ilver has been one of the most popular precious metals for centuries—noble, elegant, and timeless. But anyone who has ever bought silver jewelry knows that not everything that glitters is real silver. Caution is advised, especially when shopping online or at markets. But don't worry—with a few simple tricks, you can easily recognize real silver.
1. Pay attention to the silver stamp
The easiest way to identify real silver is by the silver hallmark (also known as a stamp). The most common hallmarks are:
- 925 = Sterling silver (92.5% pure silver)
- 800 or 835 = older or continental silver alloys
- 999 = Fine silver (almost 100% pure)
With high-quality silver jewelry—such as you will find at Purajoya Jewelry—the hallmark is usually engraved discreetly on the inside or back.
2. The magnet test
Silver is not magnetic. So if your jewelry reacts strongly to a magnet, it is most likely not real silver, but an alloy with other metals or a silver-colored coating.
3. The smell test
Real silver has a neutral smell. If your jewelry smells metallic or even slightly like copper, be careful—real silver has no inherent smell.
4. The cloth or rub test
Gently rub your jewelry with a soft, light-colored cloth. If dark marks appear on it, that's a good sign! Silver reacts with oxygen and tarnishes slightly over time—this is completely normal and a characteristic of real silver.
5. The expert review
If you are unsure, a professional can help. At Purajoya, we offer professional silver testing, cleaning, and gold plating services. Our Swiss goldsmiths can immediately tell whether your silver is genuine—and restore your favorite piece to its former glory.
Conclusion: Recognizing silver is easier than you think.
With these five tips, you can quickly determine whether your jewelry is really made of genuine silver. Pay attention to hallmarks, magnetic properties, and smell—and if in doubt, ask a professional.
Because at Purajoya Jewelry, quality comes first. Our jewelry pieces are made from 925 sterling silver, some of which are gold-plated with a thick layer of gold, and are crafted with the utmost precision—durable, sustainable, and beautiful.
Here you will find our jewelry collection and our contact details.