How to know if a piece of jewelry is real silver or gold
Not sure if your jewelry is real? Here are simple and safe ways to find out if a piece of jewelry is made of pure silver or gold – and our tips for what to look for before you buy.
Why is it important to know?
A piece of silver or gold jewelry not only has a higher value – it lasts longer, is more durable and ages beautifully. Many people inherit or buy jewelry without knowing what it is actually made of, and fake alloys can lead to discoloration, allergies or disappointment. Being able to recognize quality gives you peace of mind, whether you are buying new or vintage.
How to recognize real silver
Real silver, like what we use at Arven, can be recognized by being stamped with the number 925. This means that it contains 92.5% pure silver, also called sterling silver, and is the standard for quality jewelry.
Look for:
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Stamp : 925, STERLING
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Color and luster : Real silver has a cool, white-gray luster – not a cold, shiny surface like nickel plating
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Discoloration : Silver tarnishes (darkens), but it can be refinished. Fake silver flakes or loses its color.
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Weight : Silver is heavier than plastic and many base metals, which is a sign of true quality
How to check if the jewelry is made of real gold
Real gold does not discolor or corrode. Gold jewelry is often stamped with a karat, which indicates the percentage of pure gold it contains – for example, 585 (14 karat) or 750 (18 karat). At Arven, we use real gold in both new and vintage jewelry.
Look for:
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Piston : 375, 585, 750 or 916
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Color and luster : Real gold has a warm, saturated color that does not fade or chip.
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Weight : Gold feels heavy and compact compared to plated jewelry
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No discoloration on the skin : Fake gold can cause green or black discoloration on the skin – real gold does not
What about gold-plated or gold-plated silver?
Many pieces of jewelry are plated with gold, either on regular metal or on silver. These can be nice and affordable, but they are more susceptible to wear and tear over time, and can cause discoloration on both the piece of jewelry and your skin when the coating wears off. At Arven, everything is clearly labeled – whether it is real gold, gold-plated or silver – so you always know what you are buying.
Can I test myself?
Yes, but with caution. Simple home tests exist (such as using a magnet or looking for discoloration with soap and water), but they do not always provide reliable answers. If you have a piece of jewelry that you are unsure about, we recommend having it assessed by a goldsmith or silversmith.
At Arven, we offer assessment, cleaning and consulting in our store and workshop in Bergen.
When you shop with us
At Arven, we only use high-quality materials. The jewelry is stamped in accordance with Norwegian law, and our vintage products are cleaned and inspected by our own gold and silversmiths. This means you can shop with confidence, whether you're looking for a new piece of gold jewelry, vintage silver, or a gift with lasting value.
