Navigating the plethora of options available can make it challenging to ensure you’re purchasing the best silver jewelry. Learn the key tips to guarantee top quality.
Keyword(s): best silver jewelry
Want to buy silver jewelry with confidence?
Silver jewelry is alluring, but finding high-quality pieces can be a challenge. With numerous local and online sellers, it’s tough to verify the authenticity of your purchase.
Fortunately, it is possible to ensure you’re selecting the best silver jewelry crafted by true artisans and designed for lasting beauty.
Continue reading to discover our top tips for ensuring you receive genuine silver jewelry.
1. Assess the Price of Quality Silver Jewelry
Since sterling silver is a precious metal, its value will be reflected in the price. One effective way to ensure you’re getting the best silver jewelry is to compare prices.
Start by checking the current market price of sterling silver. This will provide a baseline to evaluate the jewelry prices.
If comparison isn’t enough, examine the asking price of your chosen pieces. Suspiciously low prices could indicate that the silver is either low-quality or fake.
Be cautious of huge discounts or sales offering bulk sterling silver pieces.
If purchasing from a local store, inquire about their pricing methods, and always ask about refund or exchange options before making a purchase.
2. Communicate with the Seller
Depending on your silver jewelry purchasing location, try to speak with a seller or representative.
Discussing with a real person at a store or over the phone allows you to ask questions about pricing, hallmarks, and silver sourcing. Preparedness will help you get the necessary answers.
A physical store location in the U.S. is a positive sign as it reduces the risk of scams and increases the chances of finding the best silver jewelry.
3. Check for Silver-Grade Specifications or Hallmarks
Genuine silver jewelry features certain markings indicating its authenticity.
These hallmarks are usually located in a discreet area on the jewelry and are typically very small. You may need a magnifying glass and good lighting to spot them.
If you’ve already purchased your silver, this is an effective way to physically inspect the product. Sterling silver will be marked as STERLING or .925.
Both these markings indicate high-quality silver jewelry.
If you find EPNS, be cautious. EPNS stands for “electro plated nickel silver,” which is not genuine silver but a nickel imitation designed to look like silver.
Remember, pure silver is very soft and easy to bend. High-quality silver jewelry must include an alloy for improved durability. The best silver jewelry primarily consists of silver with a hint of a stronger element, like copper.
Always opt for fine or sterling silver.
4. Conduct Physical Tests for Authenticity
To ensure you have the best silver jewelry, perform a few simple physical tests.
These tests are harmless to your silver piece, so don’t worry.
First, try the magnet test. Place a magnet near your silver piece—since silver is not magnetic, anything that clings to the magnet is likely not silver but another metal like nickel.
Ensure you use a strong magnet to accurately test your jewelry’s magnetism, as ordinary household magnets may be insufficient.
Next, rub your jewelry piece with a clean white cloth. If black marks appear, it indicates you’ve purchased genuine silver, as real silver oxidizes when exposed to air, producing black marks.
Lastly, try a sound test. Tap your silver piece with a metal object. Genuine silver will produce a high-pitched ring and vibrations lasting a few seconds. Duller or deeper sounds may indicate copper or steel alloys.
5. Seek an Appraisal
If you’re unsure about the authenticity of your jewelry, consider getting it appraised. Take your piece to a professional appraiser for an expert evaluation.
Appraisals may incur a fee, so this is best for jewelry pieces you are seriously considering and want confirmation about their quality.
6. Exercise Caution When Buying Online
With numerous online marketplaces for precious metals, caution is necessary when shopping online.
Reputable online stores selling authentic silver jewelry will have at least one physical business location clearly listed on their website.
Look for a solid return or exchange policy, available customer representatives, and detailed product specifications regarding jewelry quality.
Additionally, review customer testimonials to gauge the store’s reputation.
For instance, at Artful Bracelets, we offer all of the above and more. Explore our customer reviews today.
Finding Authentic Silver Jewelry
Whether shopping online or in-store during your travels, it’s entirely possible to find the best silver jewelry. Carefully inspect pieces for hallmarks of fine silver and avoid deceptively low prices.
If you’ve already made a purchase, perform simple tests to verify authenticity, or consult an appraiser. Be particularly cautious with online jewelry purchases.
At Artful Bracelets, we specialize in the finest and most authentic silver pieces. Shop our extensive collection with the confidence of free shipping on every purchase.
Read more about our story here, or contact us today for additional information!
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