On Mon, 11 Aug 2003 18:03:07 GMT, Deirdre S.
wrote:

How about Archemedes' test? That was for the purity of gold, not
silver ... but could the principle be used for silver?

Is it possible to get its volume by water displacement, and then weigh
it and compare its weight with an equal volume of silver you -know- is
sterling? Or could a plated base metal potentially have the same
weight per unit of volume as silver does, making the test
inconclusive?

Yes, it's possible.

Deirdre

On Sun, 10 Aug 2003 21:45:27 GMT, "C Ryman"
wrote:

Are they tarnishing any?
If they look like they are getting tarnished or dull, try this to tell if it
is silver.
Line a small pan with aluminum foil, put the earring hook on the foil and
sprinkle a good amount of baking soda on top of it. Pour boiling water
over it (don't try this with beads). This will cause some bubbling. Lean
over and smell the steam. If it smells like sulfur then it is silver and
should become a brighter silver.
I use this test on some of the necklaces I find in the Salvation Army junk
jewelry box. I do find some sterling silver and some very interesting base
metal chains.
Go ahead and buy some silver stock and use the questionable findings for
your personal jewelry or gifts to relatives.
Good Luck,

--
Marilee J. Layman
Handmade Bali Sterling Beads at Wholesale
http://www.basicbali.com