QuestionI know sterling should be marked 925. What about a supposed"Peruvian" piece marked 950. Is that silver, or just a scam marking? Truthfully, the piece was inexpensive and I was buying it anyway, and presumed it was costume jewelry. But my friends saw lots of more expensive pieces and are reluctant to buy them. Thank you.
AnswerDiane, silver from Peru would generally be 925 Sterling for sale in exported items but some years ago, perhaps 30 years ago, 950 Silver was not uncommon. Silver with a 950 mark is not sterling, of course, since a fine silver content of 92.5% is the primary definition of sterling silver. The 950 is slightly higher in pure silver in the metal mix, being 95% fine silver. The 950 silver is not as unusual as one might believe.
Is your item 950 silver or something else? The marking would tend to say it is silver but you would have to have the metal tested to be certain. A basic test will not tell accurately between 925 and 950 silver but will certainly separate silver metal of high pure silver content from base metals. Also, do you know anything of the seller? Is this being sold in Peru? Is this a reputable dealer who has imported the jewelry? If possible, you might want to ask the seller about the 950 mark, asking what it means.
I do hope this helps somewhat.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
