How to Tell If Silver Is Real: 925 Stamp, Magnet and Ice Tests

Short answer: Real sterling silver is usually stamped "925" or "Sterling", is not attracted to a magnet, feels cold and melts ice quickly, and slowly darkens (tarnishes) over time. No single home check proves it on its own: a stamp can be faked and a magnet can only rule metals out. Use two or three checks together, and for certainty ask a jeweller for an acid or XRF test.

What does "925" mean on silver jewellery?

"925" is a fineness mark in parts per thousand: the metal is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This alloy is called sterling silver. Pure silver (marked 999, "fine silver") is too soft for a ring that is worn every day, so a small amount of copper is added to make it harder.

Other marks you may see:

• 999 – fine silver, 99.9% silver; mostly used for bullion bars and coins.
• 958 – Britannia silver, 95.8% silver.
• 800 – 80% silver, a traditional continental European standard.
• EP, EPNS, "silver plated" – a thin layer of silver over a base metal such as brass or copper. This is not solid silver.

Watch out for "nickel silver" or "German silver": despite the name, it is an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc and contains no silver at all.

Where is the 925 stamp on a ring, and can it be faked?

On rings the mark is normally struck on the inside of the band. Look for "925", "S925", "Sterling" or "Ster".

Keep in mind that in most countries a stamp is simply the maker's own claim. Anyone can strike "925" on base metal. The United Kingdom is an exception: by law, silver items over 7.78 grams sold as silver must carry a hallmark from an independent assay office, which tests the metal before marking it. Elsewhere, the stamp is only as trustworthy as the seller. Also note that on handmade rings the stamp can be faint, and on rings that have been resized it can be partly worn or cut away, so a missing stamp alone does not mean a ring is fake – ask the maker in writing what alloy it is.

Does the magnet test work on silver?

Yes, but only in one direction. Silver is diamagnetic: it is very weakly repelled by a magnet, so a magnet will not stick to it. If a strong magnet (a neodymium magnet works best) snaps firmly onto your ring, the metal contains iron, steel or nickel and it is not solid silver.

Passing the test does not prove the item is silver, though. Copper, brass, aluminium and nickel silver are also non-magnetic. On chains, test the links, not the clasp, which may hide a steel spring.

How does the ice test work?

Silver conducts heat better than any other metal. Place an ice cube on a flat silver surface and it starts melting almost immediately, noticeably faster than on stainless steel or plastic beside it.

It works best on broad, flat pieces such as a signet ring face or a pendant; on a thin band it is harder to judge.

Does real silver tarnish or leave a black mark?

Yes. Silver reacts with sulphur compounds in the air (mainly hydrogen sulphide) and forms a thin layer of silver sulphide, which looks yellow, then brown, then grey-black. The copper in sterling makes this happen a little faster than with fine silver. If you rub a piece with a white cloth and it leaves a dark grey mark, that is consistent with silver.

Many handmade rings are oxidised on purpose: the dark recesses that make engraving and calligraphy stand out are a deliberate finish, not dirt.

Which home tests should you avoid?

• The bleach test. Bleach does make silver go dark quickly, but it also damages the finish and can harm stones. It is not worth ruining a ring to test it.
• Scratching or filing. Cutting into a piece to look for a different metal underneath plating permanently damages it.
• DIY acid kits. Nitric acid tests are reliable in a jeweller's hands but are dangerous to handle at home and can stain the piece.

How do jewellers and assay offices confirm silver?

A jeweller can rub the item on a touchstone and apply testing acid to the streak: the reaction shows whether the metal is silver and roughly what fineness. Assay offices and many larger jewellers use XRF (X-ray fluorescence), which reads the alloy's composition in seconds without damaging the piece. A third method is density: pure silver is about 10.5 g/cm³ and sterling slightly lower, about 10.4 g/cm³, while brass and copper are well under 9.

What should you ask before buying a silver ring online?

• Is it solid 925 sterling silver, or silver-plated? Get the answer in writing on the product page.
• Is any part plated (for example gold or rhodium details) or inlaid with another metal such as bronze?
• Can the seller show real photos of the piece and the inside of the band?

At Reyhan Silver every ring is made from solid 925 sterling silver and handcrafted in our workshop in Konya, Turkey. Each piece is made to order in 3–5 business days and delivered in 2–7 business days, with free shipping and customs duties prepaid (DDP). If you are choosing your first piece, our guide How to Choose a Meaningful Silver Ring may help.

Solid 925 silver rings from our workshop

• Fatih Sultan Mehmed Seal Ring – 925 Sterling Silver
• Double-Headed Eagle Ring – 925 Sterling Silver
• Handcrafted Arizona Turquoise Ring – Sandblasted Sterling Silver
• Custom Initial Ring – 925 Silver, Floral Engraved

Browse the full 925 sterling silver rings collection.

Frequently asked questions

Is 925 silver real silver?

Yes. 925 sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver with 7.5% other metals, usually copper, added for strength. It is the standard alloy for quality silver jewellery.

Will a magnet stick to sterling silver?

No. Silver is diamagnetic and is not attracted to a magnet. If a magnet sticks firmly to a ring, it is not solid silver. Passing the magnet test alone, however, does not prove an item is silver.

Can sterling silver turn your finger green?

Occasionally. The copper in sterling can react with sweat, soap or lotion and leave a faint greenish or dark mark on the skin. It is harmless and washes off; keeping the ring clean and dry reduces it.

Is silver-plated jewellery real silver?

Only on the surface. Silver-plated pieces have a thin layer of silver over a base metal such as brass or copper, and the plating can wear through over time. Solid sterling silver is the same metal all the way through.

Should I test silver with bleach?

No. Bleach will darken silver, but it also damages the finish and can harm gemstones. Use the stamp, magnet and ice checks at home, and ask a jeweller for an acid or XRF test if you need certainty.

Written by the Reyhan Silver team, Konya, Turkey. Last updated: October 23, 2026.

Sources: Silver standards and fineness (Wikipedia, "Silver standards"); UK hallmarking weight exemption of 7.78 g for silver (The Assay Office, dealer's notice); silver hardness, density and tarnish chemistry (Wikipedia/Mindat, "Native silver").