Some may be surprised by the fact that jewelry is rarely made from pure material. This is due to the properties of the precious metals themselves, and the fact that pure gold or silver can rarely be mined. Clean items often have different colors and characteristics.
What are silver samples and where did they come from?
Silver, like other precious metals, can be diluted with alloying materials almost indefinitely. Undoubtedly, this detracts from its value. Visually distinguishing high-quality silver from "diluted" is not so easy.
In order to somehow distinguish a fake from a real product, a sampling system was introduced. It has been operating since 1927 and is still relevant today in Russia and the CIS countries. According to the metric, the quality of a precious product is determined by the capacity of the pure material per 1000 grams. That is, if the sample of the product is 925, then this means that in a kilogram of such an alloy there are 925 grams of silver and 75 alloying metals.
Looking ahead, let's say that the highest standard of silver is 960. But why not 1000? Silver itself is a very soft material, and therefore it has to be "reinforced" with nickel, copper, zinc oraluminum. The most commonly used is copper. In alliance with such metals, it gains strength. It should be noted that in Russia 80% alloys are officially considered non-precious.
Tech Silver
Silver without a sample, that is, the percentage of capacity below 80, is called technical metal. For the manufacture of jewelry, this material is not used. But talking about its poor quality is not entirely correct. The fact is that it has increased strength. Due to its physical properties, metal is an ideal material for the manufacture of parts for radio engineering. Silver is used in the production of relays.
These privileges it received due to light reflection and high electrical conductivity.
Theoretically, jewelry can also be made from such silver if the sample is unprincipled for you. But then it should be noted that the metal is not considered precious.
Types of silver samples
We'll talk more about silver samples (what are silver samples) later.
Metal considered precious is marked as follows:
- 800 - for cutlery;
- 830 - used to make tableware and inexpensive jewelry;
- 875 - household;
- 925 - jewelry, common look;
- 960 - maximum sample;
- 999 - sterling silver.
Details about silver samples
What are the samples of silver, we found out. Now consider their purpose.
- Silver with the 800 mark means that it contains at least 80% pure metal. It is characterized by high strength and high-quality casting properties. But there is a minus - it quickly oxidizes in the open air. That is why such silver is not used for making jewelry. Another reason is that it has a yellowish tint characteristic of copper, so it is easily distinguished from jewelry varieties.
- Obviously, the addition of three percent silver to the alloy does not change the physical properties of the finished product too much. Therefore, the main purpose of this sample is the manufacture of forks, spoons and knives.
- If you list the samples of silver - what are the types - then the 875th is used for jewelry. Decorations of such a plan should be called "economy class". The fact is that the cost of products is lower, and because of the increased strength, compared to pure silver, it is difficult to make the work filigree.
- 925 sterling silver is the most common in jewelry. First, the low holding capacity of other metals gives the characteristic luster of pure silver. A fairly soft texture makes it possible to make amazingly beautiful jewelry. With all this, such silver perfectly retains its shape.
- 960th sample is typical for jewelry. Visually and in physical properties, it is similar to the 925th. However, it is more susceptible to mechanical damage. The only advantage is that it practically does not oxidize and, as a result, does not turn black.
Silver samples:what are they and what are they used for? The question is rather specific. Everyone must decide for himself what properties the product he is willing to buy should have.
Pure Silver
Now you know the types of silver. What are the samples of silver and what sample is put on the finished product - found out. Next, let's talk about pure metal.
Silver, marked with the 999th test, is soft. It is a pure metal, so it is not used to make jewelry. It is very easy to bend or break. If you make jewelry from pure silver, then in addition to the fact that it quickly loses its shape, its color will instantly change: the metal quickly oxidizes and becomes dull.
Pure silver is used to smelt ingots or collectible coins. By themselves, these items are not used in everyday life, which minimizes surface damage.
How to determine the quality of silver at home?
Modern technology makes it possible to fake jewelry so that it is almost impossible to distinguish them from the real ones. But still, no one canceled the return of the product within 14 days, therefore, having come home and belittled the enthusiasm for the new trinket, we advise you to conduct simple tests that will help you roughly determine the composition.
Now you know what silver samples are. But how to determine the authenticity of the product?
- The first and one of the most effective tests is the magnet test. Real silver will not attract. However, this is far from the onlya metal that ignores the "attractiveness" of a magnet. So more testing should be done.
- You can also play on thermal conductivity. Silver quickly takes on the temperature of the environment. Simply put, it instantly heats up in the hand and cools quickly in cold water.
- Alternatively, iodine can be used as an indicator. A drop of iodine will leave a dark spot. But it should also be taken into account that it will not be so easy to clean this stain.
We do not recommend bending and incising the product. If this is a fake, then it will not be possible to return it, and keeping a damaged product for yourself is throwing money away.
Now we all know about this metal: what are the samples of silver, where are they used. So, when buying a product, we will be able to make the right choice.
