With silver prices climbing and online marketplaces flooded with cheap imports, spotting fake silver has never been more important. Some counterfeits look convincing — shiny, heavy, even stamped with fake hallmarks — but beneath the surface, they’re often made from plated base metals like copper or nickel.
Real silver has a distinct look, feel, and behaviour — once you know what to look for, it’s surprisingly easy to tell the difference.
At Blackwell Jewellers, we’ve seen thousands of silver items over the years — from antique pieces and solid chains to imitation imports that look genuine at first glance. And the truth is, even seasoned collectors can be fooled without the right checks.
This guide will show you how to quickly and safely test silver jewellery at home, what hallmarks to look for, and when it’s worth asking a professional to verify it for you. Whether you’ve just bought something online or inherited a family piece, a few simple steps can save you from disappointment (and wasted money).
“Knowing what to look for is the key to spotting fake silver before you buy.”
Hallmarks — The Easiest Test
The simplest and most reliable way to tell if your silver is real is to check for a hallmark. In the UK, it’s a legal requirement for any silver item over 7.78 grams to be hallmarked by one of the country’s four official Assay Offices — London, Birmingham, Sheffield, or Edinburgh.
A genuine silver hallmark will include:
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The Maker’s Mark – usually the initials or logo of the manufacturer.
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The Metal Purity Mark – for silver, you’ll typically see 925 (for sterling), 958 (Britannia silver), or occasionally 800 for continental grades.
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The Assay Office Mark – such as a leopard’s head (London) or anchor (Birmingham).
These tiny marks are usually found on the inside of rings, clasps of bracelets, or backs of pendants. They should be cleanly struck, evenly spaced, and easy to read under magnification.
Fake items often use stamped numbers like “925” without the full hallmark set — that’s a big red flag. A proper hallmark is stamped or laser-etched after official testing, so it always appears crisp and professionally applied.
At Blackwell Jewellers, every silver piece we sell is fully hallmarked and tested — giving you complete peace of mind that what you’re buying is genuine.
“Look for the full hallmark — not just a number. It’s the simplest way to spot the real thing.”
Simple Home Tests
If your jewellery doesn’t have a visible hallmark, don’t panic — there are a few quick and easy ways to test silver at home using safe, everyday methods. These tests won’t damage your jewellery but can help you spot obvious fakes before you bring it in for professional checking.
🧲 1. The Magnet Test
Silver isn’t magnetic. If your jewellery sticks to a magnet, it’s not real silver — it’s likely steel or another base metal underneath a silver coating.
🧼 2. The Polishing Cloth Test
Gently rub your piece with a soft jewellery cloth. Real silver will often leave black or grey marks — that’s just the surface oxidising naturally. Fake silver will usually stay shiny because it’s just plated.
❄️ 3. The Ice Test
Place an ice cube on top of your silver item. Real silver conducts heat extremely well, so the ice should begin to melt almost instantly. If it sits there unchanged, your piece probably isn’t pure silver.
👃 4. The Smell Test
Give it a quick sniff — genuine silver has no odour. If you notice a strong metallic or chemical smell, that’s a giveaway of lower-quality metals underneath.
These simple checks can quickly rule out obvious fakes. But for high-value items or anything you’re unsure about, a professional test is always worth it.
“Quick home tests can reveal a lot — but for full certainty, always confirm with a jeweller.”
Professional Testing
If you want complete confidence that your silver is genuine, a professional test is the only way to know for certain. At Blackwell Jewellers, we use several industry-standard methods to verify metal purity safely and accurately.
The most common technique is the acid test. A tiny drop of specialist solution is applied to a discreet area of the jewellery — real silver reacts in a specific way, revealing its purity within seconds. It’s quick, reliable, and completely safe when done by a trained jeweller.
For higher-value or antique pieces, we may use an XRF (X-ray fluorescence) machine, which analyses the metal composition without leaving any marks or residue. This method provides an exact reading of the metal content, ideal for investment-grade silver.
Professional testing also helps identify plated or mixed-metal items that home tests might miss — for example, jewellery made from copper coated in a thin silver layer.
If you’re ever in doubt, bring your piece to The Jewellery Mechanic or Blackwell Jewellers for a free inspection. We’ll tell you instantly whether it’s real, fake, or plated — and explain exactly why.
“Professional testing gives you certainty — fast, accurate, and 100% reliable.”
Where Fakes Commonly Appear
Fake silver jewellery has become increasingly common — especially online. With so many global sellers and marketplaces, it’s never been easier for counterfeit pieces to slip through the cracks. Knowing where these fakes usually appear can help you avoid disappointment and wasted money.
The biggest hotspot is online marketplaces. Many listings show beautifully photographed jewellery with “925” stamped on the clasp — but that number alone isn’t proof. In fact, countless sellers abroad use fake hallmarks or misleading titles like “sterling style” or “silver tone” to get around regulations.
Another red flag is unbranded high-street stalls, market traders, or pop-up shops that can’t show proof of hallmarking or certification. If there’s no receipt, no hallmark, and the price seems too good to be true — it usually is.
We also see a lot of holiday fakes. Tourists often buy “solid silver” pieces abroad that turn green or tarnish within weeks once they’re back home. These are often plated with a thin layer of silver over base metal.
Your safest option? Always buy from trusted, UK-registered jewellers who can prove every item’s authenticity with proper hallmarks and documentation.
At Blackwell Jewellers, every silver piece we sell is fully tested, hallmarked, and guaranteed genuine — so you can shop with complete confidence.
“If the deal looks too good to be true — it usually is.”
Know What You’re Buying
Spotting fake silver jewellery isn’t as hard as it sounds — once you know what to look for. Hallmarks, simple tests, and a bit of common sense go a long way. The key is to take your time and buy from people who care about what they sell.
Real silver has a timeless beauty and lasting value that fakes can’t imitate. Whether it’s a necklace, bangle, or family heirloom, it deserves the respect of genuine craftsmanship and verified purity. That’s why every silver item we handle at Blackwell Jewellers is tested, hallmarked, and guaranteed — because trust should never be optional when it comes to fine jewellery.
If you’ve bought silver online, inherited a piece you’re unsure about, or just want to learn how to tell the real from the fake, it’s easier than ever to educate yourself.
Our Free Gold & Silver Guide shows you the exact steps we use in-store — including how to check hallmarks, perform quick at-home tests, and understand purity markings like a professional.
“The difference between fake and genuine? Knowledge.”
