Silver has always been the accessory of choice for people who want to something more youthful and edgy. Gold would always be a classic and in a way, silver has become the popular choice for those who are looking for something different. A silver necklace is a good accessory to have because it is subtle yet with the right design can also be a very eye catching accessory. However, choosing the right piece isn’t only about finding that perfect design, you also have to make sure that what you’re getting is actually made of silver and not a poorly made fake. You might be asking, why go for actual silver when there are plenty of other ones that aren’t real but give the same look. Well, this is true and you could certainly settle for something less than actual silver but do note that whilst it has the same look, it will not last you as long as actual silver will. Quality should always be first especially since accessories are also investment pieces and you would want to get your money’s worth. Think about it, why choose a fake one that would last you a month or so when you can have a real silver piece which would last you years? It might cost a bit more than the fake one but you will be getting something totally worth the price. So, how does one tell if what they’re looking at is fake silver? Here are a few tips:
When buying a silver necklace or any other silver jewelry, always check for a mark. Authentic silver pieces would always be marked by a small “925” brand. These markings can be usually found in the hidden areas. For necklaces, you might find it on the locks. They can also be quite small and in some cases, you might need a magnifying glass to be able to see them. If you see silver accessories without this mark then it is most likely a fake.
Another thing that you could do is a nitric acid test. You can either ask the jeweler whom you’re buying the accessories from to perform this test or you could do it yourself when you get home. All you need to do is rub some nitric acid on the accessory itself. It would be better if you do the test on one area only so that you’d be able to compare any changes that might happen. Also, it’s better to do the test on places that are easily noticeable since you will be breaking some of the plating which prevents the silver from tarnishing quickly. The color of the liquid would tell you if the accessory is actually made from silver or if it’s a fake. Basically, if the nitric acid turns grey then this means that it’s actually made of silver. On the other hand, if it turns green then it was only silver plated.
Lastly, it’s also a very good idea to purchase your silver necklace and other accessories from reputable sellers. This would not only guarantee that you are getting an authentic silver piece but it would also ensure you of a quality purchase.
