Silver lot
I have some sterling silver I want to list, I was wondering how everyone is testing your silver as some of mine is stamped and some is not, I have tested it with a magnet and it does not stick, is that an accurate testing
13 comments
I have some sterling silver I want to list, I was wondering how everyone is testing your silver as some of mine is stamped and some is not, I have tested it with a magnet and it does not stick, is that an accurate testing
roccotacodad54
·10 months agoA magnet test isn't conclusive. I have some silver plated nickel silver in my collection(s). A magnet doesn't stick to them.
Nickel silver is an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc (basically). Some are marked EPNS (Electro Plated Nickel Silver), some are not. Nickel silver was a popular base for silver plate due to the silver color.
The ones I have that are not marked I discerned them as EPNS under magnification on the edges where the slight difference in color on wear spots showed.
The acid test requires breaking the surface (in case it's plated) which would damage the item.
The only test I know of that is conclusive is the sigma test as worldcoinauctions has suggested.
tied2thepast
OP10 months agoThank you …
luckythewinner
·10 months agoNot, it is not an accurate test for silver.
It is only an accurate test for magnetism.
mozartbach1971
·10 months agoI'm not certain of this however I think I heard somewhere that the most accurate test is when they pour some kind of an acid on it and look at the color.
worldcoinauctions
·10 months agoSterling with flat surfaces can be tested with a sigma if you have access to one. Just being non-magnetic and silver looking is not good enough. Most sterling in the US says either Sterling or 925 on it, some that says that is not actually good.
Good luck!
redmodelt
·10 months agoAll that would tell you is that is nonferrous, nonmagnetic. There can be other metals that are the same color that could be nonmagnetic. Suggest doing a search on how silver is tested. Testing should tell you what grade/purity of silver it is. Using a magnet would only be part of the testing.
Depending on the value, maybe take to jewelry or coin shop.
richard1rst
·10 months agoStainless steel is non magnetic.
redmodelt
·10 months agoStainless being nonmagnetic depends on the alloy and treatment, some is. As a non stainless example, I was goofing around and tried a magnet on brass which should be nonmagnetic, it was.
Is Stainless Steel Magnetic? A Simple Breakdown
krazzykats
·10 months agoHow to Test Silver at Home: 6 Easy Ways
This is only a Wiki How Link to testing silver.
á“šá˜á—¢
jewelbiz
·10 months agoThank you 🙠for taking the time to share this highly informative article with us!
meme6253
·10 months agoGreat post for those seeking to sell silver!, I would certainly want silver to be tested prior to listing if I were selling it & avoid any trouble.
redmodelt
·10 months agoI saw that when I did a quick search, thanks for posting it.
adamcartwright
·10 months ago@krazzykats
Thanks for that info. That bleach test is very helpful.
I've also it to test textiles, as silk dissolves in bleach.