This article shows you how to recognize platinum, silver, and sterling silver jewelry.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Examine the Jewel
Step 1. Find any identifying mark
It should be engraved on the metal. If the jewel has a sta, it is probably on the back of it. It may also appear on a small tag hanging at one end. Alternatively, inspect the larger parts of the jewelry.
If you don't find any brand names, it is presumably not a precious metal
Step 2. Check if the silver symbol is engraved
Some jewels and coins are identified with the number "999": it indicates that the piece is pure silver. If you can read the number "925" followed or preceded by the letter "S", it means that you have a sterling silver jewel: it is a 92.5% pure metal, or an alloy consisting mainly of silver with the addition of copper.
- For example, if you find the "S925" engraving it means that the jewel is sterling silver;
- A pure silver jewelry is quite rare, because it is a soft metal that is easily damaged.
Step 3. Look for the mark that indicates the presence of platinum
Platinum is a very rare and expensive metal. Therefore, all platinum jewelry must be marked to guarantee its authenticity. Pay attention to the words "Platinum", "PLAT" or simply "PT", followed by the numbers "950" or "999", which refer to the purity of the metal ("999" indicates the purest).
For example, "PLAT999" may be printed on a genuine platinum piece
Step 4. Bring a magnet close to the jewel
Most precious metals are not magnetic. So, approaching a magnet, you shouldn't notice any movement. However, if the jewel is attracted to the magnet, don't worry. Since pure platinum is soft, it is combined with other metals to make a stronger alloy. Cobalt, which is quite hard, is one of the most commonly used to create an alloy with platinum, and because it is a slightly magnetic material, some platinum jewelry can react when subjected to the action of a magnet.
- Generally, "PLAT", "Pt950" or "Pt950 / Co" is visible on silver and platinum alloys.
- The most common alloy used to create sterling silver is copper, which is not magnetic. If you have a silver piece of jewelry that has the markings 0, 925 and is attracted by a magnet, take it to a qualified jeweler to assess its authenticity.
Method 2 of 4: Use a Scratch Acid Reaction Test Kit
Step 1. Use an acid test kit on difficult-to-evaluate jewelry
If you can't find the brand and you are not sure of the origin of the jewel, use this kit to find out what material it is made of. You can purchase it at an online retailer or jewelry supply store. The kit includes a stone to rub metal on and several vials of acid.
- Purchase a product suitable for analyzing both platinum and silver. The vial label should indicate which metal they are to be used for.
- If there are no gloves inside, please purchase them separately. If acid gets on your hands, it could burn your skin.
Step 2. Rub the jewel on the stone
Place the black slate on a flat surface and rub it over the jewel gently, moving it back and forth to draw a line on the surface. Draw two or three lines or one for each acid you are going to use. For example, if you need to analyze platinum, silver and gold, you need to track three of them.
- Choose a hidden part to rub on the stone, otherwise you could scratch and partially damage the jewel;
- Place a cloth under the stone to protect the surface you are working on and prevent it from getting damaged.
Step 3. Pour the acids over the different lines you drew
Choose one from the kit and, very carefully, pour a small amount on one of the dotted lines with the jewel. Make sure you do not mix the different reagents together, otherwise you could compromise the test result.
- Most kits intended for this type of test are specially designed for silver. However, you can also use an 18K gold reagent to identify pure or sterling silver.
- Always wear gloves when handling acids.
Step 4. Observe the reaction of the acid
You will probably have to wait a few seconds or almost a minute. If the line dissolves completely, the test is negative. For example, if you have poured the acid for platinum on a line and it dissolves, it means that the jewel is not authentic. On the contrary, if it does not disappear, the metal is pure.
- If you used a reagent for 18-karat gold on silver, the drawn line will take on a milky white color. In this case, it means that the piece of jewelry is pure or sterling silver.
- If you are unsure of the result, take another test to be on the safe side.
Method 3 of 4: Use a Solution Directly on Silver
Step 1. Use a solution to test silver for particularly large and heavy jewelry
You must not use acids if you have a finely decorated jewel, as they could partially corrode the surface. If you bought the kit with acids, use the silver solution included in the box. Alternatively, get the specific solution on the Internet or at a jewelry supply store.
Step 2. Verify the authenticity of the jewel
Pour a small amount of the solution onto the metal, being careful to choose a hidden area. For example, if you have to analyze a large bracelet, apply some on the inside; if you are examining a flat, massive necklace, pour a drop of acid on the back of the jewelry.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands and put a cloth under the jewel to protect the work surface;
- Do not pour the acid on the susta or other important parts, as it could damage the small finishes of the jewel.
Step 3. Observe the reaction
At first, the acid may have a dark or light brown color and, later, take on different shades. The final color indicates the purity of the metal. For example, if the liquid turns dark or bright red, it means the jewelry is at least 99% pure silver.
- If, on the other hand, it becomes white, the degree of purity of the silver is equal to 92.5%, so it is sterling silver;
- If the solution takes on a bluish-green color, it means it is copper or some other less valuable metal.
Step 4. Remove the acid from the jewelry
Rub it off with a clean cloth and then throw it away. Rinse the jewel under cold running water to remove any traces of the substance used for the test. Use a colander or close the sink plug to prevent it from falling down the drain. Finally, let it air dry completely before wearing it again.
Method 4 of 4: Analyzing the Jewel with Hydrogen Peroxide
Step 1. Dip the jewel in the hydrogen peroxide
First, fill a glass bowl or glass with this substance and soak the jewelry. Make sure it is completely submerged in the liquid, otherwise pour more.
You can buy hydrogen peroxide in drugstores and supermarkets
Step 2. Check the reaction
Platinum is a strong catalyst for the decomposition reaction of hydrogen peroxide. If the jewel is genuine platinum, the hydrogen peroxide will almost immediately begin to bubble. Silver is a weaker catalyst. If you don't notice this reaction right away, leave it in the liquid for about a minute and check for bubbles.
Hydrogen peroxide does not corrode and does not damage jewelry
Step 3. Rinse the jewelry well
Put it under running cold water to get rid of all traces of hydrogen peroxide. Close the sink cap or use a colander when you open the tap to prevent the jewel from falling down the drain. Let it air dry completely before wearing it again.
