Top News

Buying cheap ‘sterling silver’ jewelry online? Are you sure that the material is actually harmful? Currently, there is a lot of jewelry being sold in online marketplaces that mentions ‘925 Sterling Silver’ as an ingredient, but it actually does not contain it. Brands promote it as a cheap alternative to silver. But many buyers are not aware that such jewelry actually contains 92.3 percent cadmium—a highly toxic metal.

Tests have shown that the amount of cadmium used in such jewelry (Sterling Silver Jewellery) is a thousand times more than the legal limit. Did you know that when cadmium in jewelry comes into contact with the body for a long time, it accumulates in the skin and can cause serious damage to the kidneys, bones and respiratory system. Pure sterling silver is not that harmful to the body. It is most important to check whether the jewelry contains silver at all.

1. Look for the ‘925’ hallmark.
Genuine sterling silver jewelry usually has a recognized hallmark engraved on it. While this mark alone is not 100% certain, it is an important clue.

2. Test with a magnet
Silver is not naturally attracted to magnets. Hold a strong magnet close to the jewelry. If the jewelry sticks strongly, it is probably not pure silver. However, keep in mind that some counterfeit metals also do not stick to magnets. So this should not be considered the only way to test.

3. Rub with a soft cloth
Rub the jewelry with a white, soft cloth. If the cloth leaves dark stains, it may be a sign of normal silver oxidation.

4. Ice Test
Silver is a very good conductor of heat. Place a piece of ice on the jewelry. If the ice starts to melt relatively quickly, it is more likely to be silver.

5. Feel the weight:
Silver is generally heavier than many imitation metals. Real silver may feel a bit heavier when compared to jewelry made of other metals of the same size.

6. Pay attention to the color.
Real silver is bright but not overly shiny. Many fake jewelry has an overly shiny finish, which wears off after a few days.

7. Be careful if sold at a very low price
Sterling silver is a precious metal. Therefore, it is best to be careful if jewelry is sold at an unusually low price compared to the market price.

Be sure to buy from a trusted brand or a well-known store. Check the hallmark and product details. If possible, collect the bill or certificate.