In many cases, authentic silver jewelry will be imprinted with the .925 stamp, meaning that it’s sterling silver with 92.5% purity. Normally, those stamps are small and in discreet places.

What you’ll need:

A trustworthy database to compare hallmarks (optional)

Instructions:

Look for the hallmark stamp on the inside of your silver ring or the underside of a bracelet, for example. If your item has a .925, chances are you have real sterling silver in your hands. Mexican silver has a relatively loose system of stamps, some of which you can find in specialized databases. Britannia silver, at least in the UK and in Ireland, must have a 958 hallmark, but that may vary in other countries.

Note: Not every piece of real silver in the world will have a marking. However, in some countries, like the US, this hallmark is compulsory.

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