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How can you tell sterling silver from 925?
The “Hallmark” Test An imprint of the numbers “925” indicates that the jewelry piece contains 92.5\% of pure silver. Other marks may be “Sterling Silver,” “Ster” or “Sterling.” Markings are normally found on larger parts of the jewelry piece where they can be engraved.
How is Italian silver marked?
Italian silversmiths rarely submitted their pieces to the optional official hallmarking. Usually silver pieces were marked only with the ‘800’ (purity degree 800/1000), sometimes coupled with the silversmith’s hallmark. The ‘800’ was an unofficial mark and there was no uniformity in its shape.
How can you tell silver hallmarks?
Silver hallmarks are one of the most important factors in identifying antique silver jewelry, flatware, and other items. These small stamped symbols on the back or underside of silver items can tell you the purity of the silver, the manufacturer of the piece, and sometimes even the date it was made.
What’s the difference between sterling silver and Italian silver?
Argentium silver is a brand of non-tarnish silver alloy that like sterling is usually 92.5 percent silver. The difference between argentium and sterling silver is that thanks to the other metallic elements added to it, argentium is more resistant to tarnish than sterling silver.
What does 925 mean on sterling silver jewelry?
American sterling silver is marked with one of the following hallmarks: “925,” “.925,” or “S925.” the 925 indicates that the piece contains 92.5\% silver and 7.5\% other metals. Sterling silver items made in the UK contain a stamp of a lion.
What are the different markings on sterling silver?
The United Kingdom, France, and the United States of America each have a distinct marking system. American sterling silver is marked with one of the following hallmarks: “925,” “.925,” or “S925.” the 925 indicates that the piece contains 92.5\% silver and 7.5\% other metals. Sterling silver items made in the UK contain a stamp of a lion.
How can you tell if a sterling silver bracelet is real?
Take out a soft white cloth and rub it onto the tarnished area of the piece. If it’s genuine, you should see some black marks left on the cloth afterward. If it comes away spotless, the jewelry is either extremely clean, or it’s not .925 sterling silver. Magnets have little to no effect on genuine sterling silver.
What is the difference between CI and CL on jewelry?
Hi, I am not sure what CI means but that could be a maker’s mark. CL or cl however is a known mark. This means an item is silver clad or silver plated and not pure silver throughout. 925 cl would simply mean that the piece is clad or plated in 925 sterling silver. Sterling silver is 92.5\% silver and usually 7.5\% copper.