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 are not, in fact, silver at all. In this guide, we tell you everything you need to keep in mind to avoid being deceived.

The first warning: price

Price is the easiest and most reliable indicator. Silver is a precious metal with a real market price, which you can check on any given day, and from that comes a very simple calculation: piece weight × price of silver per gram = the cost of the metal alone. To that, you must add the manufacturing, design, clasp, hallmark, and the seller's margin.

If you see a solid silver chain weighing 20 or 30 grams advertised for 8 or 12 euros, you don't need to be a jeweler to see that the math doesn't add up. Authentic silver cannot be sold for less than the value of the metal — it is mathematically impossible. Always be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, because they usually are.

Watch out for "silver-colored" — it's not the same as silver

This is one of the most frequent deceptions you will find on marketplaces like Amazon, AliExpress, or Shein, but also in many less-than-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-colored" 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-colored layer that wears off with use. These pieces oxidize, turn permanently black, peel, and can cause allergic reactions. They are not jewelry — they are costume jewelry with the appearance of silver.

How to avoid this? Always look for the description to explicitly state "925 sterling silver," "sterling silver," or include the 925 stamp. If it doesn't say so clearly, it is not authentic silver. In our catalog of sterling silver chains, you will see it indicated on every product page, along with the weight in grams for each piece.

The 925 stamp — your best guarantee

Every piece of authentic silver jewelry sold in Spain and the European Union must have the 925 stamp engraved on the piece. It is legally mandatory and is verified by official precious metal laboratories before the jewelry reaches the market.

Look for it inside the band if it is a ring, on the clasp if it is a bracelet or a chain, or on the back if it is a pair of earrings. If the jewelry does not have that stamp, it is not sterling silver — regardless of what the seller says.

Buy from reliable sources

There is a reason why traditional jewelry stores have existed 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 are buying because there are real people behind the business who stand by what they sell.

Conversely, in many marketplace shops or websites with no known history, there is no one to hold accountable if the jewelry turns out not to be what was promised. Buying from a trusted jewelry store with a certificate of authenticity is the safest way to ensure your jewelry is authentic 925 silver. You can see our entire sterling silver jewelry collection, with a certificate included for every piece.

Does authentic silver turn black? Is it a sign that it's fake?

This is a very common question — and the answer might surprise you. Yes, authentic 925 silver can darken over time, and that does not mean it is fake or low quality. In fact, it is just the opposite.

What occurs is a process called sulfidation — hydrogen sulfide present 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 chlorine in swimming pools, perfumes, creams, or even sweat. It is completely normal behavior for authentic silver.

Costume jewelry and plated items also darken, but in a different way — they peel, turn green, or develop irregular spots that cannot be cleaned off. Authentic 925 silver, on the other hand, regains all its shine with a simple cleaning — a soft cloth, warm water with a little mild soap, or specific products for silver. In a few minutes, it looks like new.

Other warning signs

In addition to the price and the stamp, there are other signs that can indicate a piece of jewelry is not authentic silver:

• It turns the skin green — 925 silver does not stain the skin green. If a piece of jewelry does this, 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 likely hollow or made of another material.
• The seller does not provide clear information about the material — a serious jewelry store always specifies the exact material, the approximate weight, and provides a certificate of authenticity.
• There is no clear return policy — costume jewelry sellers posing as silver sellers usually avoid returns because they know the product does not meet the promises made.

In summary — checklist before you buy

• ✅ The price is consistent with the weight and the material
• ✅ The description explicitly states "925 sterling silver" or "sterling silver"
• ✅ The jewelry 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 Joyeros, we have been selling authentic 925 silver jewelry for over 50 years with a certificate of authenticity, free and insured shipping, and 15 days for exchanges or returns. If you have any questions about any of our pieces, contact us via WhatsApp — we will be happy to help you.

Interested in gold? We also explain what white gold is and how it differs from silver.