Real Silver Chain: From Materials to Checking Its Realness
Have you ever looked at a shiny silver ornament and wondered whether it is a real silver chain, ring, bracelet, or just a plated metal? Many people question the same thing, as sometimes the real and the not-so-real ones are difficult to differentiate. This confusion often leads to uncertainty about the piece. You start to be doubtful when you are about to give the jewellery to someone or wear it for yourself.
Knowing the authenticity of a silver chain can alleviate all those unnecessary feelings. This brief guide will help you learn what the material is and how to verify its authenticity. By the end, you will be able to judge a silver piece with confidence, ensuring no one can fool you.
The materials
A real silver chain is made from sterling silver, which is a combination of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. This calculated composition balances the need for the shine and lustre of silver with the durability of copper. As a result, the chain looks shiny while remaining strong enough for daily wear. Achieving this balance is difficult with pure silver that does not contain any other metals. They would be too soft for jewellery, making it easy to bend and scratch with slight movement.
Besides copper, other metals may also be added to increase strength. Some of them are zinc, nickel, or germanium. Argentium silver is also used as an alternative that presents better protection from tarnish by forming a protective oxide layer. You can also find platinum or boron occasionally in formulas like Sterlium. Each alloy can give slightly different colour tones, though they generally maintain a bright silver appearance.
How expensive is a real silver chain?
As of early 2026, a genuine silver chain made from 925 sterling silver can range from $40 to over $2,000. This wide range of pricesdepends on its thickness, length, and style. Other than that, craftsmanship is also counted to determine the price. More skills are required for intricate designs, leading to higher overall costs.
If you are looking for something more affordable, you can pick a real silver chain with a thinner style. A typical 18–24-inch silver chain with a thickness of 1-2 mm costs between $40 and $100. Meanwhile, chains with up to 9 mm thickness start at $1,000. These prices increase along with the thickness, as more silver is required in the material.
Craftsmanship can influence the price of a chain significantly. One that was handmade or Italian-crafted can increase the price of a piece by 20% to 50%compared to one that is made with a machine. Machine production uses automated chain-making for uniformity, while handmade involves manual twisting, soldering, and finishing by artisans. If you want something unique, buying a chain from artisans is the best option; however, you should be aware of the higher price.
Steps to check the authenticity of a real silver chain
To the untrained eye, a fake silver chain looks like a real one. However, it does not have to be that way. You can learn a simple method that will help you effectively distinguish real silver from fake. It is so easy that you can even do it at home. Perform these in sequence for more reliability:
Hallmark inspection: Examine the clasp or links for crisp stamps like "925", "STERLING", "STER", or "S925" using a loupe. Fakes often have blurry or missing marks.
Magnet test: Hold a strong neodymium magnet to the chain you want to check. The real silver chain will show no attraction. If it sticks to the magnet, then it indicates iron or base metals.
Ice test: Place an ice cube on the chain. Genuine silver melts rapidly due to its high thermal conductivity, faster than other metals.
Tarnish check: Rub on a white cloth; real silver leaves a black tarnish mark from oxidation. If the chain leaves no mark or is oddly coloured, then it suggests plating.
Sound test: Gently tap with a coin. Authentic silver rings or chains will let out a clear, high-pitched bell sound.
Professional verification
Although an at-home test can do the job, professional verification still provides the most reliable confirmation for a real silver chain. An acid test checks how the metal reacts within seconds, revealing whether it is genuine sterling silver or a different alloy. XRF scanning then provides a non-destructive analysis, showing the exact metal composition and silver percentage. Finally, density testing compares the chain's weight and volume to sterling silver's known specific gravity.
Bring home your own homemade silver jewellery.
Recognising a real silver chain becomes much simpler once you know what it is made of and how its price is determined. Understanding the process of achieving authenticity through an at-home test or professional consultation can help you steer clear of misleading claims. With this knowledge, you can make more confident decisions.
Do you want a silver chain that no one else in the world has? Then be the artisan yourself with the Canggu Silver Jewelry Class! In their class, you will be guided by a skilled and gentle silversmith; no experience is needed. You can enjoy this Instagrammable class alone, with your partner, or with your family. Visit our website or hit us on WhatsApp to join the class today!