Silver Purity Marks Therefore, for sterling silver, look for marks that include “925,” “STERLING,” “STG,” or “STER.” Keep an eye out for metals that are etched with “German Silver” or “Nickel Silver.” These pieces are not made up of any silver at all, but are actually composed of copper, nickel, and zinc.
Sterling silver (925): This is the standard for silver, identifying a silver item that is at least 92.5% silver mixed with copper to give it strength. Marks on these pieces include 925 or Sterling. Any mark indicating a higher silver content, such as 950, would also qualify as sterling.
The mark that indicates sterling silver is called the lion passant. Two variations of this mark have been used throughout history. The first was known as the lion passant guardant, with the lion's head facing towards the viewer. The modern lion passant, with the lion's head facing to the left, was introduced in 1822.
950 Silver contains 95% pure silver and is the highest grade of silver used for jewelry. This grade is used by Qinti Peru (Formerly Artisan Silver & Gifts) for its handmade jewelry. 925 Silver contains 92.5% pure silver and is the lowest possible grade to be considered "sterling silver".
Most Australian Silver will be marked STG SIL, S SIL, STG and STERLING SIL. Sometimes with a makers mark. The early silversmiths liked to copy English hallmarks but with their own twist. The lion passant is often used but in conjunction with sterling silver in some form.
A Maker's Mark is a unique stamp placed on jewelry and watches to ensure the authenticity of the manufacturer. These stamps are typically made up of the manufacturers initials, name, or another unique representative symbol. Identifying this mark is the first step in determining the value of a piece of jewelry.
- .999 fine silver is made up of 99.9% pure silver and less than .1% copper or other ingredients. Here are my Top 5 reasons why I feel .999 is better than .925 and the differences between the two: 1. .
925 Sterling Silver jewelry certainly does not come cheap. It requires quite an investment from your side, whether you are buying sterling silver pendants or rings. But it is a worthwhile investment as its value increases with time.
Silver items from the nineteenth century and early twentieth would be classified as antiques. Vintage silver, on the other hand, is 50 years old or younger. Typically, antique silver items are worth more money. As with most collectibles, the older the item, the more money it's worth.
Every precious metal hallmark is composed of at least three symbols. Two of the three compulsory symbols are the maker's mark and the town (or assay) mark. The third is the metal and fineness (or purity) mark. With silver, there are four purity symbols you will find.
The easiest way to identify authentic sterling silver is by locating an authentication hallmark on the piece itself. Sterling silver chains typically include markings that indicate the metal's composition – most commonly 925, 900, 800 or “SS.” You may need to use a magnifying glass to find and read the hallmark.
Silver jewelry should contain certain stamps, or hallmarks, to help you identify which type of silver it is. Pure silver is marked with “999”, while the most common hallmark for sterling silver is “925” (in the United States this is the required marking).
Why is sterling silver so cheap? Sterling silver is inexpensive compared to other precious metals like gold and platinum. It is an alloy made up of a mixture of metals, with silver being the main component. The other metals typically used to make sterling silver, such as copper, are much less expensive than silver.
Is sterling silver better than 925? When 92.5% of pure silver is mixed with 7.5% of other metals (often copper, nickel or zinc), the resulting alloy is called sterling silver. So, to wrap up, there is no difference between the terms sterling silver and 925 silver.
Real silver, which has a higher purity than sterling silver, is generally more expensive. However, silver 925 is a popular alternative due to its relative affordability. Despite being less pure than real silver, silver 925 retains its beauty and lustrous appearance.
Q: Is Real Silver Required to Have a Stamp? A: Short answer, yes. The 925 stamp or hallmark is overseen by the United States government in order to protect consumers. It is illegal for any plated or fake silver item to be stamped or hallmarked with “sterling" or 925.
Most silver plated items are made of silver-on-copper. So if a magnet 'sticks' to the item, it cannot be silver or copper. If a suitable magnet shows the diamagnetic effect the item might be silver (most likely with a coin) or it could be silver-plating on copper. Do not confuse diamagnetism with magnetism.
The most common order of hallmarks from left to right is; sponsor, fineness (purity) and assay office. Other hallmarks after these are optional. Date letter and any commemorative marks for example are optionally added but, you will most likely see these if the hallmark is being featured for decorative purposes.
English silver hallmarks: British maker's marks identification: BM.
Since silver is paramagnetic, performing a magnetic test is the easiest way to tell if your silver has a high level of purity. The piece is authentic if it does not react, or reacts minimally (meaning without any visible movement). You have to use a strong magnet like a neodymium magnet.
The most common silver mark is the number 925 to indicate the 925 parts silver purity standard or 92.5 % pure silver within the object.