How to tell if silver jewelry is authentic — A guide to avoid being scammed
Buying silver jewelry online can be a great experience — or a major disappointment if you don't know what to look for. The market is full of products advertised as "silver" that aren't actually silver. In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to consider to avoid being scammed.
The first warning: the price
Price is the easiest and most reliable indicator. Silver is a precious metal with a real market cost — at the time of writing, the price of silver is around €800-900 per kilo. This means that a genuine 925 silver chain weighing 20 grams has a material cost of about €16-18 just for the metal, not counting manufacturing, design, or the seller's margin.
If you see a silver chain advertised for €5, €8, or even €12 with a considerable weight, something is off. Genuine silver cannot be sold at those prices — it's mathematically impossible. Always be suspicious of prices that seem too good to be true, because they usually are.
Beware of "silver color" — it's not the same as silver
This is one of the most common deceptions you'll find on marketplaces like Amazon, AliExpress, or Shein, but also on many less transparent online stores. You search for terms like "silver chain," "silver bracelet," or "silver ring" and find hundreds of results — but if you read the description carefully, many say "silver color" or simply use the word silver to refer to the color, not the material.
The actual material is usually zamak, zinc alloy, stainless steel, or brass plated with a very thin silver layer that wears off with use. These pieces oxidize, turn permanently black, flake, and can cause allergic reactions. They are not jewelry — they are costume jewelry with the appearance of silver.
How to avoid it? Always look for the description to explicitly state "925 sterling silver," "sterling silver," or the 925 stamp. If it's not clearly stated, it's not genuine silver.
The 925 stamp — your best guarantee
Every genuine silver jewel marketed in Spain and the European Union must have the 925 stamp engraved on the piece. It is mandatory by law and is verified by official precious metals laboratories before the jewel reaches the market.
Look for it on the inside of the band if it's a ring, on the clasp if it's a bracelet or chain, or on the back if they are earrings. If the jewel does not have that stamp, it is not sterling silver — regardless of what the seller says.
Buy from reliable sources
There's a reason why traditional jewelers have been around for decades — trust. In a physical jewelry store or an online jeweler with a proven track record, like Pepe Lozano Joyeros since 1972, you know exactly what you're buying because there are real people behind it who stand by what they sell.
In contrast, in many marketplace stores or websites without a known history, there's no one to complain to if the jewel turns out not to be what was promised. Buying from a trusted jeweler with a certificate of authenticity is the safest way to ensure your jewelry is genuine 925 silver.
Does genuine silver tarnish? Is it a sign that it's fake?
This is a very common question — and the answer might surprise you. Yes, genuine 925 silver can tarnish over time, and that doesn't mean it's fake or of poor quality. In fact, it's quite the opposite.
What happens is a process called sulfuration — hydrogen sulfide in the air reacts with the silver and forms a dark layer on the surface. It can also happen if the jewelry comes into contact with products like pool chlorine, perfumes, creams, or even sweat. This is completely normal behavior for genuine silver.
Costume jewelry and plating also tarnish, but in a different way — they flake, turn green, or develop irregular spots that cannot be cleaned. Genuine 925 silver, on the other hand, recovers all its shine with a simple cleaning — a soft cloth, warm water with a little neutral soap, or specific silver cleaning products. In a few minutes, it looks like new.
Other red flags
In addition to price and the stamp, there are other signs that can indicate that a piece of jewelry is not genuine silver:
- It turns your skin green — 925 silver does not stain skin green. If a piece of jewelry does, it is brass, copper, or a cheap alloy.
- It is very light for its size — silver has a characteristic weight. A large chain that weighs almost nothing is probably hollow or made of another material.
- The seller does not provide clear information about the material — a reputable jeweler always specifies the exact material, approximate weight, and provides a certificate of authenticity.
- There is no clear return policy — sellers of costume jewelry masquerading as silver often avoid returns because they know the product does not live up to its promises.
In summary — checklist before buying
- ✅ The price is consistent with the weight and material
- ✅ The description explicitly states "925 sterling silver" or "sterling silver"
- ✅ The jewel has the 925 stamp engraved
- ✅ The seller has a track record, real reviews, and a return policy
- ✅ A certificate of authenticity is included
At Pepe Lozano Jewelers, we have been selling genuine 925 silver jewelry for over 50 years with a certificate of authenticity, free and insured shipping, and 15 days for exchange or return. If you have any questions about any of our pieces, contact us via WhatsApp — we will be happy to help you.