Do You Own Silver but Are Unsure of Its Purity? Here Are Simple Ways to Test It

Silver is one of the most valuable metals in India and is widely bought and sold across the country. Like gold, silver is seen as a precious asset. Its demand has been rising due to its use in industries and in making jewellery, which has also caused its price to go up.

Because of this growing demand, fake and low-quality silver items have started appearing in the market. This makes it very important to check whether the silver you are buying is real or not.

What Is Silver Purity?

Silver purity refers to the percentage of pure silver in an item. Pure silver, also called 999 silver, is 99.9% silver. However, because pure silver is very soft, it's often mixed with other metals like copper to make it stronger for everyday use. This is why most jewellery is made of sterling silver, which is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. Besides that there is coin silver which is 90% silver and 10% other metals, found mainly in vintage coins or pieces.

Silver ornaments have a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmark to recognise the purity. Across the globe, the recognized standard is for 92.5% silver.

What Are BIS Hallmarks?

In India, silver items often come with a BIS hallmark, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards. This mark confirms the metal's purity and guarantees that it meets official standards. Along with the hallmark, some items may have a date stamp and purity number, like "925" for sterling silver.

If a silver item lacks a hallmark, or if the stamp looks unclear or suspicious, it's best to double-check its authenticity before purchasing.

Easy Tests to Check Silver Purity

Whether you're buying silver jewellery or investing in silver items, it's important to know the difference between pure silver, silver-plated items, and completely fake ones. Luckily, there are several simple and reliable ways to test if your silver is genuine.

1. Visual Inspection
To check if silver is real, look for markings like "925," "999," or "Sterling." Real silver has a soft shine and slowly tends to tarnish uniformly over time, showing a dull gray or blackish layer.

2. Magnet Test
Silver is not magnetic, so if you hold a strong magnet near your silver item and it sticks, it's likely not pure silver. This test is quick and effective, especially when shopping in local markets.

3. Ice Cube Test
Place a small ice cube on the silver item. Silver conducts heat very well, so the ice should melt quickly if the item is real silver. This is a fun and easy way to test at home.

4. Sound Test
Tap the item gently with a coin or another piece of metal. Pure silver makes a high-pitched, ringing sound that lasts a few seconds. Fake or lower-quality metals will produce a dull or short sound.

5. Odor Test
Real silver is odourless. If you smell a metallic or chemical scent, the item may be made of another metal or alloy.

6. Polish Test
Rub a soft white cloth on the item. If it's real silver, you might notice black marks on the cloth. This is because real silver tarnishes and can transfer residue when polished.

7. Acid Test (Be Cautious)
Apply a tiny drop of nitric acid to a scratched area on the item. If the spot turns creamy white, it's likely real silver. If it turns green, the item is likely fake or only silver-plated. This test can damage the item and should only be done with proper safety gear or by a professional.

Why Checking Silver Purity Matters

Silver is valuable not just in jewellery, but also in industries like electronics, medicine, and photography. Because of this demand, fake silver items and silver-plated metals are becoming common. These imitations can look similar but don't have the same value or quality. Whether you're buying or already own silver jewellery, learning to test it is essential to avoid being fooled.