Secondhand School – How to Tell if It’s Real Silver or Brass? A Thrifter’s Guide

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Last week, we discussed the best way to clean and polish silver, but do you know how to tell if it’s even real silver in the first place? Whether you’re hunting for treasures at thrift stores or browsing secondhand shops, identifying genuine silver or brass can be a thrilling discovery. There are several easy ways to determine if you’ve found a true gem, and we’re diving into the best techniques to help you spot valuable metals while shopping!

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The Magnet Test: A Quick and Easy Method

One of the simplest and quickest ways to test if an item is real silver or brass is by using a magnet. Here’s why:
Real silver and brass are not magnetic, so if your magnet sticks to the metal, it’s likely not real silver or brass. If the magnet doesn’t stick, you’ve got yourself a genuine treasure! This test is a must for any thrifting trip.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with thrifting pieces that aren’t true silver or brass, and in fact, I have an entire post sharing the east way you can make almost anything look like antiqued brass! See it HERE!

Pro Tip: Always carry a small magnet with you while thrifting to test your finds on the spot. It’s an easy way to rule out fake metals!

Look for Markings: Clues to Authenticity

Authentic silver or brass items often have clear markings or stamps on them (use my tutorial for cleaning silver!). These marks are key indicators that the piece is genuine. Though the markings can sometimes be hard to read (a good cleaning may be required), once you clean the item, you can easily look up the stamp and find out whether the metal is real.

Some common silver markings include:

  • “Sterling”
  • “925”
  • “Coin Silver”

The presence of markings, especially when combined with a proper cleaning, is a great indication that the item is worth your time and money.

The Ring Test: Listen for the Sound

Similar to the crystal test, sterling silver has a distinctive ringing sound when it is tapped. To do the ring test:

  1. Gently tap your silver item with another piece of metal.
  2. Listen closely: Sterling silver will make a clear, bell-like ring.
  3. Fake silver or silver-plated items will sound dull in comparison.

This simple sound test can be a great way to quickly gauge the authenticity of a piece.

Styling Your Silver and Brass Finds

So you’ve found some silver or brass treasures – now what? Here’s how to style them in your home:
Mixing metals like silver and brass can add depth and dimension to your décor. Don’t shy away from pairing different metals together. In fact, a mix of silver and brass creates a curated, cohesive look rather than a clashing one.

Pro Styling Tip:

Pairing a feminine vintage silver candelabra with masculine leather-bound books or a modern framed photo can create a balanced and stylish contrast in your home.

No matter how you incorporate silver or brass into your décor, it adds a layer of richness and character to any space.

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xoxo, L