by Jesús Zabala - 4 min read

How to Tell if Silver Necklace Is Real

If you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of silver necklaces, it’s important to ensure you’re getting the real deal. There are subtle differences between authentic and imitation pieces that can be easy to overlook. Certain markings or tests can reveal a lot about the necklace’s authenticity. That’s why in this article, we’ll guide you to verify whether your silver necklace is genuine by discussing how to tell if silver necklace is real, so you can wear it with confidence.

How to Tell If Silver Necklace Is Real

Silver necklaces are timeless jewelry pieces, but many necklaces that look like silver may not be or may be made of low-quality metal. Here are some reliable methods to help you determine how to tell if a necklace is real sterling silver.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Anita Eka Permatawaty

Visual inspection

The first step is to look for hallmark stamps. Check the necklace for stamps such as “925”, “sterling”, or “STER”, which indicate that the piece contains 92.5% pure silver. These marks are usually small and can be found near the clasp or on the flat surface of the necklace.

You can also check the overall appearance of the necklace. Genuine silver has a smooth, polished surface and shines, which differs from the look of plated metals. Real silver may develop a dark patina over time, which can be polished away.

Additionally, look for signs of flaking or areas where the silver turns green, which indicates silver plating over a base metal.

Lastly, silver is a soft metal, so wear or bending is common in authentic pieces.

Magnetic test

Magnetic testing is a simple method to check whether a necklace is made of pure silver or is silver-plated. Silver is paramagnetic, meaning it has a very weak reaction to magnets. To perform the magnet test:

Get a strong magnet – Use a neodymium magnet, which is powerful enough to detect minor magnetic reactions.

Clean the necklace – Ensure the necklace is clean to avoid dirt interfering during the test.

Hold the magnet near the necklace – Slowly bring the magnet close to different parts of the necklace.

Observe the reaction – Genuine silver will not react strongly to the magnet. If the necklace is strongly attracted, it likely contains other metals like iron or nickel.

Read the results – A weak or no magnetic response shows that the necklace is likely silver, but further tests, like acid testing, may be needed for more accurate confirmation.

Weight test

Silver's high density – around 10.49 grams per cubic centimeter – makes it heavier than other metals used in jewelry. You can perform a weight test to help determine if the necklace is real silver.

To weigh a silver necklace, first you should get a jewelry scale. We recommend using a digital scale that measures in grams because it is more accurate.

Make sure the scale is set to zero before placing the necklace on it.

Place the necklace on the scale and note its weight in grams.

Compare the weight with that of similar silver necklaces based on design and size. Genuine silver necklaces will feel heavier than those made of lighter metals like aluminum. However, remember that the design and size of the chain can also affect the weight.

Acid test

An acid test is a more precise method to determine the purity of silver. This test involves applying a small drop of acid (usually nitric acid or aqua regia) to the metal and observing the reaction. Here’s how it works:

If the silver is 925 (92.5% silver), the acid will turn red.
If the necklace contains 70-89% silver, the acid will turn green or brown

While acid testing is effective, it can potentially damage the jewelry, so it’s important to be cautious. Testing in an inconspicuous spot is advised to avoid aesthetic or structural damage.

Professional assessment

If you’re unable to confirm whether the necklace is genuine silver, it’s best to seek professional evaluation. Jewelers have the experience and specialized tools to check for authenticity.

In addition to the traditional assessment techniques, we have access to an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer — a sophisticated tool that can precisely determine the metal composition without damaging the piece.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: LightField Studios

Conclusion

Having it clear how to tell if silver necklace is real, you no longer have to worry about overpaying for a low-quality piece.

When it comes to how to tell if a necklace is sterling silver, start by looking for hallmark stamps, then perform a magnet test to find out whether a necklace is made from pure silver or silver-plated materials. The weight test is another method to determine the metal based on its weight. Finally, the acid test determines the metal purity.

If you’re still unsure after applying all these techniques, seek a professional assessment to determine whether your necklace is real silver.