Silver (Argentum): history of the noble metal, types and properties of silver alloys, tips on how to check authenticity. Sterling silver, oxidized, matte, filigree, rhodium plated, blackened

The best silver jewelry - TOP 5 manufacturers

Jewelry has always been an ideal gift choice for both women and men.
At the same time, since ancient times, silver products have been valued not only for their beauty and grace - they were attributed with all sorts of magical and healing properties. Nowadays, silver jewelry is not only an excellent gift, but also an indicator of the good taste of the giver. If you are choosing jewelry for yourself or a loved one, this article will be useful to you, because it provides comprehensive information on how to choose real silver, as well as a rating of the most famous and popular manufacturers with a good level of product quality.

TOP 5 Silver cutlery and their manufacturers

Add to bookmarks Silver cutlery - Since the invention of stainless steel, cutlery made from this material, of course, has become more popular and purchased, thanks primarily to its affordable price, as well as practicality and ease of care. But still, silverware manufacturers were not left without work. Silver. A material that was popular back in ancient Egypt and Babylon, it was there that the first silver kitchen utensils were found. Silver has long been credited with miraculous properties. But no magic.

The bactericidal properties and beauty of the metal are what made silver such a popular and indispensable material for making kitchen utensils. Sets of cutlery were especially valued. But they had such a high price that not everyone, even a noble family, could afford such luxury. Judge for yourself, in the time of Catherine the Second, when the princess got married, she was obliged to have a set of silverware in the list of her dowry.

From generation to generation, this dish, called family silver, was passed on as a relic. So we come to the idea of why you should choose silver. This is a great gift for all occasions. Table setting using such tools is elegant and unique. The guests are delighted, the hostess is happy, the memory is forever.

We present to your attention several popular manufacturers of these kitchen utensils with their best products.

Silver cutlery

Argenta silverware – “Prestige”

Manufacturer of silverware from Russia, with a set of cutlery “Prestige”, 27 items. The manufacturer is very popular and renowned. It is here that the best domestic silver tiles are born, and the highest, 925 standard.

The Prestige set is fully equipped for setting a table for 6 people. The dishes are expensive, elegant, aesthetically pleasing, and come with a gift box. The cost of the set is 207,740 rubles. What a gift for newlyweds, with wishes of wealth, abundance and prosperity.

Silver cutlery

Arthur Price silverware set from Royal

The famous manufacturer from England Royal Buckingam with a set of silverware Arthur Price GA03.44 items. This set belongs to the GADROON collection, whose origins go back to the 18th century. A talented Frenchman, a true master, made the first set, which he took to England, where a manufactory for the production of silver cutlery arose.

Cast utensils with beautiful engravings on the handles, it is not for nothing that these tiles enjoyed great success during the Renaissance. Many years have passed, but dishes, thanks to centuries-old traditions, are still popular and in demand. Classic style, elegant French design, very fine hand-chasing. Wonderful set: 2 types of knives, 2 types of forks and 4 types of spoons. The utensils will help you set your table like a king! It's very expensive.

Silver cutlery

Silverware set Krasnaya Presnya

Kostroma Jewelry Factory. Silverware set Krasnaya Presnya, 24 items. It would not be fair to ignore Kostroma, the so-called jewelry capital of Russia. The history of this plant goes back to the distant, pre-Romanov times, even then local craftsmen mastered the skills of working with silver.

Over time, it was here that a factory for the production of small kitchen utensils, brooches, and items for the church from this metal arose. Perhaps every museum in the country has exhibits confirming this fact. There were different times at the plant, times of prosperity, years of oblivion, but the main thing is that the plant exists and its products have not lost centuries-old traditions and popularity.

This set of the plant is proof of that. It is made for 6 people: 6 knives, 6 forks and six each - 2 types of spoons. Not as elaborate as the French ones, but quite enough. But the price is more affordable - about 116,000 rubles. Comes with cute gift packaging.

Silver cutlery

Silver cutlery set “Relief pattern”

Veliky Ustyug plant “Northern Mobile”. Silver table set “Relief pattern”, 24 items. This enterprise is also famous for its centuries-old traditions and the popularity of its products. But the main attraction is the ability of the local craftsmen to skillfully apply blackening to silver items. Many years have passed, but there are no analogues of such skill in the world.

