# How to tell if silver is real

> How to check whether a silver piece is genuine: 925 mark, magnet, ice, white cloth and professional testing; which tests are reliable and which are not.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/how-to-tell-if-silver-is-real/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-23
- Updated: 2026-08-23
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/como-saber-si-la-plata-es-real/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Genuine silver leaves clues, but no home test is definitive. Combine several checks.

## The mark

Look for 925, 800, 950 or “sterling”. It is the first clue (see [hallmarks and stamps](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-hallmarks-and-stamps/)). A fake mark is not impossible.

## Magnet

Silver is not magnetic. If a magnet strongly attracts the piece, it is not solid silver; but if it does not stick, other metals are also non-magnetic.

## Ice test

Silver conducts heat very well: an ice cube melts faster on a piece of silver than on a metal with lower conductivity. It is only indicative, because other metals also conduct heat well.

## White cloth

Rubbing genuine silver with a soft white cloth can leave gray or black marks from silver sulfide. It is not conclusive, but it is a clue.

## Professional testing

A jeweler can check it with an acid test or an XRF analyzer. If the piece is valuable, it is the safest option.

## See also

- [Jewelry hallmarks and stamps: what 925, 750 or 585 mean](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-hallmarks-and-stamps/)
- [What is 925 silver (sterling silver)](https://www.711grados.com/en/what-is-925-silver/)