How can I tell if something marked silver is really silver?

Start with the marks. Genuine American sterling is usually stamped "Sterling" or "925." British silver carries a set of hallmarks, often including a lion for sterling, a town mark and a date letter. Other countries use numbers like 800 or 835 for lower silver content. Words like "Silver," "German Silver," "Nickel Silver," "EPNS" or "Silverplate" do not mean solid silver; German and nickel silver contain no silver at all.

Fake hallmarks exist, especially on items made to resemble old English silver, so look at the whole piece. Real sterling is fairly soft, may show fine scratches, and tarnishes in a warm gray. Wear on edges that reveals a yellow or copper color points to plating. A magnet test helps a little, because silver is not magnetic, but many non-silver metals also fail to stick.

The surest answer comes from a test by a jeweler, gold and silver buyer or appraiser, who can use acid or an electronic tester. For valuable pieces, a silver specialist can also judge the marks and age.