Understanding Silver-Looking Jewelry: Is It Real?

Question
Fashion Bug and various retail stores sell silver looking jewelry. If it's not really silver, what is it?  There are no markings and the finish almost looks sprayed on.  Since it was purchased for under twenty dollars with a red coral type stone, it can't be real silver, can it?

Answer
Hi Beverly,

Good question.  Costume jewelry that is not marked as sterling silver, is simply a blend of metal alloy.  It can be various non-precious metals that are used in the alloy, so there is no way to know exactly what it is, but unless it is marked "sterling" or "925" it is not sterling silver.  Some costume pieces may be silver plated but they still will not be stamped as sterling. That could be why it looks coated or sprayed if it is a plated piece.   I do not think that Fashion Bug carries anything in sterling silver.  Hope that helps answer your question.