How To Test Silver Jewelry
A nitric acid scratch test validates silver jewelry. Nitric acid turns different colors, either green or grey, identifying the use of plated base metals or genuine silver. True sterling silver combines 92.5 percent silver with 7.5 percent copper for strength. Stamps of 925, .925 or S925 visually indicate sterling silver pieces; however, these markings can be duplicated by unscrupulous dealers.
Items needed:
- Home jewelry testing kit
- Newspaper
- Testing stone, file or needle
- Nitric acid
- Paper towel
Instructions:
- Purchase a home jewelry testing kit or take the piece of jewelry to a jeweler or silver dealer for nitric acid testing. Use caution if performing the test yourself. Nitric acid can irritate the eyes, burn skin and damage work surfaces if used improperly.
- Cover your work area with newspaper or an old sheet to protect the surface. Read the instructions carefully before proceeding.
- Use a testing stone, file or needle to scratch or make a nick in an inconspicuous area on the piece of jewelry. To use a testing stone scratch the piece on the stone, using enough force to leave a mark of silver on the stone’s surface. Realize that testing a piece of jewelry can damage the look of the piece.
- Place a drop of the nitric acid directly on the scratch or nick if using a file or needle; otherwise, place a drop of acid on the stone’s surface that you scratched.
- Wipe with a paper towel and look for a color change. Typically the color will turn from red to grey for sterling silver or green indicates plated silver. The green color comes from a reaction between the nitric acid and the metal under the silver plating such as brass, nickel copper or low-quality silver alloy. Each kit has its own color variation chart to help you identify the color meanings.
- Avoid buying fake sterling silver by purchasing from a reputable source at a realistic price. Silver jewelry offered at an unbelievable price is likely silver-plated brass or other metal.