How to Tell If Silver Is Real: 5 Tests You Can Do at Home

How to Tell If Silver Is Real: 5 Tests You Can Do at Home

The safest way to tell if silver is real at home is to combine several non-destructive checks: inspect the hallmarks, test for strong magnetic attraction, examine the surface for natural tarnish, compare heat transfer with ice, and look for signs of exposed base metal or an unusual metallic odor. No single home test proves that an item is … Read more

Sterling Silver Necklace Guide: Lengths, Styles, and Prices

Sterling Silver Necklace Guide: Lengths, Styles, and Prices

A sterling silver necklace uses sterling components containing 92.5% silver, and choosing the right one comes down to length, style, width, weight, construction, and whether you plan to wear a pendant. A 925 mark indicates sterling fineness, but you should also check the seller’s material description and specifications. Common necklace lengths run from 16 to 24 inches, with longer … Read more

Sterling Silver Chains: Types, Styles, and Buying Tips

Sterling Silver Chains: Types, Styles, and Buying Tips

A sterling silver chain contains 92.5% silver by weight, with the remaining 7.5% made from other metals, commonly copper. The best chain for you depends on how you plan to wear it, so compare link style, length, width, weight, construction, clasp, and material before buying. Curb, cable, rope, box, Figaro, wheat, and snake chains each create a … Read more

Sterling Silver Earrings: A Buyer’s Guide to Types, Styles, and Care

Sterling Silver Earrings: A Buyer's Guide to Types, Styles, and Care

Sterling silver earrings contain at least 92.5% silver, with the remaining portion made from alloying metals. The alloy gives you high silver content in a form better suited to everyday jewelry than softer fine silver. Before buying, check more than the design. Look at the metal description, 925 marking, dimensions, weight, closure, and materials used for posts, hooks, … Read more

Men’s Sterling Silver Chains: The Complete Buying Guide

Men's Sterling Silver Chains: The Complete Buying Guide

A 925 sterling silver mens chain should contain 92.5% silver by weight, with the remaining 7.5% made from other metals, commonly copper. When buying one, compare the chain’s style, length, width, weight, construction, clasp, and material disclosure rather than choosing from appearance alone. For pendant wear, a moderate-width chain that fits through the pendant bail usually makes … Read more