How to Tell If a Sterling Silver Bangle Is Real or Plated 

When purchasing jewelry, particularly bangles, one of the main questions that most of the buyers have is, whether the item is genuine sterling silver or it’s merely a silver-plated fake item. In addition to your budget, this is a very crucial distinction for skin sensitivity, durability, and long-term wear. Our speciality at P&K Jewelry is to provide our customers with genuine wholesale sterling silver bangles that will have ageless design, enduring beauty, and real value. However, how can you distinguish between the real and the fake? Let’s discuss it here!

To help you shop with full confidence, particularly when you are purchasing in bulk or for retail, we’ll here break down the most essential methods for distinguishing genuine sterling silver bangles in this blog. These suggestions will definitely assist you in making an informed purchase. This will be regardless of whether you are a jewelry connoisseur, shop owner, or first-time buyer.

What is sterling silver?

It’s very crucial to comprehend what sterling silver is before we actually begin the testing process. 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% additional metals, usually copper, are the substances that make up real sterling silver, which gives it strength and durability. For this reason, “925” is frequently used to identify sterling silver which signifies its purity. Silver-plated jewelry, on the other hand, is made of a thin layer of silver which is applied to a base metal, such as copper, stainless steel, or brass.

P&K Jewelry is pleased to provide wholesale sterling silver bangles that are authentically marked and at the same time satisfy global quality standards.

Know the Difference between Jewelry Made of Stainless Steel and Sterling Silver

Additionally, there are a lot of consumers that mistakes sterling silver jewelry for stainless steel. Despite its durability and sleekness, stainless steel differs from sterling silver in both forms composition and value.

  • Sterling silver has a higher market value and is considered as very precious metal.
  • Stainless steel is very less shiny than silver and is more industrial.
  • It is possible to restore, repair, and resize any of your sterling silver jewelry.
  • It is challenging to modify stainless steel, and some of the wearers may experience allergic reactions also.

Because P&K Jewelry sells both wholesale stainless-steel jewelry and wholesale sterling silver, so this will allow all the retailers to accommodate a variety of tastes while making a clear distinction between the two in terms of labelling, pricing, and packaging.

Why Is the Difference Important?

When compared to silver-plated objects, real sterling silver is much more expensive, hypoallergenic, and is very durable. Over a period of time, silver plating may chip or corrode, which will lead to exposing the less expensive base metal underneath. Real sterling silver is the best option for all the retailers and consumers who value quality over quantity in order to prevent dissatisfied customers or products that don’t last.

How to Tell If a Sterling Silver Bangle Is Real

1. Look for hallmarks to determine whether a sterling silver bracelet is authentic:

A hallmark will always be present on genuine sterling silver; so you must look for the words “STERLING,” “925,” “.925,” or “92.5%.” This mark is typically located on a little tag or on the inside of the bangle.

It may still be genuine even if you don’t see a trademark, but more and more research is necessary. All of P&K Jewelry’s wholesale collections of sterling silver bangles are hallmarked. This gives both buyers and sellers a piece of mind.

2. The Magnet Test

Holding a magnet next to the bangle is one of the most easiest way of testing the genuine silver as it is not magnetic. It’s probably made of another substance, like nickel or stainless steel, if it pulls or sticks.

Although wholesale stainless steel jewelry is well-liked for its cost-effectiveness and contemporary design, so it should never be mistaken for sterling silver. You can easily tell the difference between the two metals by just using the magnet test.

3. Plating Wear vs. Tarnish

Real sterling silver can be polished off the blackish patina that develops from oxidation over some period of time. However, plated jewelry frequently peels or chips which results in exposing the base metal underneath. Your bangle is probably silver-plated if it has patches or flakes of colour that change over time.

Whereas plated products deteriorate irreparably, P&K Jewelry’s sterling silver bangles age gracefully and can be brought back to their former gleam with just the right maintenance.

4. The Nitric Acid Test

A nitric acid test is highly dependable for all those people who wish to be absolutely certain. Nitric acid reacts with real sterling silver to produce a creamy white colour. In contrast, a plated bracelet will turn green or bubble which eventually signifies a base metal underneath.

We advise having a jeweler or professional to do this examination. Nevertheless, since our wholesale sterling silver bangles are authenticated, so our clients do not require it.

5. Expert Evaluation

Take your jewelry item to a qualified jeweler if you’re unsure. With the right equipment and knowledge, they can quickly distinguish genuine sterling silver from plated imitations. You may completely escape all your headache when you purchase from P&K Jewelry since we provide quality guarantee, transparency, and we are a reputable brand in the wholesale sterling silver jewelry industry.

Tips on Purchasing Genuine Sterling Silver Bangles

Here are some of the best tips to make sure that the product you are receiving is the real stuff, whether you’re buying it for yourself or just stocking up for retail:

  • Purchase from only trustworthy wholesalers which can provide you the hallmark certification and open practices, such as P&K Jewelry.
  • Try to request product details that include the phrase “925 sterling silver.”
  • Examine costs; if something looks too inexpensive to you while buying the genuine silver, it most likely isn’t.
  • Make sure to steer clear of general terms like “silver tone” or “silver finish.”

Conclusion

Making the informed decisions requires being able to tell the difference between plated and genuine sterling silver bangles. You can make sure while buying that each piece is worth it by looking for hallmarks, running quick tests, and purchasing from only reliable vendors like P&K Jewelry. Whether the durability of stainless steel or the elegance of sterling silver appeals to you, P&K Jewelry offers the best choice, quality, and service that you can rely on.

Shop with assurance. Select genuineness. Select P&K Jewelry.

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