This is THE question that changes everything for a silver piece of jewelry: is it solid or only plated? The answer determines its resale value — a solid piece sells by weight of fine silver, while a plated one has almost no metal value. Here is how to tell them apart.
Solid vs plated: the definitions
- Solid silver: the piece is made of a silver alloy throughout its mass (usually 925 silver or 800). It has a real resale value.
- Silver-plated: an item made of base metal (brass, copper) covered with a thin layer of silver. The look is similar, but the amount of silver is minute and has no market value by weight.
The tests to recognize solid silver
1. The hallmark
This is the first clue. A French solid silver piece carries a guarantee hallmark (the Minerve head for 925/950, historically a boar for certain items). A plated item bears at best a mention such as “métal argenté” (silver-plated), “plaqué” (plated) or a manufacturer’s logo, never an official state grade hallmark. See solid silver hallmarks.
2. The magnet test
Silver is non-magnetic. If a magnet is attracted, there is a ferrous metal beneath the surface → plated. (Careful: no reaction is not enough, since brass is not magnetic either.)
3. Weight and wear
Solid silver is dense and uniform. On a worn plated item, the silver layer eventually flakes off, revealing a yellow/reddish metal (copper, brass) in the friction areas — an unmistakable sign.
4. The “métal argenté” mark
Many antique cutlery items and objects carry the mention “métal argenté” (silver-plated) or a maker’s mark (Christofle, etc.) without a grade hallmark: these are plated, with no resale value by weight. See solid silver cutlery and silverware.
Why it changes everything at resale
- Solid silver: buyback at weight of fine silver × day’s price, minus a markup. See silver jewelry buyback.
- Plated: no metal resale value (the silver layer is too thin to be recovered profitably).
That is why, before selling, step one is always to verify the grade: it is the grade that creates the value.
When in doubt: professional appraisal
A buyback professional can check in moments: hallmark under a loupe, touchstone or instrument test, and weighing. It is the surest way to know whether a piece is solid and what its exact grade is.
In summary
- Solid = silver throughout the mass, grade hallmark, real resale value.
- Plated = thin layer of silver on base metal, no metal value.
- Tests: hallmark, magnet, weight/wear, “métal argenté” mention.
- Only solid silver is bought back, by weight of fine silver at the day’s price.
Unsure about a piece? Request a free estimate and check the silver price.
This article is informational and does not constitute investment advice.