QuestionHi Thomas..I recently purchased some lobster clasps on ebay, said to be sterling silver. There is a stamp 925 on them, but somehow they look wrong I queried if they were sterling silver, and the seller said I could test if I wanted. What is the best way of testing, and if it is plated should I scratch the surface before testing? I have recently been going to the local lapidary club, and have a jar of "pickle" at home. Should I drop it in that?? Thank you for answering Sue
AnswerHi, Sue. Thanks for this question.
The link below is copy and paste but it will show two different metal testing methods. The most basic is the acid testing kit. I don't suggest purchasing this unless you have a lot to test and regularly since the acids do loose strength over time. Also, the acids are not to be left around the house due to the dangerous corrosive nature of strong acids. I am willing to guess someone in the lapidary club has a metal testing kit or a means of testing the clasps for you.
Contenti Jewlery Supplies
http://www.contenti.com/products/testing.html
If plated, that is often obvious when compared next to what is known as unplated silver polished to the same sheen. An acid test will require first a "scratch test" and this means rubbing the clasp on a slate stone to leave a streak. The unknown metal should be rubbed enough to leave a slight angle on the metal. This shows pretty much that plating is cut through. Rub on an edge of the clasp. Acids are used as instructed with the kits.
Honestly, I doubt a test is needed at all. eBay is pretty particular and does not tolerate fraud. Check the seller ratings. Are these good and ratings high with positive feedback? If so, I would trust the seller. The large power sellers are there to make money and earn a living, not to defraud and loose all they work for in gaining a good position on eBay.
Most silver nowadays unless purchased directly from a jewelers findings house will be plated to prevent tarnish. This may be a rhodium plate or more likely a less costly plate that actually looks more like silver in color but is still a plated surface on the silver. These plated surfaces do take away from the natural silver look. The marking 925 is correct, of course. Plated silver goods has the 925 as does vermeil(gold plated sterling).
This really comes down to having someone test the clasps for you or trusting the seller. Sorry, pickle solution will not do it unless the clasp happens to be steel...and that does not happen.
I do hope this helps. Feel free to use a follow-up if needed. And, do enjoy the lapidary club. I was part of one for years and it was a blast. I learned a lot and eventually became the jeweler I am today many, many years later.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
