Silver is a precious metal widely used for jewelry, collectibles, and investment purposes. However, not all products labeled as “silver” are actually made of genuine silver. Many items on the market are silver-plated or mixed with other metals. For this reason, understanding the characteristics of genuine silver is important to avoid mistakes when choosing or assessing the quality of silver products.
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What Is Genuine Silver?
Genuine silver refers to silver metal with a specific purity level that is internationally recognized. In practice, silver is rarely used in a completely pure form because it is relatively soft. As a result, it is commonly alloyed with other metals to improve durability, especially for jewelry.
Common types of silver include:
- Silver 999 (fine silver): contains 99.9% pure silver
- Silver 925 (sterling silver): contains 92.5% silver, with the remainder made up of other metals
Understanding these purity levels helps determine the value, strength, and appropriate use of silver items.
Characteristics of Genuine Silver to Know
Before moving on to more technical testing, there are several basic characteristics that can help identify genuine silver. These traits can usually be observed visually or through simple tests and are often used as an initial step to distinguish genuine silver from fake or silver-plated items.
1. Silver Purity Marks (Hallmark 925 and 999)
One of the easiest indicators of genuine silver is the presence of a purity mark or hallmark. Genuine silver jewelry or items typically carry stamps such as “925,” “999,” or “Sterling.” These marks are usually placed in small, discreet areas. While hallmarks do not guarantee authenticity on their own, they serve as an important initial indicator.
2. Natural Color and Shine
Genuine silver has a soft, white metallic appearance with a subtle shine. It does not reflect light as sharply as a mirror and does not appear yellowish. If a surface looks overly glossy or appears dull from the start, the item may not be made of pure silver.
3. Magnet Test
Silver is not a magnetic metal. If an object is strongly attracted to a magnet, it is likely not genuine silver. While the magnet test cannot be used as a definitive method, it is effective for quickly identifying items that are clearly not silver.
4. Sound Test (Ping Test)
When gently tapped with another metal object, genuine silver produces a clear, high-pitched sound that resonates briefly. In contrast, mixed or fake metals tend to produce dull sounds that fade quickly.
5. Oxidation Reaction
One distinctive characteristic of genuine silver is its tendency to oxidize. Over time, silver may darken slightly due to reactions with air and sulfur. This discoloration is not damage but rather a natural sign of authenticity and can usually be cleaned.
Simple Ways to Check Genuine Silver at Home
In addition to visual and physical characteristics, there are simple tests that can be performed at home to help verify silver authenticity. These methods do not require specialized tools and can serve as preliminary checks before seeking professional verification.
Saltwater or Vinegar Test
A basic test can be done by mixing water with salt and applying it to a small area of the silver item. Genuine silver may show mild oxidation. Another option is applying a small drop of vinegar to an inconspicuous area. These tests should be performed carefully to avoid damaging the item’s appearance.
Checking Weight and Density
Silver has a relatively high density. Compared to imitation metals, genuine silver feels heavier for its size. Items that feel unusually light may be silver-plated or made from non-silver metals.
Read more: Getting to Know SLVON Token for Long-Term Silver Investment
Professional Methods to Verify Silver Authenticity
If visual inspection and at-home tests are inconclusive, professional verification is recommended. These methods are commonly used for valuable items or collectible silver.
One of the most commonly used techniques is the nitric acid test. This method involves applying a special acid to the metal surface and observing the resulting color change. Specific color reactions indicate whether the metal is genuine silver or a mixture. Because nitric acid is corrosive, this test should only be performed by professionals or reputable jewelry stores.
How to Buy SLVON on Mobee
In addition to physical silver, there is now a more practical way to gain exposure to silver price movements without concerns about authenticity or storage. One option is through silver-backed digital assets.
On the Mobee app, users can buy iShares Silver Trust Tokenized ETF (Ondo), also known as SLVON, and trade it directly within a single platform. Below are the steps to buy SLVON on Mobee:
- Registration and Verification: Sign up and complete the account verification (KYC) process.
- Deposit Funds: After verification, deposit funds into your Mobee wallet to facilitate purchases.
- Open the Trade Menu: Access the Trade menu at the bottom of the app.
- Select SLVON: Find SLVON in the asset list or search for “SLVON.”
- Choose a Trading Pair: Select a trading pair, such as SLVON/USDT.
- Transaction Method: Choose the transaction method:
- Market Order for the current market price.
- Limit Order for a price you set yourself.
- Enter the Amount: Specify the amount of SLVON to buy and review the transaction details.
- Confirm: Click “Confirm” to process the purchase.
Once completed, SLVON will appear in your Wallet, ready to be held or traded again.
Conclusion
Understanding the characteristics of genuine silver helps identify quality and authenticity before purchasing or using silver products. Simple checks such as purity marks, magnet tests, and sound tests can be done at home, while professional verification provides greater certainty. With the right knowledge, the risk of buying fake silver can be significantly reduced.
Sources:
How to Tell if Something is Silver: A Beginner’s Guide. Accessed in 2026. Physical Gold.
How to Know if Silver Is Real with Simple At-Home Testing Methods. Accessed in 2026. Briteco.
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