Sterling sliver is not so expensive nowadays, but there are still large amount of replica jewelry existing in market, one example is tiffany replica. So it is necessary for the customer to know some easy techniques to determine your sterling sliver jewelry is real.

In 1851 Tiffany and Co launched the first tiffany jewelry which contained 92.5% sliver. Since then the sterling sliver had become popular. Sterling sliver can also be called 925 sliver, which consist of 92.5% sliver and 7.5% other alloy. The added alloy is used to improve the luster, brightness and hardness of the sliver.

After polishing, the sterling jewelry can show a very pretty metallic luster. It can also be set with precious stones to become a high-end jewelry. To maximize profits, some jewelry maker may mix cadmium, iron, copper or other cheaper metals in sliver. For example, the fake cheap tiffany jewelry is produced at a very low cost, while sold with the price of real tiffany jewelry. Although this phenomenon is not widespread, but consumers should still have some way to identify silver jewelry. When a customer buys sterling sliver jewelry, he can use the following 5 ways to determine the sterling sliver jewelry is real.

1. Checking the color:

The higher purity of silver, the whiter color the jewelry has. Real sliver jewelry usually shows a uniformly brightness. While it will show blue gray if mixed with lead or show brisk red if mixed with copper.

2. Checking the weight:

The density of the sliver is slightly larger than other common metals like copper and lead. So checking the weight of the sterling sliver jewelry can be the initial step. If a jewelry has a large size but relative light weight, it is probably made of other metals.

3. Checking the hardness:

The hardness of sliver is lower than copper, but higher than lead and tin. Using a pin to scrape an inconspicuous place in jewelry, if it is very difficulty to leave a mark on the surface, the jewelry is probably made of copper. If a mark can be made by scraping and the mark is also very obvious, the jewelry is probably made of lead or tin. If the mark is not so obvious, then the jewelry is probably made of sliver.

4. Checking the metallic sound:

The real sterling sliver metallic sound is usually light, soft and clear. While other metals are usually sharp, boring.

The above four methods are effective in most cases. But the best way is to do chemical test directly. This test can be performed by some official authorities. When customer buys tiffany sliver jewelry, he or she should also check whether the tiffany jewelry has some relevant certifications or not.