Diamond ring vs. S925 Sterling Silver Ring

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Sterling silver, even real .925 sterling silver, will always tarnish. While pure 99.9% silver does not tarnish, any sterling silver will tarnish over time as a result of the metal mixed in. However, fortunately there are many ways to keep sterling silver from tarnishing. Another test involves the use of a loupe, a specialized magnifying tool, to examine the ring’s hallmarks or stamps for any signs of alteration or inconsistency. You can also test sterling silver rings by listening to the sound the metal makes. If you gently tap it, either with your finger or a coin, it should produce a high-pitched ringing sound similar to that of a bell. When conducting this test, it's important to take great care not to damage the item. Sodium chloride (NaCl) or common table salt is known to corrode silver-copper alloy, typically seen in silver salt shakers where corrosion appears around the holes in the top. Pendants: Jewelers and designers use sterling silver as an elegant and reliable metal casing for pendants to hold jewels and stones.

Of course there are other tests that you can perform. We have written an entire article on silver tests. But for maximum accuracy, it's best to perform the nitric acid test. Where to Buy Chamber's Journal of Popular Literature, Science and Arts, Volume 4. 10 December 1887. p.786. In the time of King Richard I., monie coined in the east parts of Germanie began to be of especial request in England for puritie thereof, and was called Easterling monie, as all the inhabitants of those parts were called Easterlings; and shortly after, some of the countrie skillfull in mint matters and alloys were sent into this realme to bring the coin to perfection; which since that time was called of them Sterling, for Easterling. There is no difference between silver that is labeled as s925 or 925 — both of these stamps designate that piece of jewelry as high-quality sterling silver. Photo by Collis This was especially true during the Victorian period, when etiquette dictated no food should be touched with one's fingers.To perform this test, take a file and make an small indent on your piece. This way you can get deeper into the piece so there won't be any false positives with silver-plated jewelry. Next put a drop of the acid onto the piece. If the acid changes a certain color then you'll know that it's real silver.

From about 1840 to 1940 in the United States and Europe, sterling silver cutlery (US: 'flatware') became de rigueur when setting a proper table. There was a marked increase in the number of silver companies that emerged during that period. The height of the silver craze was during the 50-year period from 1870 to 1920. Flatware lines during this period sometimes included up to 100 different types of pieces.

Some brasswind instrument manufacturers use 92.5% sterling silver as the material for making their instruments, including the flute and saxophone. For example, some leading saxophone manufacturers such as Selmer and Yanagisawa have crafted some of their saxophones from sterling silver. This 92.5% composition is the silver purity standard in the United States and most other countries to denote high-quality and pure silver. Anything above 92.5% is considered pure silver. Stenton, F M; Dolley, Reginald Hugh Michael. R.H.M. Dolley. (ed.). "Anglo-Saxon Coins. Studies presented to F.M. Stenton on the occasion of his 80th birthday, 17 May 1960. [With plates, including a portrait]". WorldCat. Taylor & Francis. pp.266–283. GGKEY:1JURCGTRPJ8.

Additionally, a jeweler may also evaluate the overall quality of the ring, including its weight, finish, and gemstone settings. By conducting these tests and assessments, a professional jeweler can provide you with an accurate assessment of whether your s925 ring is real or fake. Ultrasonic and Acid Can Identify Fakes Can I wear an s925 silver ring every day? Yes, s925 silver rings are suitable for daily wear, but proper care is needed to maintain their appearance.

Test Density with Magnets

Yes, s925 silver can tarnish over time. Proper care and maintenance can help prevent or minimize tarnishing. To determine if your “S925” jewelry is made of genuine sterling silver, you can follow these steps: So let’s break down one of the most vague notations to the uninitiated: What exactly does s925 mean? Photo by Amusan What does s925 mean on a ring? The general threshold of 92.5% is becoming a worldwide standard, but since official standards still differ in various countries, it's possible for some jewelry to be marketed as sterling silver while being below that percentage. That's why markings aren't always reliable. They don't tell you the entire story. Use them as a starting point, but conduct some of the other tests on this list, too. Or better still, only buy from reliable retailers like us who adhere to U.S. and U.K. standards. One significant amendment came in 1998 when amongst other things, standards were to be expressed as parts per thousand (millesimal). No longer were metals marked in karats or percentages; so 92.5% silver became 925 and 18-karat gold as 750.