When it comes to jewelry, silver and silver-plated pieces may look similar, but they are actually quite different. Understanding the difference between the two can help you make informed decisions when purchasing jewelry, and can also help you determine the value of pieces you may already own.
Silver Jewelry Is Made from Sterling Silver
Silver is a precious metal that is highly valued for its beauty and durability. It is a soft metal, which makes it easy to work with and shape into intricate designs.
Silver jewelry is typically made from sterling silver, which is an alloy of silver and other metals such as copper or zinc. Sterling silver is marked with a "925" stamp, indicating that it is made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals.
What is Silver-Plated Jewelry?
On the other hand, silver-plated jewelry is made by coating a base metal (such as copper or brass) with a thin layer of silver. The thickness of the silver layer can vary, but it is generally much thinner than the layer of silver in sterling silver jewelry.
Silver-plated jewelry is often marked with a "EP" or "EPNS" stamp, indicating that it is electroplated with silver.
How to Tell the Difference between Silver and Silver-Plated Jewelry
So, how can you tell the difference between silver and silver-plated jewelry?
Markings:
One way is to look for markings on the piece. As mentioned above, sterling silver is marked with a "925" stamp, while silver-plated jewelry is often marked with an "EP" or "EPNS" stamp. However, not all silver jewelry is marked, so it's important to look for other signs as well.
Magnet:
One way to test if a piece is silver or silver-plated is to use a magnet. Silver is not magnetic, so if the piece is attracted to the magnet, it is likely silver-plated.
Silver Testing Solution:
Another test is to use a silver testing solution, which can be purchased at jewelry supply stores. This solution will turn a different color when applied to silver versus silver-plated jewelry.
Bring Your Silver Jewelry to Gold Rush Exchange
If you're still unsure about whether your jewelry is silver or silver-plated, bring it to Gold Rush Exchange in Fairfield, Ohio for a free verbal appraisal.
Our experts can examine the piece and provide you with an accurate assessment of its value. We can also help you determine the best course of action if you're looking to sell your jewelry or have it repaired.
Remember, while silver and silver-plated jewelry may look similar, they are actually quite different. Understanding the differences between the two can help you make informed decisions when purchasing jewelry, and can also help you determine the value of pieces you may already own.
If you're unsure about the authenticity of your jewelry, bring it to Gold Rush Exchange for a free verbal appraisal today!