825 test: what is this metal?

Labeling jewelry allows each owner to understand what kind of quality thing he possesses. Without even knowing what kind of metal it is, silver or gold, after seeing the 825 test on the mark, you can figure it out. It is worth talking in more detail about what a combination of numbers means, how to recognize a fake.

When choosing a precious metal product, the first thing you should pay attention to is assaying. It’s only much more often that buyers prefer to distinguish silver from gold in completely different parameters, for example, in the color of the product, in this approach there is a big mistake.

The assay mark, or colloquially “test”, on jewelry is a valuable source of information. It determines what percentage of pure metal is contained in the product. The higher this indicator, the less remains on the impurities that affect:

• color characteristics;
• hypoallergenicity;
• wear resistance;
• visual parameters.

In Russia, an official classification of precious metals has been established, among which gold, platinum, silver, palladium can be distinguished. Sample product 825 is most often sold under the guise of silver. Accordingly, it is precisely it that has to be considered as a metal for comparison. IN A number of silver-based jewelry alloys have been officially approved by the state registry.

• 720 sample. It is not considered jewelry, it is used for industrial purposes. Metals of this group are refractory and have a brighter color. The test is extremely rare.

• 800 sample. An alloy with a content of 80% silver is considered base because of a pronounced yellow impurity. Metals of this group lend themselves well to casting, from which dishes and cutlery are made.

• 830 test. In terms of properties and characteristics, such alloys are almost similar to those of the 800th sample. The only difference is the percentage of pure silver in the composition.

• 875 sample. The smallest category for jewelry. It is not valued too highly; products made of such a material are cheaper than alloys of more noble composition.

• 916 test. Today it is not used. Earlier, in pre-revolutionary times, it was included in the assay system.

• 925 test. Alloys of this group have a characteristic silver-white tint, are not afraid of corrosion. The metal is distinguished by high casting characteristics and good fusibility; it is suitable for molding and manufacturing of art products.

• 960 standart. Almost pure silver is the most common in jewelry. Jewelry of various artistic value is made from it, jewelry is created. In the UK, the designation Britannia silver is used with a sample value of 958.4.

As a mark on gold, platinum, palladium, the combination of the numbers 825 is also not found. Respectively, it is impossible to attribute such material to jewelry alloys.

Since most often the products of the “825th test” are sold as silver, it is also worth checking the quality of the products precisely on the content of this precious metal in the composition. There are objective criteria by which a fake can be determined.

1. Hallmark. It should be well readable even without a magnifying glass and other devices. If the mark shows numbers that differ from the options entered in the official register, it is better to refrain from buying the product.
2. Reaction to chalk. Silver in this case will darken. Other metals will remain light.
3. Reaction to contact with tile. It is enough to hold a metal product over the surface. If it is gold - there should be no reaction.
4. Reaction to contact with the palms. If dark spots appear on the surface of the product after it, you should refuse to purchase. This reaction indicates a high percentage of zinc in the composition.
5. Origin. Often sellers of pseudo-precious metal claim that the goods were delivered from abroad. But if the sample is affixed according to Russian standards, it must comply with them. Among the stigmas that are relevant in foreign countries, there are no such values ​​either - the closest option is 826, it is found in Norway and Denmark.

Given these points, it is possible to recognize a poor-quality product made of precious metals sold under the guise of silver of the 825th test.

Next, watch a video that talks about silver samples.