الاثنين، 3 فبراير 2014

What You Need To Know In Order To Identify Real Sterling Silver Jewelry

By Eliza Mendoza


The 925 Ag is a metal used to make various types of ornaments. Due to its soft nature, it is mixed with other metals like copper and nickel to make it strong and durable as well as improve its look. Therefore, for sterling silver jewelry to qualify to be real it should contain 92.5 percent pure Ag and only 7.5 percent non-Ag metals.

You can find ornaments that come with genuine layer of Ag overlying another metal. This is known as Ag plating, however, this cannot be measured as 925 Ag. This is because the plated metal is prone to wear and tear which with time reveals the underlying metal. The market provides lot of silver ornaments. The important thing is to know how to identify the genuine ones. Provided here are some useful tips in finding the real items.

A magnet is a sure method to use when identifying the authenticity of 925 Ag ornaments. Basic rules state that Ag is not attracted by magnet. For instance, you will know that an ornament is not genuine if it is attracted by a magnet. It is possible that the ornament is made using stainless steel which is easily attracted by magnet.

Generally a 925 Ag ornament will be marked with . 925, S925 or just 925 on the clasp or even on the underside of the ornament. This is an identification mark engraved during the crafting process of the metal. If your ornament does not bear any of these marks then it is not genuine Ag.

It is recommended that you should use a soft cloth for rubbing the ornament in order to look for the black markings. If you find the markings, then the ornament is original. When 925 Ag is exposed to the air it oxidizes thus, changing the color. The test will not apply for those ornaments that have being plated using platinum.

One can also melt the ornament. When melting, the real 925 Ag ornament will not produce any smell. If by any chance you smell a faint copper or brass odor then the ornament you have is not real. The cost of the ornament can also be a guiding factor. The real 925 Ag ornament is quite expensive than the ornaments which are made from fake type of Ag. If your supplier gives you a good deal then you should think twice before purchasing.

Nitric acid can also be used to test the ornament. If the ornament is Ag-plated or it is a low quality alloy of Ag, when nitric acid is applied on it, it immediately turns green due to the fact that it has high copper content. The real one is supposed to turn to a creamy color when nitric acid is applied. Care should be taken when handling this kind of chemicals because of their toxic nature.

You now have a reason to smile especially if you want to take the easy way out when searching for genuine sterling silver jewelry. This is because there are reputable sellers available both online and locally. The main advantage about dealing with reputable sellers is that they offer quality products. Thus, you are assured of real products. Going for these sellers will help in eliminating all the doubts as well as getting what your heart desires.




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