How to Spot Fake Silver

Spotting Fake Silver Jewelry

• 1

  Look at the jewelry with a magnifying glass and locate the "925" mark. If your piece is authentic, it will contain this mark. The mark is usually located in a hidden area of the piece. A ring will contain the mark on the inside and a necklace may contain the mark on the clasp. If your jewelry does not contain the mark, it is most likely fake silver.

• 2

  Use a silver acid test kit to verify your jewelry is authentic. You perform the test by scratching a hidden part of your jewelry and placing a drop of silver acid (or nitric acid) on the scratch. The acid will change colors if it is not authentic. Normally, the kit will include a color chart to aid in your analysis. You can purchase a silver acid test kit at stores such as Target or Wal-Mart and through the Internet.

• 3

  Purchase your silver jewelry from a reputable dealer and be aware of the price. Purchasing from an unknown dealer puts you at risk of receiving a fake piece. If the price of your jewelry seems too good to be true, it probably is.

• 4

  Ask a jeweler to teach you to identify the luster and color of authentic silver. Fake jewelry does not contain the same properties as authentic. Knowing the properties prevents any future purchase of impostors.

Spotting Fake Silver Coins

• 5

  Find a detailed photograph of the coin and compare the images on the front and back. If the details are difficult to see, use a magnifying glass. The differences may not be obvious but if the coin is not authentic, the errors will be noticeable.

• 6

  Feel the coin with your thumb. Fake coins contain a smoother surface because the materials used to create the coin are substandard.

• 7

  Use a silver acid test kit to verify your coin is authentic. Perform the test by placing a drop of acid on a scratch in the coin. Compare the color change to the color chart included with the kit.