the product carefully.
- If the layer falls off easily, then the item is not real, since this cannot happen with natural metal.
Advice. Very often in the markets, items made of plating brass are passed off as real silver jewelry. Be careful when choosing a product in such a place.
Warm
Silver has good thermal conductivity characteristics. To find out whether you really have a precious metal in front of you, hold it in your hands or dip the thing in boiling water for a moment.
In a couple of minutes it will reach the temperature of your body or hot water. If you place a small piece of ice on top of a silver object, it will begin to melt rapidly.
Approximately
You can simply carefully examine the required item.
- Hold the jewelry in your hands for some time - there will be no traces left of natural silver. And if there are traces on the palm, it means that the product contains impurities. Such products will quickly break and darken.
- Real silver can be wiped with ammonia and it will shine again, but this will not happen with an alloy containing zinc.
- It is very easy to distinguish real silverware from cupronickel silverware. Metal of a foreign shade will be visible under the top layer. Thus, chrome has a blue tint, nickel has a yellowish color, and silver has a white tint.
How to determine the silver sample
It doesn’t matter at all what you purchased: a cross or a jug - it must have a hallmark and a stamp on it. You can use a magnifying glass to examine the markings on a valuable item. The specified sample must be in the range from 800 to 999 . The most common are products with 750, 800, 875, 916, 925, 960, 999 samples. The sale of products without a stamp and hallmark is prohibited by law in many countries.
But these attributes cannot guarantee the naturalness of the product. At home, a sample can only be detected tentatively (if it is still not printed on the product).
However, let's figure out how to determine the silver standard yourself. To do this, you will need a touchstone, which is usually sold in jewelry stores:
- Make a small scratch on the item being tested.
- Apply a small amount of reagent to the scratch and observe it.
- Determine the result using the table. Each color indicates the content of impurities in the composition of the jewelry being examined.
If the silver is free of impurities, you will see a red color.
A beige color has appeared - the product is 800 standard.
A green tint indicates 500 proof.
If tin or lead is added, yellowness will appear.
Dark brown contains an admixture of brass, and blue contains nickel.
Source: https://Kubachi.su/story/kak-opredelit-podlinnost-serebra
