3 Main Effective Methods to Check 925 Sterling Silver

Although there are several easy methods to check the purity of the silver without fancy equipment at home, in this article we will focus on only methods used in the Lab because only these methods can provide 100% accurate results whether your silver workpiece reaches 92.5%. Primarose factory, as a leading silver jewelry manufacturer, checks its work frequently with these accurate tools. 

X-Rays 

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(picture by: git.or.th)

Working Methodology

Three spots on the surface of the workpiece will be measured. The differences among these three spots must be less than 0.5%, otherwise, a technician must select the new set of three spots and reevaluate them again. The final result will be the average value of the three spots.

The accuracy of this method depends on the homogeneity of the substance on the surface and the reliability of the tool. Regarding the reliability of the tool, there are two types of detectors embedded in the tool which are semiconductor type and proportional counter tube. The semiconductor type is believed to be more reliable because it seems to be able to differentiate the elements that have similar energy spectrums.

If you have a low budget and don’t mind small errors, the x-ray method is recommended. 

Pros

• Quick results
• Not destroy the workpiece
• Can analyze various elements at the same time
• Low cost
• Can analyze the workpiece at almost every status, including solid and liquid

Cons

• High investment in the tool
• Can penetrate into the surface only 10-100 microns. Therefore, it is possible to find some errors, if the workpiece is coated with a thick layer.

Plasma Spectroscopy

                                       (picture by: git.or.th)

Working Methodology

The first step is that a technician will take 10-50 milligrams of a sample and dissolve it in the acid solution. After that, the machine will inject the mixed solution into the hot plasma, the elements in the solution then being split and released energy in the forms of unique spectrums. Finally, the spectrum-inspect machine will translate these spectrums to identify the types and quantities of all elements in your workpiece. 

If you have a high budget and demand accurate results, this method is recommended for you. 

Pros

• Quick results
• Very high accuracy
• Can analyze various elements at the same time
• Require only a small quantity of samples (10-50 milligrams)

Cons

• High investment in the tool
• High maintenance cost
• High-skilled technicians are required
• Destroy the workpiece

Titration

                               (picture by: spectrum.co.th)

Working Methodology

0.4-0.6 grams of your workpiece will be separated to dissolve in the acid solution. Next, the solution will be processed via chemical-titration methods. Although this technique is considered accurate and fast, it can measure only the percentage of silver. If customers want to know more about other substances in the workpiece, for example, nickel or any harmful matters, additional tools are required. 

Pros

• Quick results
• Very high accuracy
• Require only a small quantity of samples (0.4-0.6 grams)

Cons

• Can analyze only one element, for example, only the percentage of silver
• Destroy the workpiece

                                                   (example of the report)