Silver or sterling silver?

Question

Hi, is there an easy way to know if something is real solid 92.5 silver, and not sterling silver?

Thanks, Steve, but I still would like to know how I can tell if it's 92.5 % silver (forget the "solid"). I'm afraid I can't wear it to see if my skin turns green because it's a punch ladle I got for my wedding.

Answer 1

Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. "Real solid silver would be 100% silver, but a little to soft to use as flatware. %Take the piece to a jewelry store and ask them to put it under an x-ray fluorescence machine. The machine will tell the percent lof metal that is not silver in the piece.

Answer 2

The only way I can tell if something is not sterling is if it turns my skin green when I wear it.