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 >>
    Judy Ellis's Why is my Sterling Silver Magnetic - <h3>Shop Authentic 925 Sterling Silver with Confidence</h3>, General Education, , 925 silver chain

    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:


    • screws (by seddon at dresshead tech)

    • rivets, springs, spring pins for wrist watch straps

    • posts and separable backs of lapel buttons

    • wire pegs, posts, and nuts used for applying mountings or other ornaments, which mountings or ornaments shall be of the quality marked

    • pin stems (e.g., of badges, brooches, emblem pins, hat pins, and scarf pins, etc.)

    • levers for belt buckles; blades and skeletons of pocket knives

    • field pieces and bezels for lockets

    • bracelet and necklace snap tongues

    • any other joints, catches, or screws

    • and metallic parts completely and permanently encased in a nonmetallic covering.

    Materials

    Sterling Silver Cable Chain 5.4x4mm - 10 Feet
    C8-100U
    • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
    • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
    • Price: $109.97
    • Gold Club Price: $82.48
    Add to Bag
    Sterling Silver Chain with Clear CZ 4mm Rhodium Plated - 10 Feet
    C8-106U
    • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
    • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
    • Price: $90.37
    • Gold Club Price: $67.78
    Out of Stock
    Sterling Silver Ball Chain (Oxidized) 1.5mm Dia. Cut 18 inch - Pack of 1
    C8-111F
    • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
    • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
    • Price: $12.70
    • Gold Club Price: $9.53
    Add to Bag
    Sterling Silver Ball Chain (Rhodium) 1mm 18 inch - Pack of 1
    C8-116F
    • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
    • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
    • Price: $9.76
    • Gold Club Price: $7.32
    Add to Bag
    Add All Items to Cart

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    • Category: General Education
    • Technique(s): General Education