How to test silver at home: the hallmark, magnet, ice and acid tests

Start with the marks: numbers are clues, a hallmark is evidence

A lone 925 stamp is not a complete UK hallmark. For modern UK hallmarks, look for the sponsor, fineness and Assay Office marks; the date letter is optional. Recognised Convention marks are also accepted. Silver below the 7.78 g exemption weight can be legally sold without a hallmark, and other exemptions exist. See GOV.UK hallmarking guidance.

• 925 or the lion passant: marks associated with sterling silver (92.5% silver). Read them with the rest of the hallmark.
• 958: the fineness mark for Britannia-standard silver; verify the accompanying marks.
• 800: indicates an 80% silver claim, often on continental pieces. A number alone does not authenticate it.
• EPNS: Electro-Plated Nickel Silver. Not silver. A thin silver layer over nickel silver, an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc with no silver in it.
• A1 or "silver on copper": silver-plated. Not solid silver.

For the fast way to decode a mark, see how to read a hallmark in 60 seconds, look for the fineness, Assay Office and sponsor marks, with a date letter where present.

The magnet test: a negative test only

Silver itself is not attracted to a magnet. Strong attraction across the main body is a reason to question a solid-silver description. However, a clasp spring, knife blade or other component can be steel even when neighbouring parts are silver. Note exactly where the attraction occurs; do not reject the entire item from a clasp alone.

The catch: copper, brass, aluminium and lead are also non-magnetic. No attraction does not prove silver, its purity or the absence of plating. Treat the result as one observation to share with a tester.

The ice test: no reliable proof of silver

Ice melting is affected by the temperature, size, shape and construction of the object, as well as its metal. Copper also transfers heat well. A fast-melting cube does not distinguish solid silver from all other metals or establish fineness.

There is no need to wet jewellery, hollow handles or antique pieces for this check. A clear photograph of the marks and any existing wear is more useful when asking us what to do next.

The acid test: risky, approximate, damaging

Acid testing uses a chemical reaction as an indication of composition. Results depend on the reagent, preparation and interpretation; a surface result can be misleading on plated material. It is not a precise home measurement of the whole item.

Scratching or applying chemicals can damage a finish, hallmark or collectable piece. Do not acid-test an item to prepare it for GoldPaid. Send photographs first and we can discuss appropriate inspection without you altering it.

What XRF can and cannot establish

XRF reports the elements detected at the surface and near surface. It is useful for assessing silver alloys, but plating, surface condition, solder and mixed construction can affect interpretation. Multiple readings help; they do not automatically prove the composition of a hidden core. An uncertain item may need a different test. The London Assay Office laboratory guide explains that heavy plating can require destructive preparation. Our XRF explanation describes the limits of surface testing.

We test every parcel by in-house XRF as part of our standard process. There is no charge and no obligation to sell. See sell sterling silver for how we quote and pay. If you want the reading without selling anything, paid XRF metal testing works by post, with no obligation to sell.

A short decision tree

1. Photograph the marks. Include the complete group, not just a number, and a view of the whole item.
2. Note the construction. Photograph existing wear and any separate blades, clasps or filled handles. Do not dismantle it.
3. Keep uncertainty visible. If you have tried a magnet, tell us which part reacted. Do not treat ice melting as proof.
4. Ask before posting. Send photos on WhatsApp for a rough estimate or advice on the next check. Your written offer follows inspection; free tracked return if you decline.

Patterns worth knowing

• Victorian teaspoons: photograph the complete hallmark group and any later repairs.
• Bright, uniformly-shiny cutlery sets marked "A1" or "EPNS", plated, not solid.
• Continental brooches marked 800: a useful fineness clue to check alongside the other marks and construction.
• Modern chain stamped 925: the number is a claim to verify, not independent proof.
• Bullion coins: identify the exact issue and compare it with the issuing mint’s specifications; design and stated purity vary.

When to skip home testing entirely

If the piece is antique, signed by a known maker, or looks like it might be Georgian or earlier, do not test it yourself. Acid and scratch tests damage marks that carry the value. Send us photographs first; if it belongs at specialist auction rather than at our bench, we will tell you.