How to check if jewellery is real solid 925 sterling silver

I'm sometimes asked if My Silver Wish 925 sterling silver stacking stretch charm bracelets and rings are made from real genuine solid silver. Some jewellery designers use silver plated materials, to keep their prices low. I'm always proud to answer this question, as I ensure all My Silver Wish bracelets and rings and made from genuine 925 sterling silver.

I do however understand why they ask if their bracelets are made from sterling silver. Larger silver products are stamped with a '925' hallmark to certify their status as real silver. Indeed, some of the larger charms used in my silver stacking bracelet designs, such as my Sterling Silver Pet Paw Charm Bracelet include a 925 stamp on the underside of the charm. However, most of the sterling silver beads and piping used in my designs are very small and delicate, so adding a 925 stamp would be difficult and probably ruin the look of the final piece of jewellery.

Here's some answers to some of the commonest questions I receive about silver and silver jewellery...

How can I tell if my jewellery is sterling silver or just silver-plated?

There are a few easy tests to check whether your jewellery is genuine sterling silver or just silver-plated:

• Magnet Test – Sterling silver is not magnetic, so if your piece sticks to a magnet, it likely has a base metal inside.
• Tarnish Test – Sterling silver tarnishes over time, forming a blackish layer that can be polished off. Silver plating often wears away rather than tarnishing evenly.
• Scratch Test – Gently scratch an inconspicuous area with a fine file. If the color underneath is different, it’s likely silver-plated.
• Acid Test (Professional Use) – A jeweller can apply nitric acid to a small area. Sterling silver turns creamy white, while base metals turn green.

What are the different types of silver used in jewellery?

There are several grades of silver, including:

• Fine Silver (999) – 99.9% pure, very soft, mostly used for collectibles and bullion.
• Britannia Silver (958) – 95.8% silver, historically used in British coins.
• Sterling Silver (925) – 92.5% silver, the standard for jewellery.
• Coin Silver (900) – 90% silver, historically used for coins and vintage jewellery.
• Scandinavian Silver (830) – 83% silver, common in Scandinavian jewellery. Some terms, like "German silver" or "Tibetan silver," don’t actually contain silver, so be cautious when buying.

Are all silver jewellery pieces stamped with "925"?

Sometimes sterling silver jewellery has a "925" stamp, but very small or delicate pieces might not, and that's true for most of the handmade jewellery at My Silver Wish. If you're unsure, please ask!

What’s the difference between sterling silver and silver-plated jewellery?

Sterling silver is solid silver, while silver-plated jewellery has a thin silver coating over a base metal. Silver plating can wear off over time, revealing the metal underneath, whereas sterling silver lasts much longer.

Why is some silver jewellery more expensive than others?

The price of silver jewellery depends on several factors, including weight, craftsmanship and additional gemstones like my healing crystal jewellery collection. Likewise, all My Silver Wish jewellery is handmade to order and costs a little more than jewellery that is mass-produced.

What is sterling silver, and why is it used for jewellery?

Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver mixed with other metals (usually copper) to make it stronger and more durable for everyday wear. It’s a great choice for jewellery because it has the beauty of pure silver while being tough enough to last.

Will my sterling silver jewellery tarnish?

Yes, sterling silver can tarnish when exposed to air, moisture, and chemicals. This is natural and can be easily cleaned. Proper storage and care help keep it shiny.

How can I limit tarnishing of my silver jewellery?

• Store it in an airtight bag or anti-tarnish pouch when not wearing it.
• Avoid exposure to perfumes, lotions, and cleaning chemicals.
• Wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing.
• Use a silver polish or mild soap and water to clean when needed.

How do I clean sterling silver jewellery?

You can clean it with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth. For deeper tarnish, a silver polishing cloth or silver cleaning solution works well. Avoid harsh chemicals, especially on jewellery with gemstones.

Can I wear sterling silver every day?

Yes! Sterling silver is strong enough for daily wear. However, regular cleaning and proper care will help keep it looking its best.

Is sterling silver hypoallergenic?

Sterling silver is generally hypoallergenic, but some people may react to the small amount of copper or other metals in the alloy. If you have sensitive skin, look for nickel-free sterling silver jewellery.

Can I shower or swim with sterling silver jewellery?

It’s best to remove silver jewellery before showering or swimming. Chlorine, saltwater, and harsh soaps can speed up tarnishing and dull the shine.

What’s the difference between sterling silver and white gold?

Both have a similar look, but sterling silver is more affordable. White gold is mixed with other metals and coated with rhodium to maintain its shine, while sterling silver can tarnish over time but is easier to clean.

Is there a type of silver that doesn’t tarnish?

Yes! Some modern silver alloys, like Argentium Silver, are mixed with germanium to make them more tarnish-resistant. They still require care but won’t darken as quickly as traditional sterling silver.

What should I do if my silver jewellery turns black?

Don’t worry—this is just tarnish, which happens naturally over time. A silver polishing cloth or mild silver cleaner will restore its shine.

What is the best way to store silver jewellery?

Keep silver in an airtight bag, jewellery box, or anti-tarnish pouch. Storing pieces separately prevents scratching and keeps them looking new.

Can I wear sterling silver with other metals?

Yes! Sterling silver looks great mixed with gold, rose gold, and other metals. Just be mindful when storing them together to prevent scratching.