6 Ways To Test Silver - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Tell if Silver is Real: 6 Simple Tests PDF download Download Article Practical tests to confirm your silver is the real deal Co-authored by Edward Lewand and Amber Crain

Last Updated: April 22, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Authentication Stamp
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  • Magnet Test
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  • Ice Cube Test
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  • Sound Test
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  • Acid Test
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  • Bleach Test
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  • Video
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  • Q&A
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  • Tips
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  • Warnings
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This article was co-authored by Edward Lewand and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Edward Lewand is a Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser with over 36 years of experience in the jewelry industry. He completed his residency in graduate gemology at the G.I.A. in 1979, New York and now specializes in Fine, Antique and Estate Jewelry, consultations and expert witness work. He is a Certified Appraiser of the Appraiser Association of America (AAA) and an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) of the American Society of Appraisers In Gems and Jewelry. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,973,757 times.

If you need to test a piece of silver for authenticity, you've come to the right place! Silver has distinctive properties and there are a number of easy tests you can perform at home to confirm whether your piece is real or fake. We'll also explain how to know if your piece is pure silver or silver plated. For a simple walk-through of each silver test, scroll on down!

Things You Should Know

  • Use a magnifying glass to inspect the surface of the silver for stamps. If you see a 920 stamp, the piece is 92.5% silver, 900 means 90% silver, and 800 is 80% silver.
  • Hold a magnet against the silver to see if it sticks. If it does, it's not real silver.
  • Place an ice cube on the silver. If it melts rapidly, it's real silver.
  • Apply a drop of bleach to the silver and watch for a reaction. If it tarnishes or blackens right away, it's real silver.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 6:

Authentication Stamp

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  1. Step 1 Look for a stamp, engraving, or marking on the surface. 1 Look for a stamp, engraving, or marking on the surface. Items advertised as silver and sold internationally have stamps that state the silver content. If there's no stamp on your silver piece, be leery.[1]
  2. Step 2 Interpret stamps like 925, 900, or 800 as the percentage of silver. 2 Interpret stamps like 925, 900, or 800 as the percentage of silver. Look at the silver piece with a magnifying glass. International sellers of silver will stamp silver as 925, 900, or 800. Read these numbers to figure out the percentage of fine silver in the piece.[2]
    • 925 means that the piece is 92.5 percent silver (also known as sterling silver).[3]
    • A stamp of 900 or 800 means the piece is 90 percent or 80 percent silver, which is often called "coin" silver.
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  3. 3 Check for letters like "STER" and "IS" on the silver. "STER" stands for sterling, which means the silver content is 92.5%. "IS" stands for "international silver," which means the piece is made with real silver. "IS" without a number stamp could mean the silver percentage is low, or that you have a silver-plated object.[4]
    • To see if the item is silver-plated or pure, try the acid test and the magnet test.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 6:

Magnet Test

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  1. Step 1 Place a magnet close to the silver to see if it sticks. 1 Place a magnet close to the silver to see if it sticks. Use a strong magnet, such as the rare-earth magnet made out of neodymium. Silver is diamagnetic and exhibits only weak magnetic effects. If your magnet sticks strongly to the piece, it has a ferromagnetic core made with a cheaper metal and isn't pure silver.[5]
    • There are a few metals that don't stick to a magnet that can look like silver. Do the magnetic test in conjunction with another test to make sure the core is not another metal.
  2. Step 2 Tilt a silver bar to a 45-degree angle to see if the magnet slides down slowly. 2 Tilt a silver bar to a 45-degree angle to see if the magnet slides down slowly. Turn one of your silver bars at a 45-degree angle and slide the magnet down it. If it's real silver, the magnet should slide slowly down the face of the bar. If the silver is fake, the magnet won't move.[6]
    • The magnet slides down slowly because silver is diamagnetic and the rare earth magnet induces electric eddy currents which act as an electromagnet. This creates a braking effect that slows the descent of the magnet.[7]
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Method 3 Method 3 of 6:

Ice Cube Test

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  1. Step 1 Grab some fresh ice for this test. 1 Grab some fresh ice for this test. Keep the ice in the freezer until you need it for the test. While it might not seem like ice and silver go together, silver has the highest thermal conductivity of any common metal or alloy (though copper is right behind).[8]
    • This test works well with coins and bars, but it's tough to do on silver jewelry.
  2. Step 2 Place a piece of ice on the silver and see if it melts quickly. 2 Place a piece of ice on the silver and see if it melts quickly. If the silver is real, the ice will begin to melt immediately, as if it's sitting on something hot, rather than something that's just room temperature. This is because silver has very high heat conductivity.[9]
    • It can help to place another ice cube on a different room-temperature surface so you can see the different in melting times.
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Method 4 Method 4 of 6:

