Solid silver is recognised first by its official hallmark (Minerva, boar's head, crab). A few extra tests, such as the magnet, help rule out silver plate, whose value by weight is close to nil.
In France, solid silver bears an official hallmark struck during the guarantee control. The most common are the Minerva head (silver at 950 or 800 thousandths), the boar's head (former small works of Paris) and the crab (silver of at least 800 thousandths, imported or modern). A lozenge containing a maker's initials is the maker's mark: it complements the fineness hallmark.
By contrast, a silver-plated item usually bears a square or rectangular mark, often with a brand name, but never a Minerva. Spotting these marks with a loupe is the surest step. For a detailed overview, see our guide on French silver hallmarks.
When no hallmark is legible, a few checks give clues. Since silver is not magnetic, a magnet that sticks firmly reveals a base metal: this is an indicative test, not proof, because some non-ferrous alloys are not magnetic either.
Silver's density is high: an item too light for its volume is suspect. The clear ringing sound of a struck coin is another traditional clue. The most reliable test remains the acid test, carried out by a professional on a discreet area, or analysis with a dedicated device. Beware of fake hallmarks: only a professional examination settles the matter definitively when in doubt.
The distinction is decisive because silver plate is not bought back at the silver price: it is a base metal covered with a thin layer of silver, whose value by weight is close to nil. Confusing the two leads to overestimating a lot of silverware.
Before travelling, sort your items: on one side those bearing a Minerva, a boar's head or a crab, on the other those marked "silver plated" or a plated-cutlery brand. Only the former are valued by fine weight. If in doubt, a professional identifies solid silver free of charge during a quote. You can then compare offers via our silver buyback page to sell at the best rate.
No, the magnet is only indicative. Silver is not magnetic, but other non-ferrous metals are not either. The official hallmark and, when in doubt, the acid test carried out by a professional remain the reliable methods.
It is possible, notably for old or foreign pieces or ones whose hallmark has worn away. Only a professional, via an acid test or dedicated analysis, can confirm the nature of the metal with certainty.