Blackening gives silver objects the appearance of antiquity and, because of this, greater popularity. This set is for lovers of more elegant, pompous dishes. Most likely, according to antique dealers, at the moment, yes, at the moment, it is not of particular value, not much time will pass and the price may rise sharply.

This is the advantage of gifts made of valuable metals. The set has the same configuration as the previous one, the price is slightly higher - 161,200 rubles. But it may be worth paying for the fact that your descendants will be able to admire the relief design, lovingly applied by the skillful hand of a master.

Silver cutlery

Robbe g Berkinq Besteck “Martele”

Sterling silver set, 24 pieces. This brand comes from Germany. Manufacture began 300 years ago, with a small workshop for the production of kitchen utensils using the forging method, from the highest standard of silver. Many years have passed, but the work of the master, his traditions are not lost, but on the contrary, they are multiplied.

How can a great-great-great-grandson let down an eminent grandfather, the founder of a family business? Yes, that’s right, all these years the manufactory has belonged to the same family and the silverware, as in those distant times, is forged by hand. The utensils are without frills, but at the same time you are amazed by its aristocratic restraint and elegance that defies time. To say that these sterling silver items are very popular is an understatement.

It is these wonderful dishes that are used by restaurants marked with famous Michelin stars. This is the highest appreciation of the work of the masters. A set of already familiar equipment. Expensive? Yes very. But if you make up your mind, know that German quality will not let you down!

We looked at 5 very popular manufacturers of silver cutlery, with their wonderful sets. Believe me, they are all worthy of your attention.

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Types of silver in jewelry

Silver products differ not only in shape and appearance, but the material in them may also differ. There are eight options for processing silver in jewelry:

Regular oxide-free, uncoated silver. It oxidizes quite quickly and changes color to a darker one, therefore, it needs regular cleaning.
Silver with a pure silver surface coating without added impurities. This type of coating prevents excessively rapid darkening, but also requires cleaning, although not as often as the usual option.
Silver plated with rhodium (platinum group metal). It is called rhodium-plated silver - with this coating, the jewelry acquires a more pronounced metallic luster and becomes not susceptible to oxidation.
Silver treated with sulfur is called oxidized or “blackened.” The material, “aged” in a special way, gives jewelry a noble appearance.
Silver processed like gun metal. At the same time, the appearance of the product begins to resemble weapons-grade steel. It is used in massive, heavy, mainly men's jewelry.
Silver with gilding. It is characterized by the fragility of the coating and requires special storage conditions and infrequent wear.
Partial gilding of silver items “with diamond edges”. It differs from the previous version in the absence of coating in places of contact with the body and on the locking part. A more durable variety.
Silver with soldered gold plates and inserts. This version of mixed materials in the product is the most durable and is not subject to abrasion.

If you want to make a spectacular gift, turn your attention to platinum products. Read The best platinum jewelry - TOP 5 world brands →

What details to focus on when purchasing

What you need to check when choosing jewelry:

First of all, the product must have a sample. The numbers embossed in the metal indicate the amount of silver in the alloy from which the jewelry is made. Products with 925 purity, which contain 92.5% pure silver, are considered the highest quality, reliable and durable. This percentage is called the sterling standard.
In addition to the sample, the authenticity of the jewelry is confirmed by a stamp. In Russia it looks like an image of a woman wearing a kokoshnik.
Availability of a certificate and other documentation. When purchasing jewelry in specialized stores, all documents are given to you in person. You should not take risks purchasing silver from dubious places or from hand to hand.
The price of jewelry cannot be too low. You can focus on the price of silver according to the Central Bank. The finished product, for which the cost of manufacturing is added to the cost of the material, cannot be cheaper than this level.

Choosing silverware

Let's talk about how to choose the right silver cutlery. The most important thing is that the product has a sample, which is an indicator of its quality. The highest value is 925, but lower standards of at least 800 can also be considered acceptable for tableware. Just keep in mind that the more copper there is in the alloy, the faster the cutlery will oxidize and the more often you will have to clean it. 750 silverware, for example, can quickly become blackened and chipped.

In addition, the packaging of the products must have a tag indicating the manufacturer, and it is very good if it is a Russian or European manufacturer. Turkish and Chinese silverware is considered to be of lower quality.

Please note that there are two types of silverware - souvenir and tableware, and it is not always possible to distinguish them externally. Souvenir cutlery should not be used for food, as they may contain harmful metals. Be sure to ask for the product certificate, which contains the necessary information about the composition and manufacturer. The right choice is a guarantee that silverware will never lose its charm.

How to determine the authenticity of silver

There are several ways to find out if you're really digging the silver jewelry. At the same time, you do not need a chemical laboratory - it is easy and simple to carry out the test right in the store:

Silver has a high level of thermal conductivity. If you rub it in your hands or bring it to something hot, it will quickly heat up.
Touching the surface with any sharp object should not leave any visible marks.
With intense friction, a large amount of excess impurities will leave marks on the skin.

Checking using additional tools:

Alcohol solution of iodine. The drop will not affect the silver item in any way; other jewelry may change color - this depends on the presence of zinc in the impurities
Sulfuric ointment. Silver darkens when exposed to sulfur - this is how it is oxidized.
Lapis (silver nitrate) in pencil. A low-quality product will darken under its influence.
Chalk (calcium carbonate). If you run regular school chalk across the surface, a black line will appear on the fake decoration.

Rating

The rating includes the TOP 5 manufacturers of silver jewelry. Brand recognition, cost and quality of products, as well as customer reviews are taken into account.

5 – Amorem

A Russian company that quickly gained popularity, created in 2012. Their most recognizable product was initially rope bracelets with silver inserts. However, now the brand is promoted and has a large assortment for all groups of the population.

Products are tested, 925 silver is used
The basis of the concept is jewelry with meaning

pros	Minuses
A wide range of Good quality and high level of performance of silver jewelry parts	Overpriced The fragility of the threads used in production

4 - Jewelry Palace

This brand is registered in Beijing, China. The store specializes in online sales around the world through AliExpress. The assortment includes a huge selection of all kinds of silver jewelry and sets.

Made using 925 sterling silver, there is an imprint
The scale of production in China is extremely large, you can always find the jewelry you like

pros	Minuses
A large assortment Affordable prices Convenient online ordering and delivery	Some products are made of soft alloy, easy to bend Due to the impossibility of checking the product before purchase, there may be defects in fasteners

3 – Sokolov

The history of this Russian brand goes back more than 25 years. In 1993, the creators registered the Diamant brand, which in 2014 transformed into Sokolov.

Products are made exclusively from 925 standard bank metal
The jewelry has manufacturer's code and hallmark stamps.
Modern European technologies are used in the creation

pros	Minuses
Wide range and models for every taste Affordable prices Good response and fast delivery	There are quality problems Excessive rhodium plating of silver Rapid abrasion of gold plating in jewelry where it is present

2 - PANDORA

This company was founded in Denmark in 1982. This brand became world famous for its bracelet model with removable elements (charms), allowing the buyer to create his own unique piece of jewelry. A representative office in Russia was opened nine years ago.

The company's production is located in Thailand
There are currently more than 800 charms in the collection

pros	Minuses
Handmade jewelry High quality products Possibility of changing the design by the client himself Simplicity and availability of ordering	Overpriced A large number of fakes on the market, you should only shop in certified stores

1 - Tiffany&Co

The history of the Tiffany jewelry company goes back more than 180 years; it was created in the USA in 1837. Over the many decades of its existence, the company has had both ups and downs, but today this brand is considered almost the most recognizable in the world.

The first company in history to use 925 sterling silver as the basis for jewelry
Several jewelry collections are released annually, all of them are unique.
The company was one of the first to acquire its own style - the brand’s famous turquoise-blue hue is registered as a trademark

Silver samples: which is the best?

Only jewelers know that pure silver is a precious metal that is not only beautiful, but also impractical. The highest standard of silver means not only quality, but softness, difficulty of processing and rapid loss of gloss. If you intensively use openwork jewelry made of pure silver, and even more so if you clean it with abrasive materials, then it will become smooth and lose its relief. This threatens the decoration with loss of expressiveness and artistic value. What are the hallmarks of silver, and what does this mean in terms of the use of the metal in jewelry and other activities?

As a result, master jewelers from all over the world began to use in their work not pure silver, but alloys with alloyed metal. But each master has his own percentage of ligature additions. Some consider it acceptable to add no more than 5%, while others “dilute” the source material by half with additives. Each alloy has its own characteristics, and the choice of jewelers depends on the purpose of the product.

How is silver sample determined?

On silver jewelry, the hallmark is placed in the form of a mark. If you didn’t find it there, it could have been erased or it might never have been there at all. The easiest way to determine whether an item is silver or not is to go to a jewelry store or pawnshop. There they will appreciate the quality of silver products. If you want to find out the authenticity of a product at home, you can do this without any additional complex equipment. It is not possible to find out the silver sample number this way.

Silver jewelry

This metal has high thermal conductivity. If you dip a product into boiling water and immediately pull it out, it will be very hot - the same temperature as water. A high-quality product should not oxidize over time, darken or leave a residue; all of the above means that the product contains a lot of foreign impurities. You can also check the product with a magnet; high-grade silver is not attracted.

Types of sample

What are the hallmarks of this precious metal? On the finished silver product there is a numerical value indicating the ratio of metal and alloy. Jewelry, dishes and decorative items are made from samples of the following basic values:

720— a metal that is susceptible to oxidation and changes over time. Mainly used for making small parts of clothing: buttons, clasps and zippers.
800 and 825 are metals suitable for the production of tableware and interior elements. A high percentage of silver content (80 - 83%) is suitable for the active use of objects made from such metal in everyday life. Periodically, an oxidizing film forms on products, which must be removed.
875 and 916 are high-quality metals that are actively used for the production of gift sets, wine glasses, glasses, ashtrays and glasses. To add sophistication to silver items of this standard, jewelers often complement their finishing with gilding.
925— a classic and proven combination of ligature additives and pure metal. Is this a good test or not? Products of this sample retain their beautiful appearance and are resistant to air and water.
960— in appearance and physical properties it is equivalent to pure silver. However, such metal is short-lived, so it is almost never used for making dishes or jewelry.
999— pure silver, highest standard. Most often stored in bullion, it is sometimes used to produce fine jewelry or decorative items.

Often silver (for example, 825) is added to 525 gold to increase the durability of the product and reduce its price.

How to measure a sample?

There are two systems used to measure precious metal samples: metric and carat . In Russia, metric measurement of the quality of metals has been adopted since 1927. However, when buying jewelry abroad, you need to first familiarize yourself with the ratio of measurement scales for one and another method:

20 carats = 830 standard;
21 carats = 875th standard;
22 carats = 925th standard;
23 carats = 960th standard;
24 carats = 999th purity.

Sample measurement systems

There is not only a metric system for precious metals, but also a carat system. For the Russian Federation, since 1927, it has been customary to use metric measurement of the quality of precious metal. However, if the purchase of jewelry is made abroad, it is necessary to understand the relationship between these two scales of measurement:

875 standard – 21 carats;
925 – 23 carats;
960 – 24 carats.

Best samples

The best silver samples are least susceptible to external influences and retain their specific shade longer. Products made from alloys containing 96-99% silver are too ductile and therefore cannot be used for everyday use.

When choosing your jewelry or dishes, you should pay attention to 875 and 925 samples . By making objects from this material, jewelers can realize the most unusual ideas. Products with a higher copper content are considered more durable, but are not as popular due to their yellowish tint.

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999 fineness is the best for investment, so it is most often stored in bullion. Also, in addition to pure silver, an alloy with cadmium is valued, which allows the metal to maintain its white tint and resistance to mechanical stress.

Which sample is better?

The best samples are characterized by resistance to external influences and retain their unique shade. But jewelry and utensils made of silver, the share of which is 96 - 99%, have too high ductility and are unsuitable for daily use.

So what is better - which sample? It depends on the purpose of the product. When choosing interior items, dishes or jewelry, you need to pay attention to products of 875 and 925 samples. It is this metal that gives jewelers the opportunity to realize the most unusual ideas. However, if the alloy contains more copper, then its popularity decreases due to the yellowish tint of the products, but the strength will be increased.

The alloy of silver with cadmium is also highly valued, because such a metal acquires a noble white tint and increased mechanical resistance.

Metal that has won recognition all over the world

The beauty of noble silver has been known since time immemorial. Exactly when it was discovered remains a mystery to us. But, judging by written sources, silver jewelry was made by the ancient Egyptians. At that time, such jewelry was much rarer than gold, and therefore was very valuable.

If we look at the etymology of the word “silver”, we will notice that it comes from the Sanskrit word “argenta”, which means “light”. Indeed, the metal is naturally silvery-white in color.

Silver is quite rare in the depths of the earth. It is for this reason that it can safely be classified as a precious material.

By its nature it is a very soft metal with characteristic ductility. This property allows the material to be processed with particular ease.

Stretch, stretch, roll into thin plates - anything can be done with such metal. However, jewelers in most cases do not prefer to use pure silver to create jewelry. Why? The fact is that high-grade silver jewelry is easily deformed.

Pure silver is an excellent raw material for creating items such as collectible silver coins and bank silver bars. But in creating jewelry, craftsmen most often use alloys of silver with other non-ferrous and precious metals.

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Silver is often found in combination with copper. Such material will fill silver with new and amazing properties. Jewelry items made from silver-copper alloy are very durable and hold their shape well. And they are not afraid of oxidation and corrosion.

Silver is a universal material that suits everyone. It looks equally good on both women and men. Typically, jewelry craftsmen use a high-grade alloy in their work.

This metal looks great in combination with other materials. These are gold, pearls, ivory, corals, and colored precious stones.

As for low-grade alloys, they make good table products, such as knives, forks, spoons, etc. Designers also often use such silver to make various home decor. These can be candlesticks, decorative vases, figurines and other table decorations.

Varieties of silver

What to give preference to : light or dark metal?

Buyers are accustomed to seeing white silver on store shelves and do not think that there are several varieties of the precious metal. Silver differs in color and composition:

Blackened - the production of such metal is preceded by a complex technological process. Blackened objects are popular among connoisseurs of exclusivity and lovers of amulets (such metal is believed to have mystical properties).
Sterling is 925 silver with a beautiful shine and exquisite white color. This type of metal received its name thanks to the English coins that were minted from it.
Matte - the popularity of silver jewelry is growing, but buyers want something new and unusual. That's why jewelers invented matte silver - by treating the surface of the product with special corrosive substances or a sandblasting machine. Jewelry is first made and then processed at the final stage, giving the pieces a unique look.
Filigree - filigree manufacturing technology involves soldering many thin silver wires together. The high cost of filigree products is due to the high demands on the skill of the jeweler and the complexity of their manufacture.

Technical metal and imitation

Technical silver is distinguished by its lack of fineness and precious metal content of less than 80%. This metal has its advantages - it is durable and lightweight, has good electrical conductivity and conducts light well. Therefore, technical silver has found its application in electronics and apparatus parts , as well as in industrial production.

have long been known , which formed the basis for the manufacture of silver ionizers for water and the popularity of silver tableware and jewelry. Due to the high cost of the metal, there is always a risk of it being counterfeited by fraudsters. Imitation of silver also occurs in the decoration of monuments and the manufacture of decorative items. Precious metal substitutes are also used in production equipment. Usually, instead of silver, they use:

Nickel silver - this metal for the production of cutlery is necessarily coated with a small layer of pure silver. But when this layer wears off, a metallic taste will be felt when using nickel silver cookware.
Cupronickel , an alloy that has received this name, combines 84 sterling silver, copper, manganese and nickel. Dishes are made from it, but they cannot be called useful .

The minimum value of jewelry standard accepted in Russia is 800. Everything else must be designated as costume jewelry.

Rules for choosing silver products

Please note that when buying dishes or jewelry at local markets in foreign countries, you can get cupronickel or technical silver instead of the promised silver. It is almost impossible to distinguish them externally, but even short-term use will reveal all the shortcomings of counterfeit silver.

It is safest to buy jewelry and tableware in trusted jewelry stores or directly from the manufacturer through an online store .

Not sure which sample to choose? Choose based on the purpose of the product. For example, household silver with 87.5% pure metal in its composition is suitable for tableware, and for jewelry it is better to pay attention to silver with 925 purity.

What types of silver are there?

Silver is a noble metal characterized by high ductility. Products made from it do not rust or oxidize. Due to the fact that silver is very soft, other metals are added to it to make jewelry and tableware, this prevents the products from deforming. To regulate the amount of impurities, and also to ensure that the buyer is confident in the quality of the purchase, the concept of “sample” arose.

Ring, hallmark on 925 silver

Buyers are often interested in the question of what grade silver is. Russian silver products meet international standards when assayed. Copper is most often added to jewelry - the metals interact well with each other. If jewelers add cadmium to a piece of jewelry, its price increases noticeably.

Nickel, aluminum, and zinc can be mixed with silver, but copper in the alloy is a generally accepted classic.

925 silver tableware

There are many standards of silver, in poor countries it is acceptable to use 600, but 800 is considered minimally acceptable. The more alloys added to a product, the stronger the tint it will have. How can you tell whether someone is offering you good or bad silver? For example, in jewelry of the 600th standard, a red tint is clearly visible - due to the critical copper content. Such products oxidize quickly (silver is not subject to oxidation, but copper is not).

Jewelers in Russia use 720-grade silver to make various decorative trinkets: cufflinks, locks, springs, needles and fasteners. Utensils are made from 800-grade silver: spoons, forks, pepper shakers and salt shakers, shot glasses, glasses and mugs, oil dishes and other kitchen utensils. You need to take good care of these cutlery by cleaning them regularly. 875 silver is still of low quality, but not only tableware, but also interior decorations are already made from it.

High-quality products contain 916 grams of silver per 1 kg of alloy. Often, various sets are made from such an alloy, which are decorated with gilding or covered with enamel.

Silver rings, earrings, pendants or chains are made from 960-carat alloy, which practically does not differ in its properties from pure precious metal. They look sophisticated and elegant, but require careful handling and careful maintenance. Products with a high admixture of silver are very soft and ductile.

Silver 999 standard
In Japan and other countries of the Far East, you can find products made of silver of the highest standard - 1000. Residents believe in the mystical power of the metal; they believe that it is connected with the Moon and endowed with magical properties. During manufacturing, it is not mixed with ordinary “base” metals.

Separately, it should be said about the royal silver of the 84th standard. Now you can hardly find it anywhere except in family sets, museums and antique stores, and also, not surprisingly, at flea markets. It was made in Russia even before the revolution. In those days there was a different measurement system - the sample was measured in spools.

Silver samples

Is it possible to determine the quality of silver yourself?

How to choose and buy the highest quality silver so as not to be deceived?

You can definitely find out the quality of the product by contacting a jeweler who will carry out an assessment. If the product is of poor quality, you can return it to the store within 14 days after purchase. You can also use express tests that are quite suitable for doing at home:

Testing with a magnet - a high-quality silver product will not be attracted to a magnet, however, some alloy metals do not react to magnetic influence.
Silver heats up well in the hand and cools quickly in a cold environment, for example, in the cold.
Pure metal will darken from sulfur ointment or iodine. To test the quality of the alloy, it is enough to leave a tiny spot on the product and check whether a trace remains. But if the silver is real, then it will not be easy to wipe it off.
You can check the authenticity of jewelry or tableware using chalk - real silver will darken upon contact with the rock.

How to choose a silver product

When buying jewelry or dishes abroad in local markets, there is a high probability that instead of precious metal, technical silver or cupronickel will be sold. In appearance, an ordinary person will not see the difference, but after a short period of use, such metal begins to darken or turn yellow, and it will not be possible to clean it and restore its shine.

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When choosing a precious item, you should contact jewelry stores or order the desired item online from suppliers with a good reputation. You should not rely on your own experience, because modern scammers can fake samples, as well as the logo and design of famous world brands.

The best standard for valuable and high-quality jewelry is considered to be 875 and 925 . This alloy has a noble white hue and strength. This sample is sold in specialized stores; they have quality certificates.

If you don't know which silver is best, consider the type of product you need. For cutlery, household silver containing 87.5% noble metal is recommended. For jewelry, it is advisable to pay attention to 925 alloy.

Blackened silver is used in antique jewelry

How to independently determine the quality of silver

You can determine the quality of silver not only by contacting a jeweler who will evaluate the cost of your product. After purchase, a guarantee is generally given for up to 14 days; during this period, you can check the authenticity of the silver and return the purchase to the store. There are several rapid tests that you can use at home:

Check with a magnet. A high-quality alloy will not be attracted to it. However, remember that not every alloy metal responds to the force of a magnet.
White metal takes on the temperature of the air and objects it touches. Therefore, it heats up well in the hand and cools down quickly in cold water or frost.
Silver darkens from iodine or sulfur ointment . Therefore, you can put a small spot and see if the mark remains. However, remember that removing iodine is not easy.
You can check the authenticity of a piece of jewelry without damaging it using chalk. Once the precious metal comes into contact with the rock, it will darken.

To check metal for softness and internal contents, it is not recommended to cut, bend, or melt it. You will simply ruin the product, even if it was not fake, no one will return the cost of the damaged jewelry.