Sound Test

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  1. Step 1 Perform a sound test on a silver coin. 1 Perform a sound test on a silver coin. Silver makes a really lovely bell-like ringing sound when you tap on it, especially if you tap on it with another form of metal. If you want to try this out before tapping on your questionable silver, find a United States quarter made before 1965. These were made of 90% silver (US quarters made after 1965 are made of a copper-nickel alloy). The older quarter will emit a high-pitched, clear, ringing tone, while a newer quarter will just make a dull thump of a sound.[10]
  2. Step 2 Drop the coin on a tabletop and listen for a high-pitched ringing sound. 2 Drop the coin on a tabletop and listen for a high-pitched ringing sound. Hold the coin 6 in (15 cm) above a flat surface and drop it. If the coin makes a sound like a ringing bell, you have a real silver coin in your hand. If it sounds dull, the silver is most likely mixed with other metals.[11]
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Method 5 Method 5 of 6:

Acid Test

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  1. Step 1 Perform a chemical test analysis on the item. 1 Perform a chemical test analysis on the item. Use chemical analysis if there's no stamp signifying it is silver on your piece. Put on a pair of gloves first since you'll be using a corrosive acid to test the piece for purity. These sorts of acids burn skin.[12]
    • Note that this method has the potential to slightly damage your silver item. If you suspect you have a high-value item, you might be better off trying to determine the silver content using one of the other methods.
  2. Step 2 Buy a silver... 2 Buy a silver acid test kit. You can purchase these tests online or at jewelry stores. Silver acid tests are great for pure silver, but if you think your piece is silver-plated, use a small jeweler's file to make a mark and reveal what's under the plating.[13]
  3. Step 3 Find an inconspicuous place on the silver and make a small scratch. 3 Find an inconspicuous place on the silver and make a small scratch. This scratch is necessary so the acid can get to the underlying metal on silver-plated items. Scratch the piece using a metal file and use a fair amount of pressure so that you can get beyond any silver plating layer.[14]
    • If you don’t want to scratch your piece, use a black stone plate. These usually come with the silver testing kit, or you can buy one. Rub your silver on the surface of the black stone so it leaves a thick and relatively large deposit on the stone. Aim for a line that is 1⁄2 to 1 in (1.3 to 2.5 cm) thick.
  4. Step 4 Apply a drop of acid to the scratched surface only. 4 Apply a drop of acid to the scratched surface only.[15] If the acid touches any area of the piece that isn't scratched, it will affect the polished look of the piece. If you're using a black stone, add a drop of the acid on the line you made with the stone.
    • Alternatively, use a drop of vinegar (which is highly acidic) on the scratched piece. If it's real silver, the surface won't get tarnished. If the silver is fake, it will tarnish.[16]
  5. Step 5 Analyze the scratched surface with the acid on it. 5 Analyze the scratched surface with the acid on it. Analyze the color that appears as the acid sinks into the piece. Be sure to follow the instructions and color scale of your specific silver testing kit. In general, the color scale is as follows:[17]
    • Bright Red: Fine Silver
    • Darker Red: 925 Silver
    • Brown: 800 Silver
    • Green: 500 Silver
    • Yellow: Lead or Tin
    • Dark brown: Brass
    • Blue: Nickel
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Method 6 Method 6 of 6:

