How to tell silver from surgical steel?
When purchasing jewelry, watches, or other items containing silver or surgical steel, it's essential to be able to differentiate between these materials. Silver and surgical steel are commonly used materials in jewelry and industry. This article provides useful advice and tips on how to recognize silver from surgical steel.
-
Markings and Certification: One of the most reliable ways to identify the material is to look for markings. Silver is typically marked with "925" or "Sterling," indicating that it contains at least 92.5% silver. Surgical steel may be labeled as "316L" or "surgical steel." Certificates of authenticity that some products may have are also a good indicator of quality.
-
Color and Luster: Silver has a distinctive shine and white color. Pure silver is prone to oxidation, which means it may tarnish or turn black. In contrast, surgical steel has a more gray to silver color and usually maintains its luster without significant oxidation.
-
Magnetic Property: Silver is not magnetic, while surgical steel may be. You can use a common magnet and see if the item behaves magnetically. If it's attracted to the magnet, it's likely made of surgical steel.
-
Weight: Silver is usually heavier than surgical steel. If you have two similarly sized pieces and one is significantly heavier, there's a chance it's made of silver.
-
Reaction to Acid: Experts may use acid to test the authenticity of silver. However, this method is not suitable for common household use. In the absence of professional tools, you might prefer alternative methods.
Conclusion: Distinguishing between silver and surgical steel can be crucial when buying jewelry or other valuable items. Using a combination of the above methods will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you get a product that meets your expectations. Always keep in mind that professional assistance or consultation with an expert may be necessary in some cases.
You can view our entire range of men's watches by clicking HERE.