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How can you tell good silver jewelry vs nickel plated jewelry?
I am going to Mexico and i read they have good prices on silver jewelry, but you have to be careful because they also have nickel plated jewelry that they try to pass off as silver.
How can i tell the difference between the two while i am shopping?
The problem seems to be that if you are not an expert, you DO run a risk. The #1 solution, of course, would be to shop at reputable stores only, with a guarantee of value of the product. Beyond that, the one TRUE test of silver is an acid test, and I doubt that anybody is going to let you drip acid on their product! Here is a 2nd test, if you think you can do it -- it is talking about silver BARS, but you should get a similar "PING" from other silver as well. Smaller objects will be a problem, of course:
"Second test is the ping test. Ping test basically is just using an object and hitting against the silver coin or bar and you have to listen to the unique sound that it makes. Typically silver will have a longer ring than fake ones. The sound that it makes may vary, since the shape of the bars can be different and also if it is the same bar and came from a different mold it could also sound different. With coins I would suggest putting the silver coin on the tip of your index finger and take another coin and strike the edge of the coin and you should hear a brilliant ring to it. If the coin is fake the ring usually more low pitched and ring does last as long. When it comes to silver bars larger than 100 oz you need to put the silver bar inside a plastic bag and take a small hammer and gently bang on the bar to listen for similar ring. Again the ring should be bright and sort of dragged on."
Another test I've seen is simply LUSTER. The visual difference between silver (soft rich luster) and nickle plate (shinier) is visible to the eye, as is the weight, especially on larger pieces. But again, unless you're an expert, you can't be certain without the acid test.
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