How to Tell If Silver Is Real
To tell if silver is real: (1) Look for UK hallmarks—925, Sterling, or the lion passant—and (2) use a magnet: real silver is not magnetic. Combine with the ice test (ice melts fast on silver) and the ring test (clear, high-pitched ring when tapped). No single home test is 100% conclusive; for valuable items get free professional authentication.
Signs of real silver:
- Stamped 925, 950, Sterling, or British hallmarks (lion passant, assay office)
- Not attracted to a magnet
- Tarnishes to dark grey or black over time
- Clear, bell-like ring when tapped; ice melts quickly on it
- Solid silver same colour at wear points; plated shows base metal
- British hallmarks are the most reliable UK indicator: sponsor’s mark, metal/fineness (e.g. 925), and assay office (London, Birmingham, Sheffield, Edinburgh).
- Magnet test: sterling isn’t magnetic; if it sticks, it’s likely plated or fake. Ice test and ring test support but don’t replace hallmark checks.
- Silver-plated items are marked EPNS, EPBM, A1, or “Silver Plated”; solid silver is 925 or hallmarked. We offer free silver testing in Mayfair and Braintree.
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8 Ways to Test If Silver Is Real at Home
From quick visual checks to simple physical tests, these methods help you tell if silver is real. Use several together—no single test is foolproof. For a definitive answer on valuable pieces, get free professional testing.
1. Check for hallmarks
Look for stamps such as 925, Sterling, or the British lion passant. They’re usually on the back of jewellery or the base of silverware. Use a magnifying glass for small marks. In the UK, full hallmarks include the maker’s mark, metal/fineness mark (e.g. 925), and assay office mark.
2. The magnet test
Hold a strong magnet (e.g. neodymium) against the item. Real silver is not magnetic. If it sticks firmly, it contains iron and is likely fake or silver-plated. Passing the magnet test doesn’t prove silver—other metals are non-magnetic too—so combine with other checks.
3. The ice test
Place an ice cube on the item at room temperature. Silver has very high thermal conductivity, so ice melts noticeably faster on real silver than on most other metals. Slow melting suggests the item isn’t silver.
4. The ring test (sound test)
Gently tap the item with another metal object (e.g. a coin). Sterling silver produces a clear, high-pitched ring that lasts a second or two. Plated or fake items tend to make a dull thud.
5. Check for tarnish
Real silver tarnishes with exposure to air and moisture, developing a dark grey or black patina. If it never tarnishes or has uniform colour with no patina, it may be stainless steel or plated.
6. The smell test
Real silver has no strong odour. Rub the item to warm it slightly, then smell. A strong metallic, copper, or brass smell can indicate plating or a high-copper alloy.
7. The polish (cloth) test
Rub with a soft white cloth. Real silver can leave faint dark marks on the cloth from oxidation—a sign of genuine silver. Fake silver often leaves no marks.
8. Examine wear points
Look at edges, corners, and high-wear areas. On plated items, wear often reveals a different metal underneath (yellow brass or grey nickel). Solid silver stays the same colour throughout.
Important: No single home test is 100% conclusive. Some fakes pass multiple tests. For valuable items or if unsure, get professional authentication. We offer free silver testing and valuation at our Mayfair and Braintree locations.
Understanding British Silver Hallmarks (UK)
In the UK, hallmarks are the strongest indicator of real silver. British hallmarking has been used for centuries and is legally required for precious metal items sold here. A full UK hallmark has at least three compulsory marks:
- Sponsor’s/maker’s mark – Identifies who placed the item on the market (usually two or more letters in a shield).
- Metal and fineness mark – Shows purity (e.g. 925 for sterling) in a defined shape.
- Assay office mark – Shows which UK assay office tested the item.
When buying in the UK, look for a Dealer’s Notice in shops and use a magnifying glass to check marks. When buying online, verify the seller is UK-based and provides hallmark information.
Fineness
92.5% silver (sterling)
Lion passant
English sterling
Assay office
Where tested
Maker’s mark
Silversmith
UK assay office symbols
London (leopard’s head), Birmingham (anchor), Sheffield (rose), Edinburgh (castle). Knowing these helps date and authenticate British silver. See our silver purity marks guide for more.
Silver Plated vs Solid Silver: How to Tell the Difference
Knowing the difference matters when buying or selling silver.
Solid sterling silver: 92.5% silver throughout; marked 925, Sterling, or with British hallmarks; same colour at wear points; worth more by weight. We pay £1.12–£1.30 per gram for sterling.
Silver plated: A thin layer of silver over base metal (nickel, brass, copper); marked EPNS, EPBM, A1, or “Silver Plated”; wear reveals base metal; much lower value.
Marks that mean plated: EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver), EPBM (Electroplated Britannia Metal), A1, AA, “Silver Plated”, “Silver on Copper”, “Triple Plate”, “Quadruple Plate”.
Sheffield plate is an older form of plating (silver fused to copper, pre-1840). Antique Sheffield plate can have collector value but is not solid silver.
When to Get Professional Silver Testing
Professional testers use acid tests or XRF (X-ray fluorescence) for definitive results. We recommend it for valuable items, inherited pieces, or when home tests are inconclusive. At Mozeris Fine Antiques we offer free silver authentication and valuation: send photos via our form or WhatsApp, or bring items to our Mayfair or Braintree offices. Same-day testing and payment when you sell.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Check for hallmarks (925, Sterling, or British lion passant), do the magnet test (real silver is not magnetic), look for tarnish, try the ice test (ice melts fast on silver), and the ring test (clear high-pitched ring when tapped). Use several methods together; for certainty, get professional testing.
925 means sterling silver: 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). It’s the standard for “real” silver jewellery and silverware in the UK and internationally.
No. Real silver is not magnetic. If the item is attracted to a magnet, it likely contains iron and may be plated or fake. Passing the magnet test alone doesn’t prove silver—use other tests or professional authentication.
Look for stamps: EPNS, A1, or “triple plate” mean plated; 925, Sterling, or British hallmarks mean solid sterling. Check wear points—if a different colour metal shows through (e.g. yellow or copper), it’s plated.
Yes. Jewellers, assay offices, and silver buyers can test silver. Mozeris Fine Antiques offers free authentication and valuation—send photos via WhatsApp or visit our Mayfair or Braintree locations.
No. Tarnish is a sign of real silver and doesn’t reduce the metal value. It’s surface oxidation and can be cleaned with silver polish. We pay the same per gram for tarnished sterling—see silver price per ounce.
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