A stamp can be wrong, worn away or missing. So every piece is tested before it’s listed, and the results are on its page under “How we tested it”.
1. Acid test
We make a tiny scratch on a testing stone in a hidden spot and apply silver testing acid. The colour it turns tells us the silver content: deep red for sterling (925), lighter for 800 silver, and green or brown for base metal under plating.
Photo: acid test on the stone
2. Magnet test
Silver isn’t magnetic. If a strong magnet pulls on a piece, it’s plated steel or another base metal, whatever the stamp says. Clasps and springs can have steel parts, so we test the body of the piece.
3. Hallmark photographed
We photograph every mark close up (usually photo 3 in the gallery) and tell you what it means. For Designer & Rare pieces we also photograph the maker’s mark and the back or clasp.
4. Weighed in grams
Every listing shows the weight to a tenth of a gram, so you can compare pieces and know what you’re getting.
If a piece ever turns out not to be what we described, send it back for a full refund.