How to Verify Indian Silver Purity Marks

As time still continues to roll by, you may get fascinated while wearing silver jewellery. Heads turn, and you receive compliments on those special occasions. But, do you really know how pure the jewellery is? Well, you must know about the purity or else you may end up paying for something else. So, without further ado, let’s check about the authenticity of silver jewellery. The article will also make you aware of how you can gauge Indian silver purity. 

What is the Purity of Indian Silver?

In the contemporary era, you may not come across ornaments artistically designed from 100% pure silver. This is because the metal is quite soft to be molded into any jewellery that may suit your style. Hence, to avoid making the jewellery fragile, artisans use an alloy of Copper and Silver. However, the ornament will still look beautiful and be suitable to complement your style. Now, are you still wondering what an individual means by silver purity? Well, let’s check this through an example. 

Let’s say, that ornament is designed from 92.5% pure silver. This indicates that the metal constitutes 92.5% silver and 7.5% as other metals. On the other hand, if you come across silver jewellery in India, they may vary with regards to their purity levels. However, such ornaments have a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmark. Across the globe, the recognized standard is for 92.5% silver. Conversely, items with a purity lower than sterling silver can be found on the Indian market.

Indian Silver Purity Marks Chart 

Now, are you aware of the fact that silver jewellery and silver coins are available in different purity levels? Well, you may have heard about terms like ‘92.5% Silver’ or ‘925 Silver’ when jewelers gauge Indian silver purity. But, to drive away the confusion from your mind, here’s a table that represents the purity of different silver items. 

What is a Good Grade of Silver?

When you spend time at the jewellery shops, you will observe trinkets made from 92.5% silver. The other metals in the alloy actually make silver hard. By blending other metals, silver also becomes more malleable and durable in nature. Artisans can also mold the metal with ease and present a vast range of intricately designed jewellery. The lustrous appearance also makes it attractive and suitable for jewellery pieces. Owing to its versatility, artisans can also design classic and contemporary pieces.  

If you wish to buy pure silver Indian jewellery online, then think about purchasing from the vast collection by Touch925. While we craft every piece meticulously, these will augment your beauty and complement your ensemble. We have showcased everything exclusively for you to stay ahead in the world of fashion. 

What are BIS Hallmarks?

Whenever you observe silver jewellery, BIS hallmarks assure you about Indian silver purity. These also mean that the jewellery has met certain standards. Now, let’s dive into the details of the hallmark.

BIS Logo

This is nothing but an official mark of the Bureau of Indian Standards. This indicates that the jewellery has been certified. 

Purity Mark

Such a type of mark indicates the percentage of pure silver in ornaments. When you see the number, ‘925’, then it refers to the purity. It’s a percentage, signifying 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of the other metals.

Assayer’s Mark

This is a mark of the organization that has certified the silver jewellery. Besides, you will also observe the jeweler’s or manufacturer’s logo. 

In the case of some ornaments, the date mark may also be present along with silver purity marks in India. This mark indicates the date on which the item has been hallmarked. 

How to Identify Silver Purity Marks in India?

There are many ways to gauge Indian silver purity. So, let’s check some ways in detail.

>> Always sniff the silver ornament. If the body odor makes you uneasy, then the ornament is certainly not designed from silver. But, this test may not ascertain your purity. In case perfume is spread across a silver plate, then you will actually feel the fragrance. You will not be able to figure out whether the ornament is made from silver.

>> While you notice silver jewellery, check whether it makes any noise. If the ping lasts for a couple of seconds, then it indicates that the ornament is developed from silver. But, if the ping sound is not clear, then it means that the metal isn’t silver.

>> Think about holding a magnet near the ornament. Just in case the ornament starts drawing closer to the magnet, then you are sure that the metal is not silver. So, before anybody dupes at the nearby fashion street, carry a magnet inside your pocket.

>> Check the pace at which an ice cube melts on silver jewellery. Most of the time, the ice cube will melt at a faster rate. But, before you carry out this test, ensure that the silver jewellery is kept at room temperature.

>> Conduct an acid test to determine Indian silver purity. Once you pour a little bit of acid on the ornament, you will observe stains. But, if the silver is pure, then it can leave behind a red or dark brown spot. You may also observe a white spot with the presence of the acid.

Eventually, if the metal gets tarnished quickly, then here’s what you can do. You can simply wipe a polished cloth gently and check whether black smudges appear. If the piece of cloth becomes black, then the artisan has made the ornament from silver. Besides, you should also check for hallmarks. Once you come across a BIS hallmark embossed on the silver jewellery, then bring it closer to your eyes. If all the elements are in place, then you could purchase the ornament. But, if there’s a non-BIS hallmark, then make sure that it’s legitimate. 

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