Bleach Test

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  1. Step 1 Put a drop of bleach on your silver item. 1 Put a drop of bleach on your silver item. Silver tarnishes extremely quickly when exposed to a powerful oxidizing agent such as common bleach.[18]
  2. Step 2 Watch to see if the silver tarnishes or has no reaction. 2 Watch to see if the silver tarnishes or has no reaction. If it rapidly tarnishes and turns black, then the item is real silver. Note that silver-plated items will pass this test.
    • You can easily clean your tarnished silver with toothpaste, baking soda, or silver polish.
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Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question I have 2 oblong plates with Chinese carvings on, they are non magnetic and ice melts fast on them how can I find out what they are? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer If they're non-magnetic and ice melts immediately on them, it sounds like they're silver (since those are two of the tests you can do it home). If you want to know for absolute certain, have the plates appraised by a professional. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 18 Helpful 17
  • Question I've got a bracelet and chain that have 925 on the clasps does this mean it's silver? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Yes, "925" means the bracelet and chain are 92.5% silver, which is also known as sterling silver. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 11
  • Question I have several dinner ware that might be silver. How do I sell them even I don't have a way to test them? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer You probably can't sell them until you know what they're made of (since buyers will want to know that before spending their money). Try one of the simple tests in our article to check your silver! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 28
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • If you're worried the item is silver-plated and you have a pure silver item on hand for comparison, hold them up next to each other. Pure silver is a lot brighter and shinier than silver-plated items.[19] Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
  • Buy your silver from credible sources such as quality jewelers. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 7
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • If your skin comes into direct contact with the nitric acid, rinse the area with water for 20 minutes. Then, cover the area loosely with a bandage.[20] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrv24FHBLJ0
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrv24FHBLJ0
  3. ↑ https://sites.dartmouth.edu/toxmetal/more-metals/silver-metal-of-many-faces/the-facts-on-silver/
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrv24FHBLJ0
  5. ↑ https://terpconnect.umd.edu/~wbreslyn/magnets/is-silver-magnetic.html
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgSXg-WOEVY&t=78s
  7. ↑ https://www.ck12.org/flexi/physical-science/metals/how-can-metal-be-tested-for-silver/
  8. ↑ https://www.ck12.org/flexi/physical-science/metals/how-can-metal-be-tested-for-silver/
  9. ↑ https://www.encyclopedia.com/articles/how-to-check-silver-authenticity/
More References (11)
  1. ↑ https://www.encyclopedia.com/articles/how-to-check-silver-authenticity/
  2. ↑ https://www.encyclopedia.com/articles/how-to-check-silver-authenticity/
  3. ↑ Edward Lewand. Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.sbcgold.com/blog/test-gold-5-simple-ways-spot-fake-gold/
  5. ↑ https://www.encyclopedia.com/articles/how-to-check-silver-authenticity/
  6. ↑ Edward Lewand. Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://vintagesilver.com/how-to-test-silver-with-vinegar/
  8. ↑ https://www.encyclopedia.com/articles/how-to-check-silver-authenticity/
  9. ↑ http://www.silvercoins.com/fake-silver-coins-14-ways-to-spot-counterfeits/
  10. ↑ https://www.dawsonsauctions.co.uk/news-item/how-to-tell-if-antique-silver-is-real/
  11. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acid-and-chemical-burns/

About This Article

Edward Lewand Co-authored by: Edward Lewand Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser This article was co-authored by Edward Lewand and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Edward Lewand is a Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser with over 36 years of experience in the jewelry industry. He completed his residency in graduate gemology at the G.I.A. in 1979, New York and now specializes in Fine, Antique and Estate Jewelry, consultations and expert witness work. He is a Certified Appraiser of the Appraiser Association of America (AAA) and an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) of the American Society of Appraisers In Gems and Jewelry. This article has been viewed 1,973,757 times. 85 votes - 91% Co-authors: 30 Updated: April 22, 2025 Views: 1,973,757 Categories: Featured Articles | Metals Article SummaryX

To test silver, look for a stamp with the numbers 925, 900, or 800. If you don't see a stamp, this is a red flag that the silver is fake! Next, touch a strong magnet, like a rare-earth magnet made out of neodymium, to the silver. Silver exhibits weak magnetic effects, so if the magnet sticks strongly to the piece, it's not real silver. You can also put a piece of ice on the metal. If the ice melts immediately, it's probably real silver. Buy a silver acid test if you want to confirm the material is silver. If you want to learn how to use bleach to test for silver, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Kerri Short

    Kerri Short

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    "Thank you. Your procedures for testing silver were extremely helpful. The magnetic test is quick and simple, as is..." more
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Edward Lewand Co-authored by: Edward Lewand Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser Co-authors: 30 Updated: April 22, 2025 Views: 1,973,757 91% of readers found this article helpful. 85 votes - 91% Click a star to add your vote Kerri Short

Kerri Short

Mar 12, 2017

"Thank you. Your procedures for testing silver were extremely helpful. The magnetic test is quick and simple, as is..." more Angela Motta

Angela Motta

Sep 10, 2017

"I inherited my mom's tea set, server, coffee pot, butter dish, candelabra and so on. I had no idea how to tell..." more Rated this article: Casse Waldman

Casse Waldman

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"I just found a bag of silverware and miniature salt and pepper shakers with sterling marked on the bottom of the..." more Jennifer Aucoin

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