ジュエリーが本物かどうかを特定する方法 925 銀または真鍮

ジュエリーが本物かどうかを特定する方法 925 銀または真鍮

導入

When purchasing jewelry, distinguishing between genuine 925 スターリングシルバー そして 真鍮 (銅亜鉛合金) 価値を確保するためには重要です, 耐久性, および低刺激性の安全性. 多くの安価なジュエリーピースはメッキまたは誤ってラベル付けされています, バイヤーが信頼性を検証することを困難にします.

この包括的なガイドは探索します multiple testing methods, から simple at-home techniquesprofessional verification tools, helping you confidently identify 本物 925 silver vs. 真鍮.


1. 理解 925 シルバー対. 真鍮

1.1. What is 925 スターリングシルバー?

  • 構成: 92.5% 純銀 + 7.5% 銅 (耐久性のため).

  • プロパティ:

    • 低刺激性 (敏感肌に安全です).

    • 自然に変色します (develops a patina over time).

    • Non-magnetic.

  • ホールマーク: Usually stamped “925,” “スター,” または “Sterling.

1.2. What is Brass?

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

  • プロパティ:

    • Heavier and harder than silver.

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

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

  • ホールマーク: Rarely stamped; may be labeled “真鍮” または “CZ” (for fake gemstones).


2. Visual and Physical Inspection Methods

2.1. Check for Hallmarks

  • 925 銀: Look for stamps like:

    • “925” (most common).

    • “スターリング,” “スター,” または “.925.”

  • 真鍮: Typically unmarked or may have “真鍮,” “GF” (金で満たされた), または “CZ” (for fake stones).

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

2.2. Observe the Color and Shine

  • 925 銀:

    • 明るい, white-metallic luster.

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

  • 真鍮:

    • 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 sterling silver ring will feel lighter than a brass one.

2.4. Magnet Test (Quick Check)

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

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

⚠️ 注記: 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 銀: Turns creamy white.

    • 真鍮: 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 銀: Will tarnish within seconds.

    • 真鍮: May turn greenish or show no reaction.

3.3. Ice Melting Test (Thermal Conductivity)

  • Silver conducts heat extremely well.

  • テスト:

    • Place an ice cube on the metal.

    • 925 銀: Ice melts very quickly.

    • 真鍮: Ice melts slowly.


4. Professional Verification Tools

4.1. XRF (X線蛍光) テスト

  • 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 銀 has a unique resistance reading.

    • 真鍮 gives a different result.

4.3. Density Measurement (Archimedes’ Method)

  • Formula: Density = Mass / 音量

  • 925 銀: ~10.49 g/cm³

  • 真鍮: ~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.

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

5.2. Scratch Test (Caution: Damaging)

  • Lightly scratch an inconspicuous area with a needle.

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

    • Plated Brass: Reveals a yellowish layer underneath.

5.3. Smell Test

  • 925 銀: Odorless.

  • 真鍮: May have a metallic or coppery smell.


6. Where to Buy Authentic 925 銀?

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).


結論

Distinguishing 本物 925 silver from brass requires a mix of:
Visual checks (hallmarks, 色).
Physical tests (重さ, magnetism).
Chemical reactions (nitric acid, bleach).
Professional tools (XRF, electronic testers).

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