If youre looking to buy or sell sterling silver jewelry, you may come across assay marks. These marks are stamped onto the silver to indicate its purity, and theyre an important part of verifying the authenticity of the item. Heres what you should know about sterling silver assay marks and how to identify them.
Assay marks are stamps that indicate the purity of the silver in a piece of jewelry. Theyre typically found on the back of the item, and theyre usually accompanied by the makers mark. Assay marks are used to verify the authenticity of the silver and to ensure that it meets the standards of the country it was made in.
The marks themselves are usually symbols, and theyre usually accompanied by a number. The number indicates the purity of the silver, and its usually expressed as a decimal. For example, a mark that reads .925 indicates that the silver is 92.5% pure.
Assay marks are usually found on the back of the item, but they can also be found on the inside of a ring or on the clasp of a necklace. Theyre usually stamped into the silver, but they can also be engraved. Its important to note that not all silver items have assay marks, so if youre looking for one, make sure to check the back of the item.
The most common assay marks for sterling silver are .925 and .999. The .925 mark indicates that the silver is 92.5% pure, while the .999 mark indicates that the silver is 99.9% pure. Other marks may indicate the country of origin, such as the Lion Passant mark from the United Kingdom or the Crown mark from France.
Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous sellers who may try to pass off fake silver as genuine. To make sure that youre getting the real deal, its important to look for a few key signs. First, check the mark itself. If its not stamped into the silver, its likely a fake. Additionally, look for signs of wear and tear, as genuine marks will show signs of age. Finally, make sure to check the number associated with the mark. If its not a decimal, its likely a fake.
Assay marks are an important part of verifying the authenticity of sterling silver jewelry. Theyre usually stamped onto the back of the item and indicate the purity of the silver. Common marks include .925 and .999, and theyre usually accompanied by a number. Its important to be aware of fake assay marks, as some unscrupulous sellers may try to pass off fake silver as genuine. By following these tips, you can make sure that youre getting the real deal.