"Sterling" lobster clasps marked 925, but are magnetic??

Question

Hi all - I've recently encountered clasps on necklaces sold by beading shops and those on newer chains, although stamped 925, are magnetic and true sterling silver is never magnetic. I'm wondering if the US market is being ripped off and being sold clasps made outside of the country, marked 925, but actually not entirely made of sterling silver. Has anyone else encountered this?

shipscript · Answer

It is extremely likely that product arriving from China is falsely marked when not produced for a name brand that monitors the production. We even see UL can CE marks falsified. If a corner can be cut, it will be cut.

Only ferrous metals are magnetic, meaning the clasp contains iron, and is very likely electroplated with only a wisp of silver. If you purchase an item on eBay that is falsely labeled, be sure to open an eBay return claim.