How to Identify Real 925 Silver in Nepal: 4 Simple Tests You Can Do at Home
Introduction
In Nepal, buying jewelry is an emotional and financial decision. We are taught from a young age to check the purity of our Suna (Gold), but when it comes to Chandi (Silver), many of us aren't sure what to look for. With the rise of "German Silver" and "White Metal" in local markets, it’s easy to get confused.
At HIMANA, we want you to be a smart shopper. You don’t need to be a jeweler to know if your silver is real. Here are four simple tests you can perform right at your desk or home in Nepal.
1. The Hallmark Check (The Fingerprint of Purity)
The first thing you should do when you receive an online jewelry package is look for the "925" stamp.
>> What it means: 925 signifies that the piece is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper (the international standard for Sterling Silver).
>> Where to look: On a ring, it’s usually on the inside band. On a necklace, check the small tag near the clasp. On an earring, it's often on the post.
HIMANA Note: Every piece we ship is hallmarked. If a piece is too small to stamp, it will always come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
2. The Magnet Test (Silver is Not Magnetic)
This is the easiest test. Grab a strong magnet (even one from your fridge).
>> The Test: Bring the magnet close to your jewelry.
>> The Result: Genuine silver is non-magnetic. If your jewelry "jumps" or sticks to the magnet, it is likely made of iron, nickel, or steel common materials used in "fake" silver.
Note: Sometimes the clasp on a necklace has a tiny steel spring inside which might stick slightly, but the rest of the chain should not.
3. The Ice Cube Test (The Thermal Trick)
Silver has the highest thermal conductivity of any metal—it moves heat faster than anything else.
>> The Test: Place an ice cube directly on your silver jewelry and another on a plastic or wooden surface.
>> The Result: On real silver, the ice will begin to melt immediately, almost as if you placed it on a hot stove. If it melts slowly like the other ice cube, you’re likely holding a base metal.
4. The "Ping" Sound Test
Precious metals have a specific "voice."
>> The Test: Gently tap your jewelry with a coin or another piece of metal (do this carefully!).
>> The Result: Real 925 Sterling Silver will produce a high-pitched, bell-like ringing sound that lasts for 1–2 seconds. Fake metals or silver-plated items will produce a dull "thud."
Why Should You Care?
Buying "fake" or "imitation" silver isn't just a waste of money, it's a health risk. Cheap metals like Nickel and Lead can cause "pakaune" (infections) and skin rashes. Real 925 Silver is hypoallergenic and safe for even the most sensitive Nepali skin.
The HIMANA Guarantee
We know that buying online requires trust. That’s why we provide:
-
Hallmarked 925 Pieces
-
Detailed Purity Invoices
-
A Transparent Return Policy
[Shop our 100% Authentic Sterling Silver Collection – Delivered Safely to Your Doorstep.] Click Here