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This article was co-written by Edward Lewand. Edward Lewand is a trained gemologist & appraiser with over 36 years of experience in the jewelry industry. He completed his gemological studies at GIA in 1979, New York and now specializes in real, antique and heritage jewelry consulting and certification. He is an appraiser with the American Association of Appraisers (AAA) and a senior appraiser with the American Association of Gem and Jewelers.
There are 14 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 19,010 times.
To the non-connoisseur, platinum, silver or bac sterling may seem very similar at first glance. However, with a little practice, you’ll notice the difference in a flash!
Steps
Check out the jewelry
- If your jewelry doesn’t have any markings, it’s probably not a precious metal.
Edward Lewand
Gemologist & appraiser
Edward Lewand is a trained gemologist & appraiser with over 36 years of experience in the jewelry industry. He completed his gemological studies at GIA in 1979, New York and now specializes in real, antique and heritage jewelry consulting and certification. He is an appraiser with the American Association of Appraisers (AAA) and a senior appraiser with the American Association of Gem and Jewelers.
Gemologist & appraiser
Consider both the color and weight of the jewelry. If you have the opportunity to compare platinum and silver, it is easy to tell the two apart. Platinum has a much higher density than silver, so it will be heavier. Also, platinum isn’t really white – gray is more accurate.
- For example, the “S925” mark engraved on the piece of jewelry indicates that it is sterling silver.
- Pure silver jewelry is quite rare, as pure silver is soft and easily damaged. [3] X Research Sources
- For example, a piece of real platinum jewelry might be marked with “PLAT999.”
- Platinum/cobalt alloys are usually marked with PLAT, Pt950, or possibly Pt950/Co. [6] X Research Source
- The most common metal used to harden sterling silver is copper – which is non-magnetic. If you have sterling silver jewelry engraved with the 925 mark but are attracted to the magnet, take it to a reputable jeweler to have it checked for authenticity.
Use an acid test kit
- Buy a test kit that can test both silver and platinum. The metal name is on the label of the acid vials.
- If there are no gloves in the test kit, you should buy more. Acid will burn your skin if you let it get on your skin.
- Choose an inconspicuous location of the jewelry to rub against the stone. The surface of the stone will scratch and damage part of the jewelry.
- Spread a towel underneath the stone to protect the countertop.
- Most test kits have specialized acids for testing silver. However, you can also use 18 karat gold acid to determine pure silver or sterling silver. [8] X Research Sources
- Always wear gloves when handling acids.
Edward Lewand
Gemologist & appraiser
Edward Lewand is a trained gemologist & appraiser with over 36 years of experience in the jewelry industry. He completed his gemological studies at GIA in 1979, New York and now specializes in real, antique and heritage jewelry consulting and certification. He is an appraiser with the American Association of Appraisers (AAA) and a senior appraiser with the American Association of Gem and Jewelers.
Gemologist & appraiser
Pro tip: When you want to try platinum, rub your jewelry on the stone, then pour nitric hydrochloric acid on it. If the drawn line is still intact, the jewelry is platinum. If the line is dissolved, it’s not platinum.
- If you use 18 karat gold acid to test silver, the line will turn milky white. [10] X Research Source This indicates that your jewelry is pure silver or sterling silver.
- If you are still in doubt, try again just to be sure. [11] X Research Source
Use the test solution directly on silver
- Wear gloves to protect the skin of your hands and spread a towel to protect the worktop.
- Do not drop acid on clasps or other important parts of the jewelry. Acids can damage small parts of jewelry.
- If the solution turns white, the metal has 92.5% silver content, i.e. sterling silver. [12] X Research Source
- If the acid turns an almost green color, the metal you’re testing is copper or another less valuable metal.
Try on hydrogen peroxide jewelry
- You can buy hydrogen peroxide at drugstores.
- Hydrogen peroxide does not corrode or damage jewelry.
Advice
- If you are still unsure of the authenticity of your jewelry, have it checked by a reputable jeweler.
Warning
- Keep acids and acid test kits out of the reach of small children. Acid can burn the skin and cause death if swallowed.
This article was co-written by Edward Lewand. Edward Lewand is a trained gemologist & appraiser with over 36 years of experience in the jewelry industry. He completed his gemological studies at GIA in 1979, New York and now specializes in real, antique and heritage jewelry consulting and certification. He is an appraiser with the American Association of Appraisers (AAA) and a senior appraiser with the American Association of Gem and Jewelers.
There are 14 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 19,010 times.
To the non-connoisseur, platinum, silver or bac sterling may seem very similar at first glance. However, with a little practice, you’ll notice the difference in a flash!
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