Is It Silver?

[candd205]

How can I tell if it's silver? It's not magnetic, it left black marks on a silver polishing cloth. It's heavy,  substantial. Thanks. 🙂 

[Anonymous]

silver acid test kit

[candd205]

It doesn't damage the silver?

[dream*peddler]

Look up inside the bale.  Sometimes the stamp is there.

[ajs_coins_and_alchemy]

You try the ice test?

Silver has a high thermal conductivity, much higher than most metals (which means it transfers heat much faster than most metals)

Take it (at room temp) and press it against an ice cube, it should nearly cut through the ice like butter.

Take a stainless steel utensil, press that against the ice cube as a control test.

If it's silver, it literally melts so much faster it should kinda blow you away.

Also silver test kit is a good option... but ice test works amazing (and is something everyone can do with stuff laying around the house... not 100% definitive but....extremely simple result and test, and very indicative)

#Science❤

[treasureislandpearls]

Dreampeddler is right, sometimes the mark is so small inside bale it gets missed.  You could also file the edge of the opening on backside, if it is silverplate, usually this India stuff is plated on copper, so it will be easy to see the copper when you file.  silverplate also leaves marks on cloth.

It could have been marked on back, and if it was lovingly worn alot, could have worn off.

when silver prices started rising years ago, these types of items started being made in heavy silverplate. 

[old.crows.nest]

If you have a good sniffer (nose) and it is a plated piece you might smell copper if you rub the metal vigorously and smell the surface. 

[candd205]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I'll try them all and then be more prepared for next time. 🙂

[scruffthemuff]

Take it to a jeweler in your area or a pawn shop either will be able to identify and confirm if sterling silver.

[scruffthemuff]

thanks for that information.  I will try it!

[donsdetour]

looks silver, stone looks to be labradorite.

[buyologist-3]

I was looking at the photos and thought the very same thing!  Let us know if you find it.

[buyologist-3]

I never knew that. I'm going to try it! Thanks!