You pick up a silver necklace, maybe at a flea market, maybe as a gift, or maybe it's been sitting in a jewelry box for years. Now you're wondering: is it actually real silver? Knowing how to tell if a silver necklace is real doesn't require a gemologist. These 5 tests work at home with things you likely already have.
Why Knowing Silver Necklaces Authenticity Matters?
Real sterling silver is hypoallergenic, durable, holds its value, and is safe for everyday wear. Fake silver or plated pieces look similar upfront but behave very differently. They can cause skin reactions, tarnish unevenly, wear down quickly, and can't be repaired the same way.
Knowing what you have helps you care for it properly, decide whether it's worth keeping, and avoid being misled when buying.
Top 5 Methods to Tell if Silver Necklace Is Real
Test 1: Look for the Hallmark
This is the fastest silver authenticity test and the most reliable. Genuine sterling silver is stamped with one of these marks:
• 925 or .925 (most common worldwide)
• STERLING or STER
• SS (Sterling Silver)
• 999 or .999 (fine silver)
Check the clasp, inside the pendant backing, or along a flat section of the chain. Use a magnifying glass if needed. No hallmark is a red flag, though not definitive since some older or handcrafted pieces may not be stamped.
If you see EPNS, EP, or SP, that's silver-plated nickel silver or electro-plate. Not solid silver.
Test 2: The Magnet Test
Silver is not magnetic. Hold a strong magnet near the necklace. If it pulls toward the magnet, the piece contains iron or steel. It's not sterling silver.
Worth noting: passing this test doesn't confirm silver since some base metals are also non-magnetic. But failing it definitively rules out real silver.
Test 3: The Ice Test
This one is genuinely interesting. Silver has the highest thermal conductivity of any metal. Place a small ice cube directly on your necklace. Real silver melts ice noticeably faster than other metals because it transfers heat so efficiently.
If the ice starts melting almost immediately on contact, that's a strong sign of real silver. Base metals produce a much slower reaction. This test is surprisingly accurate and requires nothing but a freezer.
Test 4: The Acid Test
This is the definitive test for how to test if silver is real at home. It uses a silver testing kit with nitric acid, available online and at jewelry supply shops.
• Scratch a small inconspicuous spot to expose bare metal.
• Apply one small drop of testing acid to the scratch.
• 925 sterling silver turns a creamy off-white color.
• Silver-plated pieces reveal the base metal, which turns green, brown, or black.
• Fine 999 silver turns bright red.
This is how to tell if silver is real or fake with certainty. It leaves a tiny mark but gives a clear answer.
Test 5: The Smell Test
Real sterling silver has virtually no smell. If the necklace smells strongly metallic, like copper or pennies, that's a sign of a copper or zinc base metal. Not foolproof on its own, but useful alongside the other tests.
Combined with the hallmark check and magnet test, the smell test gives you a strong overall picture.
How to Tell if Jewelry Is Real Silver Without a Testing Kit?
If you don't have a testing kit, focus on these practical indicators:
• The Hallmark: Always check first. Most genuine pieces are stamped.
• Weight: Silver is dense. Plated pieces made of lightweight base metals often feel noticeably lighter.
• Tarnish pattern: Real silver tarnishes evenly all over. Plated pieces tarnish in patches where the plating has worn through.
• Skin reaction: Genuine sterling silver doesn't turn skin green. If it does, the base metal is showing.
• Source: Pieces from reputable sellers with clear material labeling are far more trustworthy.
Is My Silver Necklace Real or Plated? Key Signs
Your necklace is likely plated rather than solid if you notice:
• Discoloration or greenish tint on your skin.
• Flaking, peeling, or bubbling of the surface.
• Patchwork tarnish that appears uneven.
• No visible hallmark anywhere on the piece.
• Very low purchase price that seems too good.
How to Buy Genuine Sterling Silver?
When shopping for real 925 sterling silver jewelry, buy from sellers who clearly label their materials and display the 925 hallmark. At Topco Silver, every piece is solid sterling silver with no shortcuts or hidden base metals.
Browse our original silver necklace for women or explore the full sterling silver jewelry collection. For more detail on silver types and quality grades, read our 925 sterling silver vs other silver types guide.
The Verdict
Knowing how to tell if a silver necklace is real comes down to a few simple checks. Start with the 925 hallmark. Run the magnet and ice tests for quick confirmation. Use an acid testing kit if you want a definitive answer. And always buy from sellers who stand behind their materials.