If you’re looking to buy silver, it can be difficult to determine whether the item you are looking at is actually silver or silver plated. It is important to know the difference between the two, as silver plate is not as valuable as pure silver. In this article, we will look at how to tell silver plate from pure silver.
Look at the Hallmark
The first thing you should look for when trying to tell silver plate from silver is the hallmark. The hallmark is the symbol found on silver that indicates the type of metal and the purity. Pure silver is marked with the numbers “925”, “999” or “999.9”, while silver plate is marked with the numbers “800”, “830” or “835”. If the item is not marked, it is likely not pure silver.
Check the Weight
Pure silver is usually heavier than silver plate. A piece of silver plate will usually be lighter than a piece of pure silver of the same size. However, this is not always a reliable method as some silver plate items can be made with thicker metal than pure silver. If you are unsure, it is best to look for other indicators.
Examine the Piece
One of the best ways to tell silver plate from silver is to examine the piece. Silver plate will typically have a thin layer of silver on top of a base metal, such as copper or brass. If you look closely, you should be able to see the underlying metal. Silver plate will also have a thin layer of silver on the surface and will often have a duller finish than pure silver.
Check for Signs of Wear
Silver plate can become worn over time. If the item has been used for a long time, it may show signs of wear, such as scratches and discoloration. Pure silver is much more durable and is less likely to show signs of wear. If the item you are looking at appears to be in good condition, it is more likely to be pure silver.
Test the Magnetism
Pure silver is not magnetic, while silver plate is usually slightly magnetic due to the underlying metal. To test this, you can use a magnet. Hold the magnet close to the silver piece and observe whether it is attracted to the item. If it is, it is likely silver plate.
Conduct a Nitric Acid Test
If you are still unsure about whether the item is silver plate or pure silver, you can conduct a nitric acid test. This is a simple test that can help to determine the purity of the metal. To do this, you will need nitric acid and a test stone. Place a drop of nitric acid on the test stone and then place the silver item on top. If the acid turns green, it is likely silver plate. If it turns white, it is likely pure silver.
Check the Price
The last thing you can do to tell silver plate from silver is to check the price. Pure silver is usually more expensive than silver plate, so if the price seems too good to be true, it is likely silver plate. It is best to buy from a reputable dealer to ensure that you are getting the real thing.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to tell silver plate from pure silver, but it is important to know the difference. There are several methods you can use to determine whether an item is silver plate or pure silver. Look for the hallmark, examine the piece, check for signs of wear, test the magnetism and do a nitric acid test. You should also check the price to make sure you are getting the real thing.