Noticias de joyería

Cómo identificar si las joyas son genuinas 925 Plateado o latón

Publicado en por Reyjy

Cómo identificar si las joyas son genuinas 925 Plateado o latón

Introducción

When purchasing jewelry, distinguishing between genuine 925 Plata esterlina y latón (una aleación de cobre y zinc) es crucial para garantizar el valor, durabilidad, y seguridad hipoalergénica. Muchas piezas de joyería económicas están chapadas o etiquetadas falsamente., dificultando a los compradores verificar la autenticidad.

Esta guía completa explora multiple testing methods, de simple at-home techniques a professional verification tools, helping you confidently identify real 925 silver vs. latón.

1. Comprensión 925 Silver vs. Latón

1.1. What is 925 Plata esterlina?

  • Composición: 92.5% plateado puro + 7.5% cobre (por durabilidad).

  • Properties:

    • Hipoalergénico (seguro para la piel sensible).

    • Naturally tarnishes (develops a patina over time).

    • Non-magnetic.

  • Contraste: Usually stamped “925,” “Ster,” o “Libra esterlina.”

1.2. What is Brass?

  • Composición: ~67% copper + 33% zinc (may contain lead or nickel).

  • Properties:

    • Heavier and harder than silver.

    • Prone to greenish tarnish (due to copper oxidation).

    • Often gold-like in appearance (used as a cheap alternative).

  • Contraste: Rarely stamped; may be labeled “Latón” o “Cz” (for fake gemstones).

2. Visual and Physical Inspection Methods

2.1. Check for Hallmarks

  • 925 Plata: Look for stamps like:

    • “925” (el más común).

    • “Libra esterlina,” “Ster,” o “.925.”

  • Latón: Typically unmarked or may have “Latón,” “novia” (lleno de oro), o “Cz” (for fake stones).

⚠️ Warning: Some counterfeit jewelry has fake stamps—always verify further.

2.2. Observe the Color and Shine

  • 925 Plata:

    • Brillante, white-metallic luster.

    • Develops a darker patina over time (can be polished back).

  • Latón:

    • Yellowish-gold hue (unless plated).

    • Turns darker green/black when oxidized.

2.3. Weight and Density Test

  • Silver is lighter than brass.

  • Compare similar-sized pieces:

    • A anillo de plata esterlina will feel lighter than a brass one.

2.4. Magnet Test (Quick Check)

  • 925 Plata: Non-magnetic (won’t stick to a magnet).

  • Latón: Usually non-magnetic, but some alloys may have slight attraction.

⚠️ Nota: Some fake silver is made with non-magnetic metals, so this test alone isn’t foolproof.

3. Chemical and Scratch Tests

3.1. Nitric Acid Test (Professional Method)

  • How it Works:

    • Apply a drop of nitric acid to an inconspicuous area.

    • 925 Plata: Turns creamy white.

    • Latón: Turns green (due to copper reaction).

⚠️ Caution: Nitric acid is corrosive—wear gloves and test in a ventilated area.

3.2. Bleach Test (Home Method)

  • Procedure:

    • Place a drop of household bleach on the jewelry.

    • 925 Plata: Will tarnish negro within seconds.

    • Latón: May turn greenish or show no reaction.

3.3. Ice Melting Test (Thermal Conductivity)

  • Silver conducts heat extremely well.

  • Test:

    • Place an ice cube on the metal.

    • 925 Plata: Ice melts very quickly.

    • Latón: Ice melts slowly.

4. Professional Verification Tools

4.1. XRF (Rayos X fluorescencia) Testing

  • Used by jewelers to detect exact metal composition.

  • Accurate but expensive (not practical for home use).

4.2. Electronic Silver Testers

  • Measures electrical conductivity:

    • 925 Plata has a unique resistance reading.

    • Latón gives a different result.

4.3. Density Measurement (Archimedes’ Method)

  • Formula: Density = Mass / Volumen

  • 925 Plata: ~10.49 g/cm³

  • Latón: ~8.4–8.7 g/cm³

5. Common Fake Silver Plating Tricks

Many cheap jewelry items are brass coated with silver plating. To detect:

5.1. Rub Test (Wear-Off Check)

  • Use a soft white cloth to rub the jewelry firmly.

  • Si black/green residue appears, it’s likely brass underneath.

5.2. Scratch Test (Caution: Damaging)

  • Lightly scratch an inconspicuous area with a needle.

    • 925 Plata: Scratch shows same color (solid silver).

    • Latón chapado: Reveals a yellowish layer underneath.

5.3. Smell Test

  • 925 Plata: Odorless.

  • Latón: May have a metallic or coppery smell.

6. Where to Buy Authentic 925 Plata?

To avoid fakes:
✔ Reputable jewelers (check reviews).
✔ Certified sellers (look for RJC or ISO certifications).
✔ Avoid too-good-to-be-true deals (extremely low prices = likely fake).

Conclusión

Distinguishing real 925 silver from brass requires a mix of:
✅ Visual checks (distintivo, color).
✅ Physical tests (peso, magnetism).
✅ Chemical reactions (nitric acid, bleach).
✅ Professional tools (XRF, electronic testers).

By following these methods, you can confidently verify jewelry authenticity and avoid scams.