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How to Tell Whether Silverware Is Real Silver

Silverware and other silver products can be very valuable collector's items, but how can you tell whether the items are made of real silver? Unless the silver is stamped with "925," "ster" or "sterling," which are marks of sterling silver, you must be equipped with other knowledge on how to determine the authenticity of silver.

Things You'll Need

French's mustard
Cigarette lighter
White vinegar
Cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Apply a small drop of French's mustard on the silverware. This particular brand of mustard contains the highest amount of sulfur, which is needed for a precise chemical reaction.
- 2
  Heat the silverware with a cigarette lighter. Real silverware will combine with the volatile sulfur molecules in the mustard, resulting in a dark spot called silver sulfide.
- 3
  Dampen a cloth with white vinegar and gently clean away the dark spot. If the item is genuine silver, the spot will easily wipe off and the silverware's appearance will return to normal.

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