How can you tell good silver jewelry vs nickel plated jewelry?
Written by Jewelry on April 22, 2010I am going to Mexico and i read they have good prices on silver jewelry, but you have to be careful because they also have nickel plated jewelry that they try to pass off as silver.
How can i tell the difference between the two while i am shopping?
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3 Comments to “How can you tell good silver jewelry vs nickel plated jewelry?”
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5:12 am on April 22nd, 2010
The problem seems to be that if you are not an expert, you DO run a risk. The #1 solution, of course, would be to shop at reputable stores only, with a guarantee of value of the product. Beyond that, the one TRUE test of silver is an acid test, and I doubt that anybody is going to let you drip acid on their product! Here is a 2nd test, if you think you can do it — it is talking about silver BARS, but you should get a similar "PING" from other silver as well. Smaller objects will be a problem, of course:
"Second test is the ping test. Ping test basically is just using an object and hitting against the silver coin or bar and you have to listen to the unique sound that it makes. Typically silver will have a longer ring than fake ones. The sound that it makes may vary, since the shape of the bars can be different and also if it is the same bar and came from a different mold it could also sound different. With coins I would suggest putting the silver coin on the tip of your index finger and take another coin and strike the edge of the coin and you should hear a brilliant ring to it. If the coin is fake the ring usually more low pitched and ring does last as long. When it comes to silver bars larger than 100 oz you need to put the silver bar inside a plastic bag and take a small hammer and gently bang on the bar to listen for similar ring. Again the ring should be bright and sort of dragged on."
Another test I’ve seen is simply LUSTER. The visual difference between silver (soft rich luster) and nickle plate (shinier) is visible to the eye, as is the weight, especially on larger pieces. But again, unless you’re an expert, you can’t be certain without the acid test.
5:12 am on April 22nd, 2010
I have bought silver jewelry in several cities in Mexico and have always gotten "the real deal". First off, unless you are going to the silver city of Taxco, I would shop in an actual jewelry store rather than a market stall. You can find these "silver shops" in most cities. They carry only silver jewelry from cuff-links to pendants, to rings, all are real silver – not plated- and are not expensive when compared to U.S. prices. Look for the mark .925 stamped into every piece you buy. Look hard – it will be there even on a small item. If you don’t see it, ask the store owner politely to point it out to you. Just ask "925?" and he will say "si" and show you.
I can truthfully say that even in the stalls I have shopped in, I have never run across nickel plated jewelry. However, I have not traveled in the cities that are frequented by Americans (Cancun, etc.). Even in a stall, if the owner can show you the .925 mark and says, "yes" when asked if it is .925, I’d probably buy it from him. Most silver sellers, by the way, will carry a rag that will polish the silver up beautifully. You will be amazed!
Be adventurous in your shopping. Once in Taxco, I ran across a craftsman who was using pure silver wire to create beautiful pendants. The pendants were made by wrapping the wire around large pieces of citrine stone. Gorgeous and only $10 each ! It’s always nicer to have something that’s been handmade.
Just remember, you will have to declare the value of your purchases at the border so be aware of how much you can bring back. Wear what you can when you cross over.
5:12 am on April 22nd, 2010
Look for the 925 stamp that stands for sterling silver. Also, a manufacturer/maker trade mark/signature has to be stamped. Finally, as these marks could be faked, I’d buy only at stores that appear decent and not on the street.
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