Why is my Sterling Silver Magnetic

by Judy Ellis

If your silver jewelry sticks to a magnet, you might be wondering: Is sterling silver magnetic? Or worse-Is my silver even real?

It's a common question, especially when you're shopping for high-quality pieces like 925 silver chains or findings. In this guide, we'll explain why sterling silver is not magnetic, what it means if it is, and how to make sure you're getting the real deal.

Instructions

What Is Sterling Silver and Should It Be Magnetic?

Real sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, and the rest is usually copper. This is why it's often marked ".925" or referred to as "925 silver."

Silver is not magnetic, and neither is copper.

So the answer is: Sterling silver is not magnetic.

If you hold a magnet up to your chain and it reacts strongly, that's a red flag.

Judy Ellis's Why is my Sterling Silver Magnetic - <h3>What Is Sterling Silver and Should It Be Magnetic?</h3>, General Education, , is silver magnetic

Then Why Is My Sterling Silver Magnetic?

Sometimes, you may notice part of your silver jewelry does stick to a magnet.

Here's why:

"Often, a clasp is made of something different that may be magnetic," explains one of our jewelry experts. "But if the chain itself sticks to a magnet, then sadly, it is not 'sterling' and should not be marked '.925.'"

So if only the clasp is magnetic, that's not unusual. But if the chain, wire, or other components react to a magnet, it's likely not true 925 silver.

Can Sterling Silver Be Magnetic in Any Case?

In rare cases, alloys might contain trace metals that have a slight magnetic response-but genuine sterling silver should never strongly attract a magnet.

If it does, it's probably:

Silver-plated instead of solid

Mislabeled or counterfeit

Made with non-sterling metals

How to Tell if Silver is Real

Here are a few quick ways to check if your silver is real:

Look for a ".925" stamp

Try the magnet test-real silver won't react

Check the weight-sterling silver has a substantial feel

Use a silver testing kit if you're unsure

Shop Authentic 925 Sterling Silver with Confidence

At WireJewelry, we stock genuine 925 silver chains and components-never mislabeled, never fake.

We back every order with a 100% satisfaction guarantee because your art deserves the real thing.

Browse Sterling Silver Chains Now >>

What the FTC Says About Sterling Silver Standards

For more information regarding what is classified as genuine sterling silver and what can and cannot be marked as such, here is what the FTC has to say:

23.6 Misrepresentation as to silver content:

(a) It is unfair or deceptive to misrepresent that an industry product contains silver, or to misrepresent an industry product as having a silver content, plating, electroplating, or coating.

(b) It is unfair or deceptive to mark, describe, or otherwise represent all or part of an industry product as "silver," "solid silver," "Sterling Silver," "Sterling," or the abbreviation "Ster." unless it is at least 925/1,000ths pure silver.

(c) It is unfair or deceptive to mark, describe, or otherwise represent all or part of an industry product as "coin" or "coin silver" unless it is at least 900/1,000ths pure silver.

(d) It is unfair or deceptive to mark, describe, or otherwise represent all or part of an industry product as being plated or coated with silver unless all significant surfaces of the product or part contain a plating or coating of silver that is of substantial thickness.

(e) The provisions of this section relating to markings and descriptions of industry products and parts thereof are subject to the applicable tolerances of the National Stamping Act or any amendment thereof.

Note 1 to § 23.6: The National Stamping Act provides that silver plated articles shall not "be stamped, branded, engraved or imprinted with the word 'sterling' or the word 'coin,' either alone or in conjunction with other words or marks."

Exemptions recognized in the industry and not to be considered in any assay for quality of a silver industry product include: