Thursday, January 11, 2018

How To Differentiate Sterling Silver 925 And Other Quality Jewelry From Imitation

By Scott Fisher


A great way to dress up a simple outfit is with a piece of metallic jewelry. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a dramatic piece that everyone notices. You can find necklaces and bracelets at outlets and big box stores that will work but are not fine jewelry. When you decide to invest in quality jewelry, like sterling silver 925 however, you want to make sure you are getting something authentic.

If the piece you are looking at is stamped with a . 925, 92.5, or 925 hallmark, that is a good indication that you have real sterling silver. This is only true however, if it is an American piece. The stamp indicates the presence of ninety-two and a half percent silver. The remaining percentage is some other metal, usually copper, to strengthen the piece.

Another way to determine the quality of a piece is to look for the word plated. When you see this on the description or price tag, you should not expect to pay very much for it, if you choose to purchase it at all. Plated means that the piece has a covering of a precious metal instead of actually being made of it. It has been produced using something cheaper like nickel or copper.

Even if you're not spending a lot of money, it's a good idea to check the quality of necklace or bracelet clasps and chains. Clasps should feel secure when closed and open without difficulty. Chains should not have bends or kinks. You can check that by laying them on a solid surface to see if they will lay flat. New metallic jewelry is shiny. Vintage jewelry often is not.

Jewelry counters are often the first thing you see when you walk into a department store. There's a good reason for this. This is where a lot of people buy pieces, and many aren't aware of the substantial markup. Independent jewelry stores don't usually mark their pieces up to the same extent. For this reason, these stores have fewer sales and don't offer deep discounts.

You can often find great pieces in second hand stores, antique shops, and flea markets. You won't be looking a new jewelry in most cases, but the vintage pieces are often more interesting and intricate than modern jewelry. If you see someone wearing a piece you really admire, you shouldn't be shy about asking where the person found it.

You can find anything online, but you have to be smart about what you purchase, especially if you are looking at expensive metallic pieces. You have to depend on the photos and descriptions, which can be deceptive. The seller should be willing to discuss the pieces you are interested in and have a reasonable return policy.

When you are buying trendy jewelry, choosing less expensive pieces is usually a good idea. If you want a classic piece you will wear for years, you should look for signs of authenticity and quality. Otherwise, you are just wasting your money.




About the Author: