How to Tell if Your Jewellery Is Real 925 Sterling Silver

Have you ever bought a piece of silver jewellery and wondered:

"Is this actually real silver?"

You're not alone.

With so many silver-plated and imitation pieces on the market, it can be difficult to know what you're really buying. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to check if your jewellery is genuine 925 sterling silver.

Look for the 925 Stamp

The easiest place to start is the tiny stamp often found on the jewellery.

Check:

• The inside of a ring
• The clasp of a necklace
• The post or inner side of earrings
• The tag on a bracelet

If you see "925", it means the piece contains 92.5% pure silver, which is the standard for sterling silver.

Real Silver Can Tarnish

Here's something that surprises many people:

Real sterling silver can tarnish over time.

Exposure to air, moisture, skincare products, and everyday wear can cause silver to develop a darker surface. The good news is that tarnish can usually be cleaned away easily.

If your silver jewellery never changes colour at all, it may not actually contain much silver.

Try the Magnet Test

Silver is not magnetic.

If a strong magnet pulls your jewellery strongly, it's likely made from another metal.

Just remember: this test isn't perfect on its own, but it can be a helpful clue.

Check for Discolouration

Silver-plated jewellery may start to reveal another metal underneath as the plating wears away.

Look for:

• Green marks
• Copper-coloured patches
• Peeling or flaking

Genuine sterling silver won't peel because the silver isn't just a coating—it's part of the metal itself.

Buy From Trusted Sellers

One of the easiest ways to avoid fake silver is to buy from reputable jewellery brands and retailers that clearly state the materials they use.

If the product description doesn't mention sterling silver or 925 silver, it's worth asking questions before purchasing.

The Bottom Line

A tiny 925 stamp, natural tarnishing, and the absence of peeling are usually good signs that your jewellery is genuine sterling silver.

While no single test is perfect, using a few of these checks together can help you feel more confident about what's in your jewellery box.

After all, knowing what you're wearing is just as important as loving how it looks.