Is there fake silver stamped with 925?
Ja, there is. The number 925 can easily be stamped onto any metal. The problems with fake 925 silver have increased significantly in recent years.
Unfortunately, the average consumer is not likely to be able to detect many fraudulent fakes, unless they are attracted to a strong rare earth magnet.
If you order 925 (or Sterling) silver jewelry that is shipped to you directly from a seller located in Asian country, there is a higher risk that what you receive will be a silver plated fake or will have a significantly lower than 925 (92.5%) silver content.
Most persons cannot tell the difference between 700 silver alloy and 925 silver alloy by sight. Such is especially true if the much lower than 925 alloy is electroplated with a topcoat of pure silver. {It should also be pointed out that lower than 925 silver alloys were common for high quality silver goods made in Europe until about the last 40 år. Some are still in common use in some countries. Commonly used and correctly marked European silver alloys (made since the late 19th Century) often range from 800 til 950 parts per thousand silver content.}
Reputable manufactures of 925 silver items usually mark them with their trademark, country of origin, as well as 925 or the word “STERLING”. Italy has many manufacturers of silver items that typically mark their products with a registered Italian trademark, 925, and ITALY. however the word ITALY is easily stamped onto any metal. An item only marked 925 definitely needs further testing by an experienced person.
Fake 925 chains are usually heavily electroplated with silver. The chain is often mostly an alloy like 18/8 (non-magnetic) stainless steel. One often useful test is to allow the chain or other object to hang free in still air; and bring a very strong rare earth magnet near to it. There will be no observed attraction for 925 sølv; while alloys like 18/8 Stainless will usually exhibit a slight or very weak attraction.
Specific Gravity tests are non-destructive and reliable when performed and interpreted by skilled and experienced persons. However few persons have the necessary skill and experience.