Just wondering if any body knows what or has seen something like this before. My partner's mum bought this over sea's over 10 years ago for $50USD and according to her its stirling silver but there are no marking or numbers to indicate that it is. I saw an identical one on ebay that had a buy it now price on it for $500.00. So my question is how can i find out if it is stirling silver.
If you are in Melbourne take it to WDAVIS in the city. Not sure about testers in other states. Some metal buyers (like WDAVIS) have special machines that can tell you the composition with a lot of accuracy. From the general colour in the photo and especially the tarnish marks I'd think it WAS Sterling Silver. Plated silver is a bit brighter. There are home tests you can do with matches and eggs on silver items but they are not very accurate. Certainly the black tarnish patterns on the handle suggest a definite silver content. Take a careful look inside and around the edges (inside) for a tiny 925 stamp. Of course these can be faked, but I think it's probably legit. I doubt that someone would take the time to make something so intricate and not stamp it - but I could be wrong. $50 ten years ago seems reasonable too. Here's hoping!! Good luck!
Funny how I used to hate tarnish, but now couldn't care less about it. Love the piece and the tarnish
Ive looked over it but theres nothing , i have to of them, the one pictured is the smaller of the two but both pretty much identical. Im in Adelaide but im not sure of where to go here to get them checked if anyone knows of a place it would be much appreciated.
I googled some stuff and came across this site http://www.choicesilver.com/purse.html but im guessing these ones would be stamped 925.
Weigh the bag. Dunk it into water and weigh it together with the water. devide the 2 different weights. if its from 9.8 - 10.50 difference than you are within the weight range. that u can do now if you have scales at home.
most silver smiths are proud of their work and will mark it. I have seen a few silver items that I did not see the mark until i used a 10 x loop and looked very closely. If its plated you can see the edges of the silver plate. Look on the clasps and hinges with a 10x loop. I might be marked with just numbers... like .800, .835, .900 or even .999. I purchased a very detailed box that was .999, and the marking was on the hinge.
