How To Test Silver Authenticity: 6 Easy Methods | Business News

Last Updated:July 09, 2025, 19:52 IST

Silver is one of the most highly purchased and invested metals in India, which also leaves it susceptible to misuse with the proliferation of fake silver in the market.

How to assess if your silver item is fake or not? (Representative Image)

One of the most precious metals, silver, is bought and sold all across India. Just like gold, silver is considered a valuable possession amidst its soaring demand and increasing prices due to a variety of industrial needs and jewellery exchange. Thus, it has also become vulnerable to misuse with the proliferation of fake silver items in the country. That has made checking the authenticity of the silver a critical exercise.

Whether you are purchasing or investing in physical silver, distinguishing between the real ones, the silver-plated ones and the totally fake ones is important. Fortunately, there is a variety of reliable methods available to us to test the silver’s authenticity. These can be divided into physical tests and chemical tests.

Visual Inspection

Visual inspection and hallmark checks often help. Authentic silver items made in India are often stamped with purity marks like “925″ or “999.” A Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmark is a sign of true authenticity. The absence of a hallmark or suspicious markings is a definite red flag and indicates fake silver.

Magnet Test

Since silver is not magnetic, holding a strong magnet close to the item in your hand can reveal a lot about its purity. If the magnet sticks, the item is likely fake or silver-plated.

Ice Cube Test

Another simple but effective silver testing exercise is to place a small ice cube on your silver item. If the ice melts quickly, you have real silver in your hand since the metal conducts heat rapidly compared to other metals.

Sound Test

Gently tap the silver item in your hand with a coin. Pure silver has a clear and ringing sound, unlike the fake or low-purity one, which sounds dull.

Odor Test

Smell the item you have. While the real silver is odourless, the fake item will provide a metallic smell, indicating impurity.

Polish Test

Rubbing the item in your hand with a soft white cloth can be revealing. If tarnished, the real silver leaves a black residue that can be spotted.

Chemical Test

Apart from physical ways, buyers can also check the authenticity of their silver items chemically for a more complex and accurate testing method. However, the chemical testing through Nitric Acid and Bleach can cause damage to the item you have. This is also a risky exercise and should not be conducted without safety measures in place.

Business Desk

A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al…Read More

A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al… Read More

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Delhi, India, India

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