The difference between silver plating and pure silver

Generally, girls wear some jewelry, so there are many raw materials for jewelry, such as gold, such as silver, and now there is silver plating. Do you know the difference between silver plating and sterling silver? Follow me and let's get to know each other.

The difference between silver plating and pure silver

Silver plating means that only a layer of silver is plated on the surface, and other non-silver components are inside. Pure silver refers to the use of silver materials from the outer layer to the inside. On the surface, silver plating and pure silver are the same, but the weight and value are different. Pure silver refers to metallic silver with a silver content close to 100%. Silver is very active and can react with sulfur in the air, resulting in black surface. Silver jewelry in the market generally uses silver with a silver content of 92.5%, which is an internationally recognized standard of pure silver, namely 925 silver, marked as Ag925 and S925. The silver-plated surface is also silvery white, because silver plating is electroplating silver, and it will also oxidize and turn black when it comes into contact with air. With the use of silver-plated products, the electroplated layer will be damaged by oxidation and wear, resulting in discoloration of silver plating.

The difference between silver plating and pure silver

1, depending on the hardness. Silver plating is softer than pure silver, and the hardness of silver is lower than copper, but higher than lead and tin. It can be checked by marking the jewelry in an inconspicuous place with a pin. If the needle slips, it is difficult to leave traces on the surface, which can be judged as copper jewelry; If it is made of lead and tin, the trace is obvious; If the object has traces but is not obvious, it can be preliminarily judged as sterling silver jewelry.

Step 2 weigh. Silver jewelry is generally heavier than silver jewelry. Too light is generally not considered. Unless the volume is too small.

3. use fire. Clamp the ornament with pliers and burn it for 5- 10 seconds with a lighter whose flame color is not green, not for long. If the flame of the lighter turns green, congratulations, you have found a silver-plated ornament that can fish in troubled waters; If the lighter is still the original color, then the jewelry is pure silver. If it's pure silver. Then the surface of the jewelry will be black, and if it is silvered, it will reveal its original color.

How to distinguish pure silver from silver plating

In terms of weight, pure silver and silver plating are different. Silver plating generally uses copper and lead instead of silver. In terms of hardness, the hardness of pure silver is relatively low. If it is difficult to deform, use a pin to avoid piercing the jewelry. If the needle slips and it is difficult to leave traces on the surface, it can be judged as copper jewelry. If the surface is obvious, it may be lead or tin. If it is pure silver, there are traces on the surface, but it will not be too obvious.

How to maintain the silver ornaments?

1, the best way to maintain silver jewelry is to wear it every day, because human oil can produce a natural and moist luster.

2. Don't wear other precious metal jewelry when wearing silver jewelry to avoid collision, deformation or wear.

Keep the silver ornaments dry, don't wear them to swim, and don't go near hot springs and seawater. When not in use, you can gently wipe the surface with cotton cloth or paper towel to remove moisture and dirt, and put it in a sealed bag or box to avoid contact with air.

If the silver ornaments show signs of yellowing, the easiest way is to gently wash the surface with toothpaste and some water. Or use a small jewelry brush to clean up the fine seams of the silver ornaments, and then gently wipe the surface with a silver cloth, and the original aesthetic feeling of the ornaments can be restored immediately. (If the silver cloth can restore about 80% to 90% of silver, don't use silver lotion and silver washing water, because they are corrosive to some extent, and silver ornaments are more likely to turn yellow after using these products. In addition, silver cloth contains silver maintenance ingredients and cannot be washed with water)

5. The silverware is seriously yellowed, so it should not be soaked in silver washing water for too long, usually in a few seconds. Rinse with clear water immediately after taking it out, and then dry it with a paper